Mathematics Extension 2 Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
The Mathematics Extension 2 Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) is for students in Stage 6. Find out more about the syllabus and access teaching and learning support materials.
New syllabus implemented from 2026
The new Mathematics Extension 2 11–12 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2026.
2025
- Plan and prepare to teach Mathematics Extension 2 11–12 Syllabus (2024)
2026, Term 4
- Start teaching Mathematics Extension 2 11–12 Syllabus (2024) for Year 12
- Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2027
- First HSC examination for Mathematics Extension 2 11–12 Syllabus (2024)
Detailed implementation information, including key features and resources, is available on the Mathematics syllabus development page.
About the course
Students have the opportunity to develop strong mathematical manipulation skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus. They also develop an appreciation of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value involving invention, intuition and exploration.
Mathematics Extension 2 provides students with the opportunity to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an appreciation of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration. Mathematics Extension 2 extends students’ conceptual knowledge and understanding through exploration of new areas of mathematics not previously seen.
The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course and the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.
The Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 Stage 6 courses form a continuum.
All students studying the Mathematics Extension 2 course will sit for an HSC examination.
The study of Mathematics Extension 2 in Stage 6:
- enables students to develop strong knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely
- provides opportunities to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an awareness of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration
- provides opportunities at progressively higher levels for students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to concepts within areas of mathematics that have applications in an increasing number of contexts
- provides a basis for progression to further study in mathematics or related disciplines and in which mathematics has a vital role at tertiary level
- provides an appropriate mathematical background for students whose future pathways will be founded in mathematics and its applications in such areas as science, engineering, finance and economics.
Year 12 course
The Mathematics Extension 2 course comprises five Topics, with the Topics divided into Subtopics.
Topic: Proof
- The Nature of Proof
- Further Proof by Mathematical Induction
Topic: Vectors
- Further Work with Vectors
Topic: Complex Numbers
- Introduction to Complex Numbers
- Using Complex Numbers
Topic: Calculus
- Further Integration
Topic: Mechanics
- Applications of Calculus to Mechanics
Board Developed Course
Course number(s):
- 15260 Mathematics Extension 2 (1 unit – Year 12)
Prerequisites: The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course has been developed on the assumption that students have studied the content and achieved the outcomes of the Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course and the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 course. The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course has also been constructed on the assumption that students are concurrently studying the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course and the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course.
Corequisites:
- 11255 Mathematics Advanced (2 units – Year 11)
- 15255 Mathematics Advanced (2 units – Year 12)
- 11250 Mathematics Extension (1 unit – Year 11)
- 15250 Mathematics Extension 1 (1 unit – Year 12)
Eligibility: Nil
Study via self-tuition: Yes
Exclusions:
- 11236 Mathematics Standard (2 units – Year 11)
- 15231 Mathematics Standard 1 (2 units – Year 12)
- 15232 Mathematics Standard 1 (Exam) (2 units – Year 12)
- 15236 Mathematics Standard 2 (2 units – Year 12)
- 16611 Mathematics Life Skills (2 units – Year 11)
- 16611 Mathematics Life Skills (2 units – Year 12)
Nil
The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.
Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:
Assessment and exam information and support
- Assessment and reporting
- Performance band descriptions
- Assessment in Stage 6
- Assessment in practice
- Examination advice
- Exam equipment list
- Mathematics Advanced, Extension 1 and 2 Reference Sheet (PDF 416.32KB)
- Mathematics Advanced, Extension 1 and 2 Reference Sheet – Purpose and Development Principles (PDF 591.49KB)
Teaching and learning support
Use these support materials to guide and plan your teaching and assessment.
Mathematics Extension 2 - Year 12 - Topic guide - Calculus (DOCX 914.65KB)
Mathematics Extension 2 - Year 12 - Topic guide - Complex numbers (DOCX 941.23KB)
Mathematics Extension 2 - Year 12 - Topic guide - Mechanics (DOCX 930.16KB)
Mathematics Extension 2 - Year 12 - Topic guide - Proof (DOCX 930.16KB)
Mathematics Extension 2 - Year 12 - Topic guide - Vectors (DOCX 946.55KB)