Structure

The course is divided into six main topics, ranging from functions, algebra and calculus, to vectors and mechanics, and finally probability and statistics. The course concludes with two exams. The first is one hour long writing and is to be completed closed book, while the second is two hours long writing and is open book and calculator active. The first paper focuses on more short-answer style questions while the second paper contains multiple-choice questions and more in-depth extended response style questions.

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Difficult Topics

• Complex numbers and planes
• differential equations
• applications of integration

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Easy Topics

• Probability and statistics
• trigonometric functions
• kinematics

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Traps and Pitfalls

The content is taught in a foundational manner in that what is learnt at the commencement of the course must be understood to near perfection in order to transition into the more complex, in-depth topics later in the course. It is easy to fall behind in this subject and therefore all the more important in staying focused and persisting with assigned work.

Students are often prone towards using ingrained approaches towards certain questions without understanding how the theory actually applies. Others may be embarrassed to speak out when concepts are still confusing after multiple explanations. Always try to challenge yourself with harder questions and always keep asking questions until you understand.

Do not become over-reliant on the calculator, as it can slow you down during the exam!

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Mindset Required

To succeed in Specialist Maths, there must be a heavy emphasis placed on comprehension of broader concepts. Achieving this understanding really comes down to two parts: consistent effort placed into applying theory and an inquisitive attitude that doesn’t just settle for what’s taught but rather wants to explore different applications or the ‘how’ behind why everything works the way it does.

Attention to detail

It is important in Specialist Mathematics to understand the content as thoroughly as possible however it is equally as important to master the ‘easier’ part of questions and be clinical. This includes aspects such as always reading the entire question and not omitting units where required (eg: m/s).

Specialist Mathematics requires an astute eye for identifying what identities and formulas should be utilised for a question. Hence it is important to be familiar with all formulae, even the more obscure ones.

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