Course Rationale
The Higher Applications of Mathematics course focuses on developing the mathematical and analytical skills required in society and for the future workforce. The course develops candidates’ quantitative and mathematical literacy, problem-solving skills and reasoning skills as they apply mathematics in real-life contexts.
Applying mathematics in real-life contexts includes identifying relevant information, formulating a problem in appropriate mathematical or statistical terms, selecting and applying tools correctly, finding solutions, interpreting solutions in the context of a problem, and evaluating the approach taken.
The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course supports learning and further study and builds confidence in a wide range of curricular areas, such as humanities, social sciences, healthcare, and business.
Purpose and aims
The course enhances candidates’ critical and logical thinking so that they can interpret, analyse, and critically appraise statistical and mathematical information; simplify and solve problems; assess risk; and make informed decisions.
The course aims to:
- equip candidates with the mathematical and statistical literacy skills they need for life, work and further study in a wide range of curricular areas
- develop candidates’ financial literacy in real-life contexts
- show candidates how they can use appropriate digital technology to manipulate and model mathematical, statistical and financial information
- develop candidates’ mathematical reasoning skills so that they can generalise, build arguments, draw logical conclusions, assess risk, and make informed decisions in familiar and unfamiliar situations
- develop candidates’ range of mathematical skills so that they can analyse, interpret and present data and numerical information
- provide candidates with the skills to appraise quantitative information critically, considering modelling or statistical assumptions
