Year 11

Mathematics Specialist (ATAR)

LIST B COURSE
Mathematics Specialist (ATAR)

Mathematics Specialist is the most advanced secondary mathematics course offered and is designed for students with a strong passion and aptitude for mathematics. The course provides opportunities for students to engage with sophisticated mathematical ideas, develop rigorous reasoning and proof skills, and apply advanced mathematical techniques to complex problems. 

Building on and extending concepts studied in Mathematics Methods, this course deepens students’ understanding of functions, calculus, statistics, and mathematical modelling, while also introducing new and exciting areas of mathematics such as vectors, matrices, and complex numbers. Students are challenged to think critically, communicate mathematical arguments clearly, and develop powerful analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Mathematics Specialist is studied in conjunction with Mathematics Methods and provides excellent preparation for university pathways in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, economics, and other highly mathematical disciplines. The course is ideal for students who enjoy intellectual challenge and are interested in exploring mathematics at a deeper and more rigorous level. 

Unit 1
Unit 1 introduces students to advanced mathematical concepts in combinatorics, vectors, and geometry.I n combinatorics, students investigate systematic counting techniques and probability principles used to solve complex problems involving arrangements and selections. These concepts form an important foundation for further study in probability, statistics, and computer science. The study of vectors in the plane allows students to represent and analyse quantities involving both magnitude and direction. Students apply vectors to geometric and practical problems, developing mathematical tools widely used in physics, engineering, navigation, and technology. Geometry in this unit extends students’ understanding of mathematical proof, reasoning, and spatial relationships. Students develop the ability to construct logical arguments and apply geometric principles to solve challenging problems. 
Unit 2
Unit 2 builds on students’ mathematical knowledge through the study of trigonometry, matrices, and real and complex numbers. Students extend their understanding of trigonometric relationships and functions, exploring more advanced identities, equations, and applications. These concepts are fundamental in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, and wave analysis. The introduction of matrices provides students with powerful methods for representing and solving problems involving systems, transformations, and data. Students explore how matrices are used in areas including computer graphics, coding, economics, and scientific modelling. Students are also introduced to real and complex numbers, expanding their understanding of number systems and mathematical structures. This topic develops abstract reasoning skills and provides important preparation for higher-level mathematics and tertiary study. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to approach problems creatively, justify their reasoning rigorously, and apply mathematics in sophisticated and meaningful ways. Mathematics Specialist provides students with a strong competitive advantage for university studies and careers requiring high-level mathematical thinking and analytical skills. 

Pre-requisites
State A-Grade in Year 10 Mathematics Pathway 1

Contact Information

Mr Adam Henry 
Head of Mathematics 
adam.henry@cewa.edu.au