In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from four QCAA Mathematics subjects, each designed to support different interests, strengths and future pathways. Each subject consists of four QCAA-developed units.
Choosing the right Mathematics pathway is an important decision, and we encourage students and families to consider future study, career goals and current mathematical readiness.
Essential Mathematics (Applied Subject)
Essential Mathematics is an Applied Subject and is well-suited to students following a VET pathway or those who require practical numeracy skills to support the completion of their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
The major areas of study include:
- Number
- Data
- Location and time
- Measurement
- Finance
Students develop practical skills that go beyond basic numeracy, with an emphasis on estimation, problem-solving and reasoning. These skills support informed decision-making in everyday, personal and financial contexts.
Assessment is 100% internal, with four pieces completed in Year 12. One of these is a QCAA-developed common internal assessment, which is administered and marked by teachers.
General Mathematics (General Subject)
General Mathematics is a General Subject and is suitable for students considering university, TAFE or employment pathways that do not require calculus.
The major areas of study include:
- Number and algebra
- Measurement and geometry
- Statistics
- Networks and matrices
General Mathematics provides a strong foundation for business, vocational, technical and service-related careers and is designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Year 10 in practical and applied contexts.
Students undertake three internal assessments in Year 12, two of which are examinations, as well as a QCAA-developed, unseen external examination worth 50% of the final subject result.
Mathematical Methods (General Subject)
Mathematical Methods is a General Subject and an important pathway for students aiming for university courses that require advanced mathematics.
The major areas of study include:
- Algebra
- Functions and graphs
- Calculus
- Statistics
Students apply mathematics to real-world contexts, develop strong analytical skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical modelling. Mathematical Methods is highly recommended for STEM, finance and health science pathways and is often a prerequisite for university entry.
Like all General Subjects, Mathematical Methods includes three internal assessments (with two examinations) and a QCAA-developed, unseen external examination worth 50% of the final result.
Specialist Mathematics (General Subject)
Specialist Mathematics can only be studied in conjunction with Mathematical Methods and is designed for students with a strong interest and aptitude in mathematics.
The major areas of study include:
- Vectors and matrices
- Real and complex numbers
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
- Calculus
Content is developed with increasing sophistication and builds directly on Mathematical Methods. Specialist Mathematics prepares students for high-level STEM, engineering, data science, actuarial and research-based careers where advanced quantitative reasoning is essential.
Assessment follows the General Subject model, with three internal assessments (including two examinations) and a QCAA-developed, unseen external examination worth 50% of the final subject result.
Preparing in Year 10
In Semester 1 of Year 10, student results are used to determine the most appropriate Mathematics pathway for Semester 2. Based on these results, students will be placed into either:
- Pre-General Mathematics, which prepares students for General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics, or
- Pre-Methods, which prepares students for Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics, with the option of General Mathematics where appropriate.
If you would like further information or guidance in selecting the most suitable Mathematics pathway, please contact Student Services. We are committed to helping every student choose a pathway that builds confidence and supports success beyond school.
Joan Malan
Head of Mathematics