Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2MAC

What is this course about?
This is one of two courses offered at NCEA level 2.

Algebra and graphs provide a good foundation for the study of calculus and trigonometry and is primarily intended as preparation for students who anticipate taking the NCEA level 3 calculus course the following year. Some statistics and probability are covered to provide a foundation for those who wish to enter and excel in the NCEA level 3 statistics and modelling course.

It is recommended that students entering this course should have successfully completed an NCEA level 1 achievement standard course or equivalent, or have demonstrated exceptional ability in Year 10.

What will I learn?
You will learn:


 * to recognise the structure of mathematics and use the skills you have already learned to solve problems that look difficult but are actually easy
 * about new algebraic concepts such as logarithms and graphing functions such as exponentials, hyperbolas
 * to use trigonometric functions to model periodic phenomena
 * the basics of calculus which is the study of change
 * how to collect a representative sample so you can draw justified conclusions about a population
 * about the standard normal distribution and how to simulate an activity using chance.

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.

You'll contribute to the development of the mathematics and statistics sections 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 letter codes in the Assessment column indicate the standard can be used for literacy and numeracy as follows:

N - NCEA numeracy                  L - NCEA literacy                   R - UE reading literacy                    W - UE writing literacy

The table above summarises the course proposed for 2012.

For 2011, please check the actual date of the assessment on the ASHS Assessment Calendar

Frequently asked questions:
What learning paths will this course prepare me for?

This course will prepare you to study further at level 3 in the 3MAC - Mathematics with Calculus course.

What calculator will I need?

Graphics calculators are required. The Casio FX9750GII is recommended.

This technology helps students investigate concepts and understand them better and once they have mastered their use speeds up their processing of information. 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 their academic goals for the year.