RSC Senior School Information Booklet 2022

2022 Senior School Course Information
Foundation Mathematics – Unit 1 (Year 11 only) and Unit 2 (Year
12 only)
In Foundation Mathematics there is a strong emphasis on the use of mathematics in practical contexts encountered in
everyday life in the community, at work and at study. The areas of study for Units 1 and 2 of Foundation Mathematics
are ‘Space, shape and design’, ‘Patterns and number’, ‘Data’ and ‘Measurement’.
In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving
rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, equations and graphs with
and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to
estimation and computation.
Area of Study 1
Space, shape and design
In this area of study students cover the geometric properties of lines and curves, and shapes and objects, and their
graphical and diagrammatic representations with attention to scale and drawing conventions used in domestic,
societal, industrial and commercial plans, maps and diagrams.
This area of study includes:
• geometric conventions and properties of shapes and objects
• interpretation and use of plans, elevations, maps, models and diagrams
• application and use of similarity and symmetry
• enlargement and reduction of diagrams and models
• interpretation and use of location, distance, direction and scale on diagrams, maps and plans
• application of Pythagoras’ theorem in practical situations.
Area of Study 2 Patterns
and number
In this area of study students cover estimation, the use and application of different forms of numbers and
calculations, and the representation of patterns and generalisations in number including formulas and other
algebraic expressions in everyday contexts.
This area of study includes:
• application of integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percentages and rates to solve practical
problems
• estimation, approximation and reasonableness of results
• use and interpretation of formulas and algebraic expressions to describe relationships between variables and
to model patterns
• manipulation and solution of expressions and equations to solve problems including predicting a
required quantity or finding a break-even point.
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