Calculator Requirements and Advice
Year 7 Students
Because the emphasis in year 7 mathematics is on improving both mental and manual arithmetic skills, students are not required to have a calculator. Calculators will be provided for students at times when they are required.
Year 8 & 9 Students
Students in years 8 & 9 are required to have a scientific calculator as advised on the booklists. The recommended model of calculator can be purchased from the collegefor approx. $22.
Graphical Calculator Requirements for 2009 Background Information
Due to the introduction of the CAS Maths Methods course in 2006 and the wide range of
graphical calculators available, VCAA has published a list of approved graphical calculators
for use in 2008. As a consequence, the graphical calculator recommendation for Brentwood
students now depends on the year level of the student and their VCE course selection. Students
and parents should read the following requirements and recommendations carefully and
contact Mr. Chinnock if clarification is needed. Note:
1. Only certain models of graphical calculator are approved for use in VCE exams.
2. All Yr 11 & 12 maths students are required to have a graphical calculator except for Yr 11 Foundation Maths.
3. Staff at the college are trained to teach and support students using Texas Instruments graphical calculators and will not be familiar with the use of other brands of graphical calculator.
4. The TI-89 Titanium (and TI-89) are graphical calculators that also have Computer Algebraic Systems (CAS).
Students doing Maths Methods (CAS) Units 1 & 2 or Units 3 & 4 in 2008 will be required to have either a TI-89 or TI-89 Titanium.
5. The complete documentation on VCAA approved calculators for 2008 can be obtained from the VCAA website (www.vcaa.vic.edu.au).
Advice to Students Studying Year 10 Mathematics in 2008
Students can successfully complete yearr 10 mathematics with only a scientific calculator,
which they should already have, however we would encourage students to move to a graphicalcalculator as soon as possible. Students will need to decide whether or not they will be doing Maths Methods at VCE before deciding on which model of graphical calculator to purchase.
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Students intending to study Maths Methods at VCE should purchase either theTI-89 or TI-89 Titanium (approx. cost $200).
Note: The TI-89 Titanium is recommended for those buying a new calculator. -
Students who will only be studying General Maths at year 11, possibly going on to Further Maths at year 12 (ie. will not be studying Maths Methods at VCE) should purchase either the TI-83, TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus (approx. cost $180).
Note: The TI-84 Plus is recommended for those buying a new calculator. Students who are unsure of what their VCE maths subject selections will be should delay their graphical calculator purchase until their year 11 subject choices are finalised.
Advice to Students Studying Year 11 Mathematics in 2008
It is recommended that students studying:
Maths Methods CAS (MA111 & MA112)
Use the TI-89 Titanium (or TI-89) (approx. cost $200)
General Maths (MA071 & MA072 or MA071F & MA072F)
Students studying only General Maths are recommended to use one of the following
calculators:
TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84Plus (approx. cost $180)
Note: Students purchasing a new calculator should purchase a TI-84 Plus. Students studying both General Maths and Maths Methods will use the TI-89 Titanium (or TI-89) for both subjects.
Foundation Maths (11FM)
A scientific calculator. Available from the college - approx. cost $22. Advice to Students Studying Year 12 Mathematics in 2008
It is recommended that students studying:
Further Maths ( MA073 & MA074 )
Students studying only Further Maths are recommended to use one of the following calculators TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84Plus (approx. cost $180). Note: Students purchasing a new calculator should purchase a TI-84 Plus. Students studying both Further Maths and Maths Methods will use the TI-89 Titanium (or TI-89) for both subjects.
Maths Methods CAS ( MA113 & MA114 )
Use the TI-89 Titanium (or TI-89) (approx. cost $200).
Specialist Maths ( MA093 & MA094 )
Use the TI-89 Titanium (or TI-89) (approx. cost $200).
Where to purchase Graphical Calculators
Texas Instruments calculators can be purchased from Haines Educational
20 Dalgety Street
Oakleigh
Ph. 9568 6966
Denis Chinnock, Mathematics Coordinator