What’s new
in HSC
maths?
Main content of HSC
maths?
Common challenges for students in HSC
maths?
Main outcomes for HSC
maths?
Most important concepts to ensure your child understands
in HSC maths?
If you chose to get a tutor, study habits and content
to focus on
in HSC maths?
Main challenges involved in tutoring a HSC maths
student?
Some good ideas on how to help your child in HSC
maths?
What’s new in HSC maths?
Algebraic and graphical representations of functions. Quadratic
polynomials, inequalities and the roots of quadratic equations. Calculus and its applications including
higher derivatives, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and ratios. Applications of calculus
will extend to real world problems. Probability studies involving tree diagrams. Sequence and series
(arithmetic and geometric).
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Main content of HSC maths
HSC Maths starts with a recap of basic
arithmetic and algebra topics: rational numbers, quadratic surds, inequalities, linear equation, algebraic
fractions, quadratic and simultaneous equations. Topics in consumer mathematics will involve the concepts of
compound interest, hire purchase and replacement plans. Algebra and geometry topics will begin with simple
functions and conclude with applications in calculus. Calculus and its applications are the core topics of
HSC Maths curriculum. Differentiation and Integration (calculus) will be studied from first principle and
through different rules before they are applied to polynomials, quadratics, geometry, trigonometry,
logarithms, exponential functions, volumes, areas, velocity and acceleration.
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Common challenges for students in HSC Maths
The biggest challenge for students in HSC maths is calculus. Not
only is it an entirely new concepts, it represents a shift in mathematical thinking and its applications can
be found in almost all areas of HSC maths. Difficulty in grasping calculus will significantly affect students
this year.
A more general but serious challenge for students is unifying their knowledge and understanding the
interconnectedness of topics. In the HSC maths curriculum, topics overlap considerably and knowing how to
apply concepts from one topic to solve a problem in a seemingly unrelated topic can be challenging.
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Main outcomes for HSC maths
At the end of HSC maths, students must be able to solve all
problems in basic algebra, trigonometry and geometry. This includes consumer mathematics, quadratics and
polynomials, both as equations and as functions. Likewise, they must be able to differentiate and integrate
simple and complex mathematical functions, use the applicable computational rules to solve calculus problems
and apply everything learnt in calculus to grasp applied calculus problems. The ability to use an
interdisciplinary approach to finding solutions is essential to this course. Students of HSC maths must learn
to take a holistic approach to dealing with abstract and real world problems.
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Most important concepts to ensure your child understands in
year 12 Maths
Calculus is the most important concept to understand in HSC
maths. Along with it, it is important to have grasped all the basics of algebra, geometry and
trigonometry. New topics such as logarithmic and exponential functions are also important. However, a full
grasp of the applications of calculus is the single greatest achievement your child can have in the HSC.
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If hiring a tutor, what study habits and content to
focus on in HSC maths?
Encourage a concentration in calculus from the tutor you get. You
should also advise a stepwise treatment of calculus e.g. differentiating from first principle before the use
of rules in calculus; calculus involving simple functions before higher derivatives and
applications.
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Main challenges involved in tutoring a HSC maths
student
All the main challenges involved in tutoring a HSC maths student
involve the volume of topics to be covered this year. It may look like calculus is the only uphill task for
the year but it is tied to other topics and it is really a wide topic to cover. Students who have difficulty
grasping an aspect may be demotivated to continue.
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Some good ideas on how to help your child in HSC
maths
There is no substitute for time and more practice this year. Afford your child those by getting a capable tutor who
can dedicatedly help him/her in preparation. Only a tutor or teacher can quickly see where your child is
lacking in topics from previous years. Only a tutor or teacher can prepare a quick refresher course to bring your
child up to speed. Try to guide your child through the load of work needed to be covered well in time for
the final exams.
You should also focus on revision and exam preparation. Students often get caught up in understanding the most
recent maths content at the expense of revision. Effective study habits, exam prepatation and time
management are essential in senior maths. Teach your child to plan their study time, to plan what will
be revised and when as they prepare for examinations. A strong sense of direction can make a world of
difference.
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