How to Ace VCE Year 11 Maths Methods?

This article is the ultimate roadmap in preparing you for top marks in Maths Methods. From essential concepts to expert strategies, this guide covers all you need to know for future success!

2 years ago   •   5 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Jeswin Thomas / Unsplash

Whether you’re here because you LOVE Mathematics, or you want to keep your options open for future study, I think we can all agree that Methods can be a difficult subject. Don’t stress though! With a little bit of planning and some forward-thinking, this beast of a subject won’t be as intimidating as you thought.

In 2022, I completed VCE with a 99.60 ATAR and a 43 study score for Methods. Maths has always been a passion of mine - Methods was actually one of my favourite subjects at school, leading me to pursue further studies in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Melbourne! Certainly, all of the preparation I did in Year 11 helped me out, so I’m excited to share my insights into Year 11 Math Methods and help you chart a course towards success.

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Don't Let Year 11 Methods gaps Sabotage your Year 12 Success! Our VCE Methods Tutor Specialists can help you master the foundations that matter such as calculus, functions, and CAS skills before it's too late. 👇

What Is Year 11 Methods?

Despite what some people might say, Year 11 subjects do matter. While technically you only receive either an “S” for satisfactory or an “N” for not satisfactory, there’s a lot more to it! Many VCE subjects, especially Methods, establish foundations in Year 11 which are then built on and extended as you move towards the challenges of Year 12. So, there’s no better time to start cracking down and working on mastering the basics!

There are four broad Areas of Study (AOS) for Units 1 and 2:

  1. Functions, relations, and graphs
  2. Algebra, number, and structure
  3. Calculus
  4. Data analysis, probability, and statistics

Of course, that’s only just a brief overview. For an exhaustive list, you can find out more about it by browsing the official study design for Mathematical Methods Units 1&2 (on the VCAA website). The study design for VCE subjects is such a powerful resource.

Yes, that’s right, the VCAA tells you exactly what you can and can’t be examined on, and what skills can be assessed. Remember to keep an eye out for some minor changes with the introduction of the new study design.

How To Stay Organised?

Every successful VCE Methods student will tell you how important it is to stay organised in order to be successful. Being “organised” looks like:

  • Managing your time in class
  • Completing homework regularly (to a high standard)
  • Keeping track of all of your class notes (heaps of paper haha)
  • Knowing when your next assessment is
  • Creating meaningful notes
  • Finding time for other activities: exercise, self-care, hanging out with friends

Establishing good habits early on will set you up for success as you proceed to Year 12.

Study Tips And Tricks

1. Your CAS is your Friend

Starting off in my Methods journey, I was initially hesitant to use my CAS, mainly because I thought it was too slow and I could do most calculations quicker - when in reality I didn’t know how to use it to its full potential. Trust me when I say that it is such a powerful tool that can help free up so much time, unlocking the potential to earn even more marks on tech-active assessments. Get to know your CAS calculator early on - practice makes perfect!

2. Utilise your Resources

While having a bound reference forms an essential part of tech-active assessments, it’s crucial not to spend too much time making it perfect. Research has consistently shown that while making your own notes is beneficial, the greatest success comes from completing regular practice questions - so make this a priority. If you’re given past assessments, do them! Or if you are in need of more resources, you could sign up for the Math Methods Units 1&2 online course.

3. Ask for Help

Recognising when you’re stuck is a great thing. If you’re confused, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your teacher! If you are in need of more individualised and specific support, you can request an expert tutor for methods, who will guide you through any questions you may have.

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Conclusion

VCE is a long-term game - you need to think beyond the next test or assessment. The finish line might be a year or two down the track, but how you start this journey is so important!

Ultimately, if you want to be a Methods master, it starts now with Unit 1&2 content. It takes a lot more than just memorisation - you need to be prepared, organised, and have a positive mindset. By building a thorough understanding, you’re not only setting yourself up for success in Year 12 but also building on your critical problem-solving skills. Best of luck!

After more resources to ace methods? Check these out! 👇

How to ace VCE Maths Methods and maximise your ATAR
Don’t get me wrong, Maths Methods is a very intense subject across units 1 through to 4 but there are strategies to make Maths Methods more manageable and set yourself up for success
Finishing the VCE? Here’s What You Need to Know About Uni Applications in VIC [UPDATED 2025]
Confused about uni applications after the VCE? We’ve broken down key dates and entry requirements for the top unis and most popular courses in VIC — from medicine to law to engineering. Stay ahead of the deadlines and get one step closer to your dream degree!
The VCE Study Design - how to understand it for your ATAR subjects
Curious about the VCE study design? This article covers what to do at the start of the school year to make the most out of your study design, but especially how ace your final exams - keep reading to find out!

FAQs

1. What are the Common Mistakes I should Avoid?

  • Skipping steps of working
  • Unclear working
  • Forgetting units
  • Rounding errors
  • Not working on your basics

2. Should I do Methods?

  • You should do methods if you enjoy math and calculus.
  • They provide background for further study in science, economics and medicine etc.
  • Find out more in this article.

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