How to score FULL marks for WACE Maths Methods?

Maths methods, the bane of all the List B subjects in WACE. It’s detailed, fast-paced and challenging, but there is a satisfaction to being able to solve those equations. In this article, I will share with you the 5 tips I used to excel in this subject, and hopefully they will work for you too.

What is Maths Methods?

Mathematics Methods is a class that provides a foundation for further studies in disciplines in which mathematics and statistics have important roles. Methods in year 12 takes a lot of the same approach as the second semester of methods in year 11. A good way to divide the year broadly is into:

1. Calculus
2. Statistics.

I know those are two words no one wants to hear but well, hear me out:

• Calculus in year 12 is infinitely more interesting than in year 11. You cover way more equations and techniques and mastering the basics of these equations early is the key to succeeding in methods. You also get introduced to calculus with trigonometry and exponents, which in and of itself is a satisfying challenge.
• Statistics in year 12 however is not very mathematical-based, but is more about explanation and theory. It can be daunting initially, but with the correct preparation, it should be very attainable.

Here is a more in-depth KIS Academics guide on what Maths Methods is:

How is Maths Methods Assessed?

Maths Methods are assessed both internally and externally for ATAR calculation:

• Internal Assessments (50%): 
  • Response (40%)
  • Investigation (20%)
  • Examination (40%)
• External WACE Exam (50%): 
  • Section 1: Calculator-free (50 minutes)
  • Section 2: Calculator-assumed (100 minutes)
  • Both sections cover all topics, and the exam includes both routine and problem-solving questions.

Given that both internal and external assessments are worth 40%, it is imperative to do well in all your assessments to get a good grade. If you are already struggling with the basics of methods, it would benefit you to get a tutor from KIS Academics who can clarify your doubts.

How to study for Maths Methods?

1. Stay on top of things

Maths methods can be quite overwhelming if you let the work pile up, especially in the second semester. So it’s crucial that you stay on top of things. You need to be reviewing work weekly, maybe even daily, and practicing throughout the year as a whole. To do this you should be looking through past papers, textbooks, and study guides. You should be practicing methods every day even if it's only for half an hour.

2. Learn ClassPad shortcuts and eActivities

The ClassPad is the single most important tool you will use during your high school maths journey. However, it is also, unfortunately, one of the biggest causes of time-wasting during exams. You must navigate menus, flick through dozens of unwanted equations, and input multiple different variables and numbers. All these things use up time that you could have spent trying to solve that 8-mark question that always seems to be at the end of the exam.

So, how to use ClassPad efficiently?

• Get familiar with shift keys and eActivities. Shift keys are essentially keyboard shortcuts on the ClassPad. They remove the time spent on navigating menus. There are a few essential shift keys you need to set up as well:
  • The trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan) as well as their inverses (sin-1, cos-1, tan-1).
  • 𝝿 and e are also musts
  • It also helps to have a “given that” symbol (looks like “|” ) and a “solve(” function.

eActivities are programs run on ClassPad. They are especially helpful in the latter part of the unit with probability and statistics. For these, I recommend finding someone with eActivities and begging them to give you the eActivities. They save a ton of time and help enormously with solving difficult questions from the statistics stuff within the time limit.

3. Practice, practice, practice

This is absolutely crucial to succeeding in methods. Study guides are amazing and I will get to why soon, but past papers are also essential as they give you the best practice of the actual assessments you will get.

So here is a recommended study method for maths methods.

1. When you learn a topic in class, go over the chapter in whichever book you use at school (be it Sadler, Nelson, etc) and complete at least 50-60% of the questions
2. Go to a supplementary book that is a little harder and more test-focused next and try and complete the trickier questions on that book. This will give you a better overall understanding of the topic. A good example would be the OT Lee textbooks.
3. Go over past papers from your school in preparation for tests. Do at least one of these under timed conditions to give yourself an idea of how you would handle time
4. Use study guides, past exams, and past WACE papers to focus on your mocks and the WACE exam.

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4. Look through worked solutions

There are so many benefits to going through worked solutions:

• Learn how to correct the mistakes you made
• Worked solutions help you figure out what the marking scheme is, so you will know what markers look for and how you should be structuring your working

Teachers might have a copy of worked solutions to general textbooks. If they don’t, your past practice papers will always come attached to a set of worked solutions, and the WACE past papers and practice solutions can be downloaded from SCSA. These two things should be your reference guide for how to structure your response.

5. Use Study Guides Effectively

And that brings us to the saviour of methods in year 12. The almighty study guide. Study guides are an effective tool once you know how to use them. There are a lot of questions, a lot of worked solutions and plenty of explanations. But you should still take note of a few things:

• Study guides are NOT learning tools.
• They are specifically made for revision. They ARE meant to be used in the lead-up to mocks and end-of-year exams.
• They are NOT meant to be a one-stop-shop for learning the content.

I recommend doing a few questions here and there in the lead-up to the mock exams at the end of school. Try and attempt as many questions as you can, and definitely check out the worked solutions for structuring. I really cannot emphasise how helpful a study guide like “OT LEE” is. KIS Academics also has many study guides you can refer to!

Conclusion

But above all else, enjoy Methods. It may be tough, but it can be rewarding if you choose to see the good side of it. And hey worst case, it will only be for a year. If you are struggling to get the basics of Methods, a tutor from KIS Academics will be able to help you achieve your goals!

FAQs

Written by Isira Parahitiyawa, who used to tutor at KIS Academics. You can find other KIS Academics tutors for Mathematics Methods here.

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