Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2MAC

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What is this course about?
This is one of two courses offered at NCEA level 2.

Algebra and graphs provide a good foundation for the study of calculus and trigonometry and is primarily intended as preparation for students who anticipate taking the NCEA level 3 calculus course the following year.

It is recommended that students entering this course should have successfully completed an NCEA level 1 achievement standard course or equivalent, or have demonstrated exceptional ability in Year 10.

What will I learn?
You will learn:


 * to recognise the structure of mathematics and use the skills you have already learned to solve problems that look difficult but are actually easy
 * about new algebraic concepts such as logarithms and graphing functions such as exponentials, hyperbolas
 * the basics of calculus which is the study of change.

What sorts of things will I do?
You'll use your graphical calculator and software such as Geogebra or Desmos to model real world situations and explore mathematical concepts in interactive ways.

What standards can I enter?
This table summarises the standard course provided.

The code letters under Assessment have the following meanings:

N - NCEA and UE numeracy                     L - NCEA literacy                    R - UE reading literacy                     W - UE writing literacy

Summary of Standards
Please check the actual dates of the assessment on the ASHS Assessment Calendar as dates may change throughout the year.

Vocational Pathways provide a framework for students to show how their learning and achievement is valued in the workplace by aligning learning to the skills needed for industry. Follow this link to see the profile for this course.

Frequently asked questions:
What learning paths will this course prepare me for?

This course will prepare you to study further at level 3 in the 3MAC - Mathematics with Calculus course.

What calculator will I need?

Graphics calculators are required. The Casio FX9750GII is recommended.

This technology helps students investigate concepts and understand them better and once they have mastered their use speeds up their processing of information. Students using only a basic scientific calculator will be significantly disadvantaged since NZQA assumes that all students have access to graphics calculators.

Costs: Casio FX9750GII. These are normally available for about $95 at the beginning of the year.

Are there any reassessments for internal standards?

Reassessments are usually offered in term 4. The possibility of a further opportunity for 91257 or 91259 will be considered at the end of the year. There will be no further opportunties for 91256 and 91269.

What happens if I miss an internal assessment?


 * You must submit a "Missed Assessment" form and get it approved by the specialist subject leader.
 * Approval will only be given if the requirements of the missed assessment policy are met, it is practical for the assessment to be done at another time and that other time is before the final grades are returned to students.
 * If you do not sit an assessment you will automatically receive a "Not Achieved" grade as per NZQA rules.

Do I have to do all the standards in the course?


 * YES. You will be entered for all standards in the core course and are expected to give your best effort in all of them. The only exceptions will where an individual learning plan is approved by the specialist subject leader after consultation with your parents, tutor and student services.
 * This will only be approved where students have attempted the external topics and find them too difficult, in which case alternative internal standards may be included in their curriculum.
 * Students and parents must ensure that the individualised learning plan will still meet their academic goals for the year.