Specialist by distance?

[Braigh]

So, as it turns out, my school will not be offering Specialist maths next year, as I was the only one who requested it. Their ultimatum was that could do it by distance if I really wanted to. I'm currently in year 11, doing Methods, and doing okay in it.
First off, how difficult is specialist? Secondly, how feasible is it to do it by distance?
Any help would be much appreciated. Feel free to ask any more questions if you need more.

[99.90 pls]

So, as it turns out, my school will not be offering Specialist maths next year, as I was the only one who requested it. Their ultimatum was that could do it by distance if I really wanted to. I'm currently in year 11, doing Methods, and doing okay in it.
First off, how difficult is specialist? Secondly, how feasible is it to do it by distance?
Any help would be much appreciated. Feel free to ask any more questions if you need more.

Been in your shoes - did Unit 1 Specialist by Distance last year. The teaching wasn't great, but perhaps that was because it was Units 1/2. Personally, I think that if you're determined to do Specialist, then definitely do it. I would say study by Distance with an external tutor if possible; otherwise, do it with Distance alone but just be prepared to knuckle down and also look up concepts online to consolidate your learning.

If you've got a healthy interest in Maths, Specialist shouldn't be a problem. In my opinion, it isn't that much harder than Methods; in fact, sometimes I find it easier than Methods. There are a lot less tricks and the maths is generally very straightforward (and beautiful).

[Braigh]

Thanks for the reply 

[IndefatigableLover]

Whilst I haven't studied Specialist Maths via Distance Ed, I do echo the same thoughts as 99.00 pls however Specialist may be harder than Methods next year since they are bulking up Specialist by adding in Probability and Statistics making it comparable to Methods since the current Specialist course does not involve Probability and Statistics.. so it may be worthwhile if you do choose to undertake Specialist Maths via Distance Ed to have a tutor (if possible) or a teacher who can teach Specialist Maths to elaborate on anything new in the study design in case there's a breakdown in communication between you and your Distance Ed provider..

[Braigh]

it may be worthwhile if you do choose to undertake Specialist Maths via Distance Ed to have a tutor (if possible) or a teacher who can teach Specialist Maths to elaborate on anything new in the study design in case there's a breakdown in communication between you and your Distance Ed provider..

Good idea. There are teachers at my school who know Specialist Maths, but I can't rely on their availability, and I clash with the teaching style of one of them (who happens to be my teacher for Methods and Chem :/). I guess I'll see how I go, and if I have problems I can source a tutor to assist me.

[keltingmeith]

I wouldn't stress the need for a tutor - you should be fine to be left to your own devices if you honestly want to do it. Particularly with resources such as Khan Academy at your disposal - I personally reckon that (assuming you have the ability to do the subject in the first place) maths is the best subject to do by distance, just because of all the free resources readily available at the click of a button.

[zsteve]

I'm doing Specialist 3/4 via distance this year (not many schools in my location offering that subject LOL). It's going pretty good so far.
I think you definitely will need determination to do well in the subject, and the fact that you get little personal contact with a teacher makes it crucial to be able to learn the textbook on your own. Personally I began studying the course in November of my Yr11 and (roughly) covered up to integral calculus (not always using the VCE textbook, mind you, and a range of concepts I had covered to some depth in the past) by the beginning of term 1, which was a pretty good advantage.
Don't worry - I was in your situation at the end of year 11, not having done Spec 1/2. Although I did go to some tutoring/coaching classes for SM 1/2 in the latter part of the year just to 'see' if I was up to the level, I found it very doable. This year, I did attend a coaching class for SM, but largely for the purpose of being able to 'see' the competition (e.g. where I stood in relation to other students), as I am a stay-at-home student completely with Distance Ed. In my humble opinion, I would have been able to attain a similar level of performance had I not gone to tutoring. If you have some doubts about your abilities, I would advise you to start on some of the topics earlier on to get a 'feel' for the subject, even if it's an older textbook (borrow from the library, or use some resources such as Khan Academy). If you can understand the concepts without too much trouble, you should be OK. If not, get a tutor (I personally went to DHMC and I would recommend that)

Regarding teachers at DECV for Specialist, they have consistently provided me due feedback on my work usually within 1 week of submission (you send ONE assignment (or SAC) per week, and it gets marked). My teacher is very friendly and helpful.
Hint: apparently one of the teachers at Distance came from JMSS

All the best with your decision