Accelerated Maths, Methods & Specialist.

[jahamas2]

This is my first post and I'm kinda new to this stuff, I'm currently in Year 9 and considering taking accelerated math (methods) for Year 10, I average around ~94-100% on my tests for maths consistently and started learning methods content roughly 2 months ago such as Calculus, Hyperbolic functions and Advanced probability. I've learnt Factoring Trinomials and Polynomials, Parabolas & Non-linear, Trigonometry, Trig functions, Complex numbers, Vectors, Limits, Statistics and Matrices prior to learning calculus. I don't have a tutor and find self-studying the most effective way for me to understand topics. I'm a fairly quick learner and I have a strong interest in learning new topics in mathematics, always enjoyed attempting challenging content above my level and I'm rarely busy outside of school. If I score well on methods to be eligible for specialist maths, Should I take it? can I take it later or do I have to take it in Year 10? Also, what's the difference between Units 1/2 & Units 3/4? Thanks.

[james.358]

Hey there!

Great to hear about your enthusiasm in Maths. To answer your question, 1/2 can be best thought as building the necessary foundations to 3/4. It doesn't actually count towards your ATAR. For VCE Maths, the 3/4 covers very similar content, but does increase the breadth and difficulty of what you're learning.

About specialist maths, it is definitely a subject that you should take. In fact, based on your aptitude and enthusiasm, I'd even suggest looking into doing University Extension math in Y12. Which is conceptually more challenging for much less workload. Anyways, it is probably best to take Specialist Maths 1/2 in year 11. Otherwise you'll end up doing two 3/4 subjects in Year 11, which is very stressful. It is also beneficial to learn Specialist Maths after learning Methods as there is some significant overlap.

Hope my answer helps!

[schoolstudent115]

This is my first post and I'm kinda new to this stuff, I'm currently in Year 9 and considering taking accelerated math (methods) for Year 10, I average around ~94-100% on my tests for maths consistently and started learning methods content roughly 2 months ago such as Calculus, Hyperbolic functions and Advanced probability. I've learnt Factoring Trinomials and Polynomials, Parabolas & Non-linear, Trigonometry, Trig functions, Complex numbers, Vectors, Limits, Statistics and Matrices prior to learning calculus. I don't have a tutor and find self-studying the most effective way for me to understand topics. I'm a fairly quick learner and I have a strong interest in learning new topics in mathematics, always enjoyed attempting challenging content above my level and I'm rarely busy outside of school. If I score well on methods to be eligible for specialist maths, Should I take it? can I take it later or do I have to take it in Year 10? Also, what's the difference between Units 1/2 & Units 3/4? Thanks.

I largely agree with the other commenter. Also, you are allowed take both subjects normally (that is, doing it year 11/12 which is the normal path, in fact not many schools even allow people to take methods early). In this instance I would say that taking methods early is a good idea, and as the other guy said, do spesh 1/2 in year 11 (reason being, VCE is also about strategy and study skills - it's quite a bit different to year 9 or 10. The early subject you take will prepare you well in this regard).

Personally, I took Physics early as my school didn't allow methods to be taken early, and honestly it's fine. If you can I really do suggest looking into the university extension maths (UMEP for unimelb, or MUEP for monash) which I believe can only be taken in year 12. I regret not doing this since the content in methods and spesh was not exactly new to me and was not as stimulating, also if you do this you can skip the first year maths subjects at University of melbourne (of course only relevant if you wish to go to this university).

I was in pretty much the same position as you described in year 9 with self studying, and yeah absolutely do specialist maths it's not even a question haha. Also you should have no issue at all with accelerating methods.