Schools are to implement Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 1 and 2 in 2009 and Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 3 and 4 in 2010 as the mainstream function, algebra, calculus and probability study. Thus, 2008 is the last year in which schools are able to enrol students in Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2; and 2009 is the last year in which schools are able to enrol students in Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. Schools will no longer be able to enrol students on VASS in Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 (MA081 and MA082) from 2009 or in Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (MA083 and MA084) from 2010.
This follows from the first extension of the accreditation period of VCE Mathematics studies (with the exception of Mathematical Methods Units 1-4) until 31 December 2010, as noted in the November 2007 VCAA Bulletin VCE, VCAL and VET No. 54; and maintains the timeline previously announced by the VCAA in the June 2006 VCAA Bulletin VCE, VCAL and VET No. 38, for transition to CAS enabled mainstream function, algebra, calculus and probability and corresponding advanced mathematics studies for 2010. It also means that implementation of the transition takes place within the context of the current Mathematical Methods (CAS) and Specialist Mathematics studies.
An approved CAS will be the required enabling technology for Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 from 2010 (inclusive), while either an approved graphics calculator or CAS will continue to be the required enabling technology for Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4.
Advice on possible approaches to incorporating CAS in the mathematics curriculum at Years 9 and 10 (VELS Level 6) and related materials have been developed by the VCAA to support teachers, as noted in the March 2007 VCAA Bulletin VCE, VCAL and VET No. 46, and the June 2007 VCAA Bulletin P–10 Issue 29. These can be accessed from the Mathematics Domain Support in the VELS section of the VCAA website at: http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/domainsupport/maths/cas.html and used to assist teachers in preparing students for study of Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 1 and 2.
The further extension by one year of the accreditation period of the VCE Mathematics studies: Foundation Mathematics, Further Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods (CAS) and Specialist Mathematics, until 31 December 2011, defers the review of VCE Mathematics so that this process can be informed by, and aligned with, developments in national curriculum. Curriculum benchmarking work carried out by the VCAA in 2008; the Barrington and Brown report (Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, 2005) and the Masters and Matters report (Australian Council for Educational Research, 2007) show that there is a high level of content commonality in the three types of senior secondary courses corresponding to Further Mathematics, Mathematical Methods/Mathematical Methods (CAS) and Specialist Mathematics around Australia.