The initial HSC examination for the new HSC Mathematics General 2 course will be conducted in 2014. The examination specifications were published on the Board’s website in May 2012 in Assessment and Reporting in the HSC Mathematics General 2 Course.

The examination specifications include that ‘Approved calculators may be used’. This statement will apply in the same way as for the Mathematics (‘2 Unit’), Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 HSC examinations, ie candidates may use ‘a Board-approved calculator’ that appears on the Board’s list of ‘Approved Scientific Calculators for the Higher School Certificate Examinations’.

A Board-approved scientific calculator is both appropriate and sufficient to assist candidates in demonstrating their knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the content of the Mathematics General 2 HSC examination. Early in 2013, the Board will publish a specimen paper for the Mathematics General 2 HSC examination, which will give an indication of the ways in which students will be expected to use calculators in the examination.

Teachers will make decisions regarding the most appropriate technologies for use in the teaching and learning of the Preliminary Mathematics General and HSC Mathematics General 2 courses, from the increasingly broad range of technologies available, including laptop and tablet computers and interactive whiteboards.

For further information:
Peter Osland
Inspector Mathematics
(02) 9367 8103
peter.osland@bos.nsw.edu.au