Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2MAS

What is this course about?
This is one of two courses offered at NCEA level 2 and focuses on statistics and probability and the development of the mathematics skills required for more advanced study statistics, probability and modelling.

It is recommended that students entering this course should have successfully completed either the 1MAT Mathematics with Trigonometry or 1MAS - Mathematics with Statistics courses.

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, sequences and series and graphing functions such as exponentials, hyperbolas
 * to use network graphs to solve different types of problems including the critical path on a project
 * 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
 * how to analyse bivariate data so you can make a meaningful prediction

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 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

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

Students who successfully complete this course will be well prepared to enrol in the 3MAS - Mathematics with Statistics course.

This course will not prepare students for enrolment in the 3MAC - Mathematics with Calculus course and is consequently not recommended for student who have excelled in Year 11.

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.