Choosing the right VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) Math course is a critical decision which in turn will play a large role in a student’s academic path and future career. In a range of options put forth, it is very import for students and parents in Australia to be aware of the difference between the subjects, the requirements of each and how they in turn play into university entry requirements and career choice.
When it comes to choice of VCE Maths subjects students should look at what they are strong in, what they are interested in, and what they see themselves doing after school. Some students do very well in logical thought and get a kick out of solving hard problems which in turn puts them into the advanced classes. For students who are unsure or who may struggle with the demands of these subjects, seeking education support from Premier Education can be a valuable step toward building confidence and improving outcomes in their chosen course.
Understanding the VCE Maths Options
Foundation Mathematics, General Mathematics (which in Year 12 transforms into Further Mathematics), and Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Each of these subjects is tailored to a different academic level and set of interests. Foundation Mathematics is for students who do not require in-depth mathematical knowledge for their future studies. It is a practical-based program which also covers the everyday application of math and is a good fit for those who are not going into very math-intensive post-secondary fields.
In Year 11 they have General Mathematics which is a prequel to the Year 12 course Further Mathematics. These two units take a more academic approach and also cover a large range of math topics. In it you will study financial math, matrices, and statistics.
Mathematical Methods is a very in depth subject which introduces students to algebra, calculus, and probability at a much higher degree. It is a required subject for students looking at degrees in science, engineering, IT or mathematics. Also, for the very math heavy tertiary programs like pure mathematics or theoretical physics this is a field where students will almost always have done both Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics.
Aligning Your Choice with University Goals
One of the key issues in the choice of VCE Math subject is how relevant it is to your future university studies. In Australia many institutions report that Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics are required for entry into science, engineering, and health based programs. Thus it is up to the student which subjects to choose early in their VCE which will in turn determine their access to those competitive fields of study.
It is of great importance that you research which courses within the university also expect of you before making a decision. For instance, a business program may only ask for Further Mathematics as a prerequisite, but an engineering degree will typically want you to have done Mathematical Methods, also in some instances, they will ask for Specialist Mathematics. Also at times you may find out that you have made a wrong choice in terms of subjects you took in high school which may end up limiting the university options available to you, also at that stage it may not be easy to switch out of those subjects because of how the school curriculum is structured and the issue of time.
Students that are still at a loss as to what they want out of their academic career should put off making big decisions as long as possible. Into Mathematical Methods they should enrol if at all able to which although hard may pay off in the end. At the same time, indeed, the difficulty should not be discounted. Also students will have to deal with a greater work load and very complex material that goes along with the more advanced topics.
Considering Your Strengths and Interests
In each VCE Math subject there is a different set of skills required. In Foundation and General Mathematics there is a greater focus on practical application, data analysis, and real world scenarios which in turn may appeal to students that do better with context based material. Also these subjects have more structured exam formats and are put forth as less abstract which in turn makes them accessible to a wider range of students.
In contrast, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics require that students have a very good grasp of algebra, functions, and abstract thought. These subjects put forth great problem sets, which in turn require students to handle and think through unknown problems under pressure. Also, it is the case that performance in Year 10 Math is a good indicator of how well a student will do in these subjects.
Self it out is key to making this choice. Students put out their feelings on what they are good at and get counselling from teachers, career counsellors and parents. Also, they should think about how much time and effort they are going to put into their studies, which, for higher-level math subjects, is a full-time job that requires that effort all year round.
The issue of Support and Study Strategies
In all topics, success in VCE Maths is a result of good study habits and support. Also, at the start of the year, students should put in place a solid base by getting to know the course structure, assessment criteria and key content areas. Also very much a part of the picture is regular practice, revision and problem solving, which in turn will build skills and confidence.
Qualified and dedicated tutors as well as teachers and peer study groups do make a large impact on how a student does, for which low motivation or organizational skills are issues, extra support and accountability are very helpful. Also online resources, practice exams, and materials from the VCAA are great tools in the reinforcement of material and the prep for evaluations.
