The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.Â
Mathematical ideas have evolved and continue to develop across cultures and have been practised in Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for thousands of years. Through the study of mathematics, students apply their knowledge and skills to deepen their understanding of the world.
Mathematics is a reasoning and creative activity, integral to scientific and technological advances across many fields of endeavour. The symbolic nature of mathematics provides a powerful and precise means of communication.
Making connections across mathematical concepts and other subject areas enhances students’ ability to understand the purpose of learning mathematics and to develop a deeper conceptual understanding. This helps students to recognise the role of mathematics in solving problems in the world around them, applying their understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
By studying mathematics, students develop essential numeracy skills and fluency, while nurturing the ability to think logically, critically and creatively. They learn about patterns and reason about relationships, creating opportunities to generalise their solutions and to solve non-routine problems.
When students enjoy learning mathematics, they develop a positive self-concept and become self-motivated learners through active participation in appropriately challenging tasks. This can enhance their resilience in solving mathematical problems relevant to further education and their everyday lives.