Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/3MAS

What is this course about?
This course is intended for those students who have successfully completed an NCEA level 2 course or equivalent and are wanting to focus on statistics and probability.

It will prepare students for first year university courses in statistics, biology, biochemistry, medicine and other life sciences as well as providing a foundation for future studies in subjects such as quantum physics.

The course will provide a basis for study towards the statistics scholarship exams should students wish to enter.

It is recommended that students should have passed NCEA achievement standards 90284, 90285, 90288 and 90289 before entering this course. Those who have not will need to show considerable commitment and seek additional support if they wish to achieve well in this course.

What will I learn?
You will learn:


 * to use linear programming to solve problems involving the optimisation of the use of resources which are of value in ALL industries when they have to make choices about operations, projects and investments
 * to combine your mathematical and statistical skills to model real life situations and make predictions about what is likely to happen in different situations
 * to use your understanding of probability and chance to predict the chances of various outcomes in real life situations.

What sorts of things will I do?
You'll use your graphical calculator and software such as Geogebra, Fathom and spreadsheets to model real world situations, explore statistical populations and carry out simulations.

Experiments will be used to illustrate theoretical concepts and to collect data for you to use when practising your modelling skills

You'll contribute to the development of the statistics section of ASHS' wikieducator by summarising your understanding of and demonstrating examples of how to use the various concepts you will be learning about. These may take the form of mindmaps, videos, or split-screened examples etc.

What standards can I enter?
The main part of this table summarises the standard course provided. At the end are listed alternatives which students can select in consultation with their parents, maths teachers and tutor teachers.

The code letters under Assessment have the following meanings: N - NCEA and UE numeracy L - NCEA literacy R - UE reading literacy W - UE writing literacy

Please check the actual date of the assessment on the ASHS Assessment Calendar

Scholarship opportunties
Students who excel at statistics and probability will be encouraged to enter the scholarship exams. They will be provided with resources, direction and support but, to have a chance of achieving well, will need to be committed:


 * extensive self directed study and practice,
 * participation in a student work group on a regular basis throughout the year, and
 * attend the workshops given by teachers to cover areas of the curriculum not covered by the 3MAS course.

Frequently asked questions:
What calculator will I need?


 * Graphics calculators are required. The Casio FX9750GII is highly recommended.
 * Students using only a basic scientific calculator will be significantly disadvantaged since NZQA assumes that all students have access to graphics calculators.
 * Costs: Casio FX9750GII. These are normally available for about $95 at the beginning of the year.

Are there any reassessments for internal standards?

Reassessment will be offered in term 4 after those doing externals go on study leave. Which standards will be offered will be decided at that time.

What happens if I miss an internal assessment?


 * You must submit a "Missed Assessment" form and get it approved by the specialist subject leader.
 * Approval will only be given if the requirements of the missed assessment policy are met, it is practical for the assessment to be done at another time and that other time is before the final grades are returned to students.
 * If you do not sit an assessment you will automatically receive a "Not Achieved" grade as per NZQA rules.

Do I have to do all the standards in the course?


 * YES. You will be entered for all standards in the core course and are expected to give your best effort in all of them. The only exceptions will where an individual learning plan is approved by the specialist subject leader after consultation with your parents, tutor and student services.
 * This will only be approved where students have attempted the external topics and find them too difficult, in which case alternative internal standards may be included in their curriculum.
 * Students and parents must ensure that the individualised learning plan will still meet the entry requirements for tertiary study. Some courses specify 14 credits from Calculus or Mathematics as a prerequisite for entry. This may not be achieved in a reduced individualised plan.