Foundation Mathematics
Unit 1-2
Subject Overview
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 ‘Algebra, number and structure’, ‘Data analysis, probability and statistics’, ‘Discrete mathematics’ and ‘Space and measurement’
All four areas of study are to be completed over the two units. The content should be developed using contexts present in students’ other studies, work and personal or other familiar situations.
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. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.
Assessment
Satisfactory completion:
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks that provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the outcomes.
All assessments for Units 1 and 2 are school-based. Assessment tasks must include components to be completed with and without the use of technology as applicable to the outcomes.
Outcome 1:
On completion of this unit, the student should be able to use and apply a range of mathematical concepts, skills and procedures from selected areas of study to solve problems based on a range of everyday and real-life contexts.
Outcome 2:
On completion of this unit, the student should be able to apply mathematical procedures to solve practical problems in both familiar and new contexts and communicate their results.
To achieve this outcome, the student will draw on knowledge and skills outlined in all the areas of study.
Outcome 3:
On completion of this unit, the student should be able to select and use technology to solve problems in practical contexts.
To achieve this outcome, the student will draw on knowledge and skills outlined in all the areas of study.
Demonstration of achievement of Outcomes 1 and 2 is based on the student’s performance on a selection of the following assessment tasks:
Investigations and projects - for example, a report on an application of mathematics such as costing of a birthday party, budgeting for a holiday, a survey of types of television programs or design of a car park
Assignments, summary or review notes of mathematics that students have encountered in their work or study - for example, a written, multimedia or oral presentation of wages calculations, materials estimation for a task or personal budgeting tests of mathematical skills developed across application contexts
Demonstration of achievement of Outcome 3 should be based on the student’s performance on aspects of tasks completed in demonstrating achievement of Outcomes 1 and 2, which incorporate opportunity for the effective and appropriate use of technology.
Learning activities
Textbook and worksheet exercises, classroom- and out-of-classroom-based exercises, online revision activities, application tasks, design portfolio, organising an event