Specialist Mathematics is often considered one of the most challenging subjects in the Year 12 curriculum, whether that's VCE, WACE, SACE, QCE or others. Students frequently have questions about its relevance, benefits, and whether it’s the right choice for them. In this blog, we answer three common FAQs about Specialist Mathematics to help you make an informed decision.
1. Will I Ever Use Specialist Mathematics After School/In Real Life?
Probably not. Unless you study pure mathematics at university, you might not directly use Specialist Mathematics in everyday life. However, if you plan to pursue engineering, SM can be incredibly beneficial. For example, the mathematical constant i, defined as the square root of negative 1, is a concept studied in SM with real-life applications in engineering. Understanding such concepts can give you a strong foundation for your future studies.
2. Why Would Anyone Study Specialist Mathematics?
There’s a perception that you need to be a mathematical genius to study SM, but there are several compelling reasons to consider it:
- Interest and Strength in Maths: If you are exceptionally good at maths or genuinely enjoy it, SM might be a good choice. Enjoying the subject often correlates with excelling in it.
- Future Studies in Engineering: SM can make your university studies in engineering much easier. It allows you to skip introductory subjects and dive into more complex, real-life applications sooner.
- ATAR Scaling: SM scales up significantly. While this alone isn’t a reason to choose it, it can positively impact your ATAR. For instance, a raw score of 30 in VCE Specialist Maths scaled up to 43 in 2023.
3. How Do I Know if I Should Study Specialist Mathematics?
SM is challenging, with numerous complex concepts and demanding SACs and exams. Despite the significant scaling, achieving a raw score of 30 is no small feat. If you spend much of your Year 12 struggling with SM only to receive a disappointing study score, your time might have been better spent on a subject more suited to your strengths and interests.
Tips to Decide:
- Ask Your Maths Teacher: Get their input on whether you have the aptitude for SM.
- Talk to Trusted Individuals: Seek advice from people who know your academic strengths.
- Evaluate Your Current Performance: Generally, you should be consistently getting A’s and maybe B’s in maths to do well in SM.
Conclusion
Specialist Mathematics is a demanding but rewarding subject that can significantly benefit those pursuing careers in engineering or who have a strong passion for math. Understanding its relevance, benefits, and whether it aligns with your strengths is crucial. By asking the right questions and seeking advice from trusted sources, you can make an informed decision about whether SM is the right subject for you.
For more insights and to connect with expert VCE tutors, visit Learnmate.
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