Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
Mathematics Life Skills supports the education of Stage 6 students with intellectual disability. Learn more about Mathematics Life Skills, access syllabus information and teaching and learning support materials.
New syllabus implemented from 2026
The new Mathematics Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2026.
2025
- Plan and prepare to teach Mathematics Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus (2024).
2026, Term 1
- Start teaching Mathematics Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus (2024) for Year 11.
- Continue to teach the Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) for Year 12.
2026, Term 4
- Start teaching Mathematics Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus (2024) for Year 12.
Detailed implementation information, including key features and resources, is available on the Mathematics syllabus development page.
About the course
In this course, students develop practical skills in measurement, calculating with money, statistics and using plans and maps. They also explore the concepts of earning and spending money and apply their understanding in a range of financial decision-making contexts.
The Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 course aligns with the rationale, aim and objectives of the Mathematics Standard Stage 6 course. The Life Skills content has been developed from the Mathematics Standard syllabus to provide opportunities for integrated delivery.
The Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 course focuses on the development of students’ ability to apply mathematics in a variety of contexts in order to enhance and encourage their participation in post-school contexts.
Students are provided with opportunities to apply mathematical operations to practical situations and develop problem-solving in real-life situations. They develop their practical skills in measurement, calculating with money, statistics and using plans and maps. Students also have the opportunity to explore the concepts of earning and spending money and apply their understanding in a range of financial decision-making contexts.
Study in the Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 course enhances students’ access to community living, further education, training and employment.
The structure of the Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 course allows teachers to provide a broad and balanced program that reflects the needs of students within the context of the collaborative curriculum planning process.
The course is organised into the following topics and subtopics:
Topic: Number and Modelling (Algebra)
- Review of Number Properties
- Mathematical Modelling
Topic: Measurement
- Everyday Measurement
- Measuring Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Shapes
Topic: Financial Mathematics
- Decimals, Percentages and Money
- Earning Money
- Spending Money
Topic: Statistics and Probability (Statistical analysis)
- Statistics
- Probability
Topic: Plans, Maps and Networks (Networks)
- Using Plans, Maps and Networks
The Topics provide possible frameworks for addressing the Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 outcomes and content, and are suggestions only. The course provides flexibility to develop programs appropriate to the needs, strengths, goals, interests and prior learning of students.
Course number(s):
- 16611 Mathematics Life Skills (2 units – Year 11)
- 16611 Mathematics Life Skills (2 units – Year 12)
Prerequisites: A student studying any Stage 6 Life Skills course will usually have completed one or more courses based on Life Skills outcomes and content in Years 7–10, except under special circumstances.
Corequisites: Nil
Eligibility: Life Skills Eligibility
Study via self-tuition: No
Exclusions:
- 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 11)
- 15260 Mathematics Extension 2 (1 unit – Year 12)
- 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)
On entering students for the Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 course, the principal is certifying that the student is eligible and the decision is the result of the collaborative curriculum planning process.
Students are expected to address or achieve one or more of the Mathematics Life Skills Stage 6 outcomes. They need not address or complete all of the content to demonstrate achievement of an outcome.
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:
What are Life Skills courses
All students are entitled to participate in and progress through the curriculum. Life Skills courses provide course options for students with intellectual disability or imputed intellectual disability in Years 11–12 who cannot access related general education courses.
Students with disability can access syllabus outcomes and content in a range of ways, including through a range of adjustments to teaching, learning and assessment activities. Decisions regarding curriculum options should be made in the context of collaborative curriculum planning.
Assessment and exam information and support
Teaching and learning support
Use these materials to guide and plan your teaching and assessment. Sample materials illustrate different approaches to teaching, learning and assessment in a range of school settings. Teachers can use them without modification, change them or construct their own.
Read more about supporting students with special education needs.
The Life Skills outcomes worksheet can be used to collect information on the outcomes that a student has achieved before recording them in Schools Online.
Stage 6 Mathematics Life Skills Outcomes Worksheet (DOCX 22.26KB)