NUMBER AND

AL GEBRA
E ARLY S TAGE 1 S TAGE 1 S TAGE 2 S TAGE 3 S TAGE 4 S TAGE 5. 1 S TAGE 5. 2 S TAGE 5. 3
WHOLE NUMBERS
Count forwards to 30 from a given number
Count backwards from a given number in the range
0 to 20
Compare, order, read and represent numbers
to at least 20
Read and use the ordinal names to at least tenth'
Subitise small collections of objects
Use the term is the same as to express equality
of groups
Use the language of money
PART 1
Count forwards and backwards by ones from
a two-digit number
Partition two-digit numbers using place value
Read, write and order two-digit numbers
Read and use ordinal names to at least thirty-first
Recognise, describe and order Australian coins
according to their value
PART 2
Count forwards and backwards by twos, threes, fives
and tens from any starting point
Partition numbers of up to three digits using
place value
Read, write and order three-digit numbers
Recognise, count and order Australian coins and notes
according to their value
PART 1
Count forwards and backwards by tens and hundreds
from any starting point
State the place value of digits in numbers
of up to four digits
Read, write and order numbers of up to four digits
PART 2
State the place value of digits in numbers
of up to five digits
Read, write and order numbers of up to five digits
Record numbers of up to five digits using expanded
notation
PART 1
Read, write and order numbers of any size
State the place value of digits in numbers of any size
Record numbers of any size using expanded notation
Determine factors and multiples of whole numbers
PART 2
Recognise the location of negative numbers in relation
to zero on a number line
Identify and describe prime and composite numbers
Model and describe square and triangular numbers
ADDITION
AND
SUBTRACTION
Combine two or more groups of objects to
model addition
Take part of a group away to model subtraction
Compare two groups to determine how many more
Record addition and subtraction informally
PART 1
Model addition and subtraction using concrete
materials
Recognise and recall combinations of numbers that
add to numbers up to 20
Model and apply the commutative property for
addition
Record number sentences using drawings, words,
numerals and the symbols +, and =
Use and record a range of mental strategies for
addition and subtraction of one- and two-digit
numbers
Use the equals sign to record equivalent number
sentences
PART 2
Make connections between addition and subtraction
Use and record a range of mental strategies for
addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers
Solve word problems involving addition and
subtraction
PART 1
Model and apply the associative property for addition
Use and record a range of mental strategies
for addition and subtraction of two-, three- and four-
digit numbers
Perform calculations with money, including calculating
equivalent amounts using different denominations
Use the equals sign to record equivalent number
sentences
PART 2
Use the inverse operation to check addition and
subtraction calculations
Use and record a range of mental strategies for
addition and subtraction of two-, three-, four- and
five-digit numbers
Use the formal written algorithm for addition
and subtraction
Solve word problems, including those involving money
PART 1
Select and apply efficient mental, written and
calculator strategies for addition and subtraction
of numbers of any size
Use estimation to check answers to calculations
Solve word problems and record the strategy used,
including problems involving money
Create a simple budget
PART 2
Select and apply efficient mental, written and
calculator strategies to solve word problems and
record the strategy used
COMPUTATION WITH INTEGERS
Apply associative, commutative and distributive laws
to aid mental computation
Apply the four operations with integers
Apply the order of operations
MULTIPLICATION
AND
DIVISION
Investigate and model equal groups
Record grouping and sharing using informal
methods
PART 1
Rhythmic and skip count by twos, fives and tens
from zero
Model and use equal groups of objects as a strategy
for multiplication
Model division by sharing a collection equally into
a given number of groups to determine the number
in each group
Model division by sharing a collection equally into
groups of a given size to determine the number
of groups
PART 2
Model and use repeated addition as a strategy
for multiplication
Model and use arrays described in terms of rows
and columns as a strategy for multiplication
Model and use groups, arrays and repeated subtraction
as strategies for division
Record using drawings, words and numerals
PART 1
Recall multiplication facts for twos, threes,
fives and tens
Recognise and use the symbols and
Link multiplication and division using arrays
Model and apply to commutative property for
multiplication
Use mental strategies to multiply one-digit numbers
by multiples of 10
Use and record a range of mental strategies for
multiplication of two single-digit numbers
PART 2
Recall and use multiplication facts up to 10 10
with automaticity
Relate multiplication facts to their inverse
division facts
Determine multiples and factors of whole numbers
Use the equals sign to record equivalent number
relationships involving multiplication
Use and record a range of mental and informal written
strategies for multiplication and division of two-digit
numbers by a one digit operator
Use mental strategies and informal recording methods
for division with remainders
PART 1
Use and record a range of mental and written
strategies to multiply by one- and two-digit operators
Use the formal algorithm for multiplication by one-
and two-digit operators
Use and record a range of mental and written
strategies to divide numbers with three or more digits
by a one-digit operator, including problems that result
in a remainder
Solve word problems and record the strategy used
Interpret remainders in division problems
Use estimation to check answers to calculations
PART 2
Select and apply efficient mental, written and
calculator strategies to solve word problems and
record the strategy used
Recognise and use grouping symbols
Apply the order of operations in calculations
INDICES
Use index notation for positive integral indices
Express a whole number as a product of
its prime factors
Apply the order of operations to evaluate numerical
expressions involving indices
Determine and apply tests of divisibility
Find square roots and cube roots
Determine and apply the index laws for numerical
expressions with positive-integer indices
Determine and apply the meaning of
the zero index
INDICES
Apply the index laws to simplify algebraic expressions
with positive-integer indices and the zero index
Define and use negative-integer indices to evaluate
numerical expressions
INDICES
Convert algebraic expressions with negative indices
to expressions with positive indices and vice versa
Simplify algebraic expressions involving positive,
negative and zero indices
SURDS AND INDICES
Define the system of real numbers and distinguish
between rational and irrational numbers
Perform operations with surds
Convert between surd and index form and vice versa
FRACTIONS
AND
DECIMALS
Establish the concept of one-half
Record halves of objects using drawings
PART 1
Recognise, describe and represent one-half as one
of two equal parts of whole objects, shapes and
collections
Use fraction notation
PART 2
Recognise, describe and represent halves, quarters
and eighths of whole objects, shapes and collections
Use fraction notation and
PART 1
Model and represent fractions with denominators 2, 3,
4, 5 and 8
Count by halves, quarters and thirds, including with
mixed numerals
Represent fractions on number lines, including number
lines that extend beyond 1
PART 2
Model and find equivalence between fractions with
denominators 2, 4 and 8; 3 and 6; and 5, 10 and 100
Apply the place value system to represent tenths
and hundredths as decimals
Make connections between fraction and decimal
notation
Model, compare and represent decimals with one
and two decimal places
Represent decimals on number lines
PART 1
Compare and order unit fractions with denominators
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 100
Express mixed numerals as improper fractions and vice
versa
Model and represent strategies to add and subtract
fractions with the same denominator
Apply the place value system to represent thousandths
as decimals
Compare, order and represent decimals with up to
three decimal places
PART 2
Represent, compare and order fractions with
denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 100
Determine, generate and record equivalent fractions
Write fractions in their simplest form
Add and subtract fractions, included mixed numerals,
with the same or related denominators
Multiply fractions by whole numbers
Find a simple fraction of a quantity
Use mental, written and calculator strategies to add
and subtract decimals with up to three decimal places
Use mental, written and calculator strategies to
multiply decimals by one- and two-digit whole numbers
Use mental, written and calculator strategies to divide
decimals by one-digit whole numbers
Multiply and divide decimals by 10, 100 and 1000
Solve word problems involving fractions and decimals,
including money problems
Make connections between equivalent percentages,
fractions and decimals
Use mental, written and calculator strategies to
calculate 10%, 25% and 50% of quantities,
including as discounts
FRACTIONS, DECIMALS, PERCENTAGES
Apply the four operations with fractions, including
mixed numerals, and decimals
Convert between fractions, decimals and percentages
Express one quantity as a fraction/percentage
of another
Calculate fractions/percentages of quantities
Solve problems involving fractions, decimals
and percentages
Investigate the concept of irrational numbers
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
Perform calculations involving GST
Calculate discounts and best buys
Solve problems involving profit and loss
RATIOS AND RATES
Apply ratios and rates to solve problems
Interpret and draw distance/time graphs
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
Solve problems involving earning money and taxation
Apply the simple interest formula to solve problems,
including buying on terms
Calculate compound interest using repeated
applications of simple interest
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
Apply the compound interest formula to solve
problems, including depreciation
RATIOS AND RATES
Solve problems involving constant rates of change
Interpret graphs of change where the relationship
between the variables is constant
Construct graphs of direct linear proportion
RATIOS AND RATES
Interpret and describe graphs of change where the
relationship between the variables is not constant
Sketch graphs of physical phenomena
PATTERNS
AND
ALGEBRA
Sort and classify objects into groups
Recognise, copy, continue, create and describe
repeating patterns of objects and drawing
PART 1
Recognise, copy, continue, create and describe
increasing and decreasing number patterns
Recognise, copy, create, continue and describe
repeating patterns of objects or symbols
Model and describe odd and even numbers
PART 2
Describe patterns with numbers and identify
missing elements
Find missing numbers in number sentences involving
one operation of addition or subtraction
PART 1
Identify, continue, create, describe and record
increasing and decreasing number patterns
Identify odd and even numbers of up to four digits
PART 2
Find missing numbers in number sentences involving
addition or subtraction on one or both sides of the
equals sign
Investigate and use the properties of odd and
even numbers
Recognise, continue and describe number patterns
resulting from performing multiplication
Find missing numbers in number sentences involving
one operation of multiplication or division
PART 1
Identify, continue create and describe increasing and
decreasing number patterns with fractions, decimals
and whole numbers
Find missing numbers in number sentences involving
multiplication or division on one or both sides of the
equals sign
PART 2
Continue, create, record and describe geometric and
number patterns in words
Determine the rule for geometric and number patterns
in words and use the rule to calculate values
Locate and record the coordinates of points in all four
quadrants of the Cartesian plane
ALGEBRAIC TECHNIQUES
PART 1
Use letters to represent numbers
Recognise and use simple equivalent algebraic
expressions
Simplify algebraic expressions involving the four
operations
PART 2
Substitute into algebraic expressions
Expand and factorise simple algebraic expressions
EQUATIONS
Solve simple linear equations using algebraic
techniques
Solve simple quadratic equations of the form x2 = c
LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Locate and describe points on the Cartesian plane
using coordinates
Describe translations and reflections in an axis on the
Cartesian plane
Describe rotations of multiples of 90 on the
Cartesian plane
Recognise, describe and record geometric and number
patterns in words and algebraic symbols
Plot linear relationships created from simple patterns
and equations
Solve simple linear equations using graphical techniques
LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Find the midpoint, gradient and length of intervals on
the Cartesian plane using informal strategies
Graph linear relationships from equations
Determine that parallel lines on the Cartesian plane
have equal gradients
NON-LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Graph simple parabolas, exponentials and circles on
the Cartesian plane using tables of values and digital
technologies
ALGEBRAIC TECHNIQUES
Apply the four operations to simplify simple
algebraic fractions
Expand and simplify algebraic expressions where
appropriate, including binomial products
Factorise monic quadratic trinomial expressions
EQUATIONS
Solve linear equations involving grouping symbols
Solve linear equations involving algebraic fractions
Solve quadratic equations of the form ax2 = c
Solve quadratic equations of the form
ax2 + bx + c = 0 (where a = 1) using factors
Solve equations resulting from substitution into
formulas
Solve word problems using linear equations
Solve linear inequalities
Solve linear simultaneous equations using algebraic
and graphical techniques
LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Apply the gradient-intercept form of the equation
of a straight line to interpret and graph straight lines
Apply the properties of the gradients of parallel and
perpendicular lines on the Cartesian plane
NON-LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Identify, draw and compare graphs of parabolas
of the form y = ax2 + c
Identify, graph and compare exponential curves
and circles
ALGEBRAIC TECHNIQUES
Add and subtract algebraic fractions with binomial
numerators
Recognise and apply the special products to expand
binomial products
Factorise monic and non-monic quadratic expressions
Apply factorisation to simplify algebraic fractions
EQUATIONS
Solve complex linear equations involving two or more
algebraic fractions
Solve quadratic equations by factorising, by completing
the square or by using the quadratic formula
Solve simple cubic equations of the form ax3 = k
Rearrange literal equations
Solve simultaneous equations where one equation is
non-linear, using algebraic and graphical techniques
LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Use formulas to find the midpoint, gradient and length
of intervals on the Cartesian plane
Apply various standard forms of the equation
of a straight line
Solve problems involving straight lines on the Cartesian
plane, including parallel and perpendicular lines
NON-LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS
Draw, interpret and compare graphs of parabolas of the
form y = ax2 + bx + c using a variety of techniques
Determine the equation of the axis of symmetry
and the coordinates of the vertex of a parabola
Draw, interpret and compare graphs of hyperbolas,
exponentials, circles and simple cubic functions
POLYNOMIALS #
Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials
Apply the factor and remainder theorems
Identify features of graphs of polynomials from their
equations
Sketch a range of polynomials
LOGARITHMS #
Define logarithms
Establish and apply the laws of logarithms
Solve simple exponential equations
FUNCTIONS AND OTHER GRAPHS #
Define functions and use function notation
Determine inverse functions
Note: Optional subtrands identified by #
ME ASUREMENT
AND GEOME T RY
E ARLY S TAGE 1 S TAGE 1 S TAGE 2 S TAGE 3 S TAGE 4 S TAGE 5. 1 S TAGE 5. 2 S TAGE 5. 3
LENGTH
Identify the attribute of length as a measure of an
object from end to end
Describe length and distance using everyday
language, including comparatives
Compare lengths using direct comparison
Record comparisons of length informally
PART 1
Use uniform informal units to measure, compare and
estimate lengths
PART 2
Record lengths by referring to the number and type of
uniform informal unit used
Compare and order shapes/objects based on length
measured using uniform informal units
Recognise the need for formal units to measure length
Use metres and centimetres to measure and estimate
lengths and distances
Record lengths using the abbreviations m and cm
PART 1
Use metres, centimetres and millimetres to measure,
compare, order and estimate lengths
Record lengths using the abbreviations m, cm and mm
PART 2
Select and use appropriate scaled instruments and
units to measure and compare lengths
Estimate and measure perimeters of two dimensional
shapes
Convert between metres, centimetres and millimetres
Record lengths and distances using decimal notation
to two decimal places
Use a scaled instrument to measure and compare
temperatures
Record temperatures using the symbol for degrees
()
PART 1
Use the kilometre to measure lengths and distances
Select and use appropriate instruments and units to
measure lengths
Record lengths and distances using the abbreviations
km, m, cm and mm
Find perimeters of common two-dimensional shapes
and record the strategy
PART 2
Record lengths and distances using decimal notation
to three decimal places
Convert between kilometres, metres, centimetres
and millimetres
Solve problems involving length and perimeter
LENGTH
Find perimeters of two-dimensional shapes
Establish and use formulas to find circumferences
of circles
Find arc lengths and the perimeters of quadrants,
semi-circles and sectors
Solve problems involving perimeter and circumference
For further information go to the Board of Studies,
Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES)
http://syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au/support-materials/
additional-support-materials/
NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITIES, 2014
WORKING MATHEMATICALLY is an essential part of the learning process that provides students with the
opportunity to engage in genuine mathematical activity. Students develop understanding and fuency in
mathematics through inquiry, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, applying problem-solving skills,
communication and reasoning.
COMMUNICATING: students develop the ability to use representations, in written, oral or graphical form,
to formulate and express mathematical ideas. Students are communicating mathematically when they describe,
represent and explain mathematical situations, concepts and solutions to problems.
PROBLEM SOLVING: students develop the ability to make choices, interpret, model and investigate unfamiliar
problem situations. They solve problems when they use mathematics, design investigations, apply strategies
to seek reasonable solutions and communicate their fndings effectively.
REASONING: students develop the capacity for logical thought and actions, such as analysing, proving,
evaluating, explaining, inferring, justifying and generalising. They are reasoning when they explain their thinking,
deduce and justify strategies and conclusions reached, prove that something is true or false, and compare and
contrast ideas.
UNDERSTANDING AND FLUENCY are encompassed in the development of knowledge,
skills and understanding across all strands.
UNDERSTANDING: students develop an understanding of the relationship between the why and the
how of mathematics. They build understanding when they connect related ideas, represent concepts in
different ways, identify commonalities and differences between aspects of content, describe their thinking
and interpret information.
FLUENCY: students are fuent when they calculate answers effciently, recognise robust ways of answering
questions, choose appropriate methods and approximations, recall defnitions and regularly use facts, and
manipulate expressions and equations to fnd solutions.
Continuum of Key Ideas
Mathematics K10
9997_K-10 Continuum_F_3 March.indd 1 3/03/14 3:36 PM
ME ASUREMENT
AND GEOME T RY
E ARLY S TAGE 1 S TAGE 1 S TAGE 2 S TAGE 3 S TAGE 4 S TAGE 5. 1 S TAGE 5. 2 S TAGE 5. 3
AREA
Identify the attribute of area as a measure of the
amount of surface
Describe area using everyday language, including
comparatives
Compare areas using direct comparison
Record comparisons of area informally
PART 1
Use uniform informal units to measure and estimate
areas
Record areas by referring to the number and type of
uniform informal unit used
PART 2
Compare and order surfaces based on area measured
using uniform informal units
PART 1
Recognise the need for formal units to measure area
Use square centimetres and square metres to measure
and estimate rectangular (and square) areas
Record lengths using the abbreviations cm2 and m2
PART 2
Measure and compare the areas of regular and
irregular shapes using a square centimetre grid
Compare areas measured in square centimetres and
square metres
PART 1
Recognise the need for square kilometres and
hectares to measure area
Record areas using the abbreviations km2 and ha
Develop a strategy to find areas of rectangles
(including squares) and record the strategy in words
PART 2
Develop a strategy to find areas of triangles and
record the strategy in words
Solve problems involving areas of rectangles
(including squares) and triangles
AREA
Convert between metric units of area
Establish and use formulas to find the areas of
triangles, special quadrilaterals and circles
Solve problems involving area
AREA AND SURFACE AREA
Solve problems involving areas of composite shapes
by dissection into triangles, quadrilaterals, quadrants,
semi-circles and sectors
Solve problems involving the surface area of
rectangular and triangular prisms
AREA AND SURFACE AREA
Solve problems involving surface area of right prisms,
cylinders and related composite solids
AREA AND SURFACE AREA
Solve problems involving surface area of right
pyramids, right cones, spheres and related
composite solids
VOLUME
AND
CAPACITY
Identify the attribute of capacity as a measure of the
amount of substance a container can hold
Identify the attribute of volume as a measure of the
amount of space an object occupies
Describe capacity and volume using everyday
language, including comparatives
Compare volumes and capacities using direct
comparison
Record comparisons of capacity and volume
informally
PART 1
Use uniform informal units to measure, compare and
estimate capacities
Use uniform informal units to measure and estimate
volumes
Record capacities and volumes by referring to the
number and type of uniform informal unit used
PART 2
Compare and order objects based on capacity and
volume measured using uniform informal units
PART 1
Recognise the need for formal units to measure
capacity and volume
Use litres to measure, compare and estimate
capacities and volumes
Use cubic centimetres to measure and compare
volumes
Record capacities and volumes using the
abbreviations L and cm3
PART 2
Use litres and millilitres to measure, compare and
estimate capacities and volumes
Record capacities and volumes using the
abbreviations L and mL
Convert between litres and millilitres
Compare volumes of objects by submerging each in
water
PART 1
Use cubic centimetres and cubic metres to measure
and estimate volumes
Select and use appropriate units to measure volume
Record volumes using the abbreviations cm3 and m3
PART 2
Connect volume and capacity and their units of
measurement
Record volumes and capacities using decimal notation
to three decimal places
Convert between millilitres and litres
Develop a strategy to find volumes of rectangular
prisms and record the strategy in words
VOLUME
Visualise and draw different views of three
dimensional objects
Convert between metric units of volume and capacity
Establish and use formulas to find volumes of right
prisms and cylinders
Solve problems involving volume and capacity
VOLUME
Solve problems involving volume and capacity of
prisms, cylinders and related composite solids
VOLUME
Solve problems involving volume of right pyramids,
right cones, spheres and related composite solids
MASS
Identify the attribute of mass as a measure of the
amount of matter in an object
Describe mass using everyday language, including
comparatives
Compare masses directly by hefting
Record comparisons of mass informally
PART 1
Place objects on either side of a pan balance to obtain
a level balance
Use a pan balance to compare two objects based
on mass
PART 2
Use uniform informal units to measure, compare and
estimate the masses of objects
Record masses by referring to the number and type
of uniform informal unit used
PART 1
Recognise the need for formal units to measure mass
Use kilograms to measure, compare, order and
estimate masses
Record masses using the abbreviation kg
PART 2
Use kilograms and grams to measure and compare
masses using a scaled instrument
Record masses using the abbreviations kg and g
PART 1
Recognise the need for tonnes to measure mass
Record masses using the abbreviations t, kg and g
Select and use appropriate instruments and units
to measure mass
Distinguish between gross mass and net mass
Solve problems involving mass
PART 2
Record mass using decimal notation to three
decimal places
Convert between tonnes, kilograms and grams
TIME
Compare and order the duration of events using
everyday language
Sequence events in time
Connect days of the week to familiar events and
actions
Tell time on the hour on digital and analog clocks
PART 1
Name and order months and seasons
Use a calendar to identify the date and determine
the number of days in each month
Tell time to the half-hour
PART 2
Use a calendar to determine duration in months,
weeks and days
Use informal units to measure and compare the
durations of events
Experience activities with duration of one hour, half/
quarter of an hour, one minute and a few seconds
Tell time to the quarter-hour, using the language
of past and to
PART 1
Recognise the coordinated movements of the hands
on a clock
Read and record time to the minute, using digital
notation and the terms past and to
PART 2
Convert between seconds, minutes, hours and days
Use and interpret am and pm notation
Read and interpret simple timetables, timelines and
calendars
PART 1
Convert between 12- and 24-hour time
Determine and compare the duration of events
PART 2
Interpret and use timetables
Draw and interpret timelines using a given scale
TIME
Perform operations with time units mentally and with
a calculator
Interpret international time zones
NUMBERS OF ANY MAGNITUDE
Round numbers to a specified number
of significant figures
Convert between metric units for very large and very
small measurements, including measurements of
digital information
Express numbers in scientific notation using positive
and negative powers of 10
THREE-
DIMENSIONAL
SPACE
Describe features of common three dimensional
objects using everyday language
Sort and manipulate three-dimensional objects found
in the environment
PART 1
Distinguish between flat and curved surfaces
Use the term faces to describe flat surfaces with
straight edges
Identify cones, cubes, cylinders, spheres and prisms
presented in different orientations, in pictures and the
environment
Recognise that three-dimensional objects look
different from different vantage-points
PART 2
Use the terms flat surface, curved surface, face,
edge and vertex appropriately to describe three-
dimensional objects
Recognise faces of three-dimensional objects as
two-dimensional shapes
Distinguish between three-dimensional objects
and two-dimensional shapes
Represent three-dimensional objects in models and
drawings
PART 1
Identify, describe and compare features of prisms,
pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres
Make models of three-dimensional objects
Create nets from everyday packages
PART 2
Represent three-dimensional objects in drawings
showing depth
Sketch three-dimensional objects from different views
Interpret and make drawings of objects on
isometric grid paper
PART 1
Name prisms and pyramids according to the shape of
their base
Recognise that prisms have a uniform cross section
and pyramids do not
Describe and compare properties of prisms and
pyramids in terms of their faces, edges and vertices
Connect three-dimensional objects with their nets
PART 2
Construct prisms and pyramids using a variety of
materials, and given drawings from different views
TWO-
DIMENSIONAL
SPACE
Identify, name and describe circles, squares, triangles
and rectangles presented in different orientations,
in pictures and the environment
Sort, manipulate, make and draw circles, squares,
triangles and rectangles
PART 1
Identify horizontal, vertical and parallel lines
Identify and name triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons,
hexagons and octagons presented in different
orientations, in pictures and the environment
Use the terms side and vertex to describe and
compare two-dimensional shapes
PART 2
Make and draw two-dimensional shapes in different
orientations
Identify, perform and record the result of one step
slides and flips
Make symmetrical designs with a variety of materials
Identify, perform, describe and record the result of full,
half and quarter turns
PART 1
Identify and name the special quadrilaterals presented
in different orientations
Identify and describe shapes as regular or irregular
Describe and compare features of shapes, including
the special quadrilaterals
Identify and draw lines of symmetry on shapes
PART 2
Combine common shapes to form other shapes and
record the arrangement
Split common shapes into other shapes and record the
result
Use transformations to create and describe
symmetrical designs
Create and record tessellating designs
PART 1
Identify, name and draw right-angled, equilateral,
isosceles and scalene triangles
Compare and describe side properties of the special
quadrilaterals and special triangles
Explore angle properties of the special quadrilaterals
and special triangles
Classify and draw regular and irregular two
dimensional shapes from descriptions of their features
Use the terms translate, reflect and rotate to
describe transformations of shapes
Identify line and rotational symmetries
Make and compare enlargements of shapes/pictures
PART 2
Identify, describe, compare and draw diagonals of
two-dimensional shapes
Identify and name parts of circles
Identify, use and describe combinations of translations,
reflections and rotations
RIGHT-ANGLED TRIANGLES
(PYTHAGORAS)
Establish and apply Pythagoras theorem to find sides
in right-angled triangles
Solve problems involving Pythagoras theorem
PROPERTIES OF GEOMETRICAL FIGURES
Classify and determine properties of triangles
and quadrilaterals
Identify line and rotational symmetries
Determine the angle sums of triangles and
quadrilaterals
Use properties of shapes to find unknown sides and
angles in triangles and quadrilaterals giving a reason
Identify congruent figures
Identify congruent triangles using the four tests
RIGHT-ANGLED TRIANGLES
(TRIGONOMETRY)
Use trigonometry to find sides and angles in right-
angled triangles (angles measured to nearest degree)
Apply trigonometry to solve problems involving
right-angled triangles, including the use of angles of
elevation and depression, from a given diagram
PROPERTIES OF GEOMETRICAL FIGURES
Identify similar figures and describe their
properties informally
Use scale factors and proportion statements to
determine unknown lengths in similar figures
Use scales on maps, plans and drawings
RIGHT-ANGLED TRIANGLES
(TRIGONOMETRY)
Use trigonometry to find sides and angles in right-
angled triangles (including angles measured to
nearest minute or second)
Apply trigonometry to solve word problems involving
right-angled triangles, including the use of three-
figure bearings and angles of elevation
and depression
PROPERTIES OF GEOMETRICAL FIGURES
Write formal proofs of congruent triangles
Verify properties of isosceles and equilateral triangles,
and special quadrilaterals using congruent triangles
Determine the minimum conditions for triangles
to be similar
Use deductive reasoning in numerical exercises
involving plane shapes
Establish and use the sum of exterior angles and the
sum of interior angles results for polygons
TRIGONOMETRY & PYTHAGORAS
THEOREM
Apply Pythagoras theorem and trigonometry to solve
three-dimensional problems involving right-angled
triangles
Define trigonometric functions and draw them for
at least 00 x 3600
Determine and use the exact trigonometric ratios
for 300, 450 and 600 to solve problems
Determine possible acute and/or obtuse angles
for a given trigonometric ratio
Apply the sine, cosine and area rules to solve problems
involving non-right-angled triangles
PROPERTIES OF GEOMETRICAL FIGURES
Write formal proofs of similar triangles
Use similarity relationships for area and volume
Apply deductive reasoning to prove properties of
isosceles and equilateral triangles, and special
quadrilaterals
Apply deductive reasoning, including use of congruence
and similarity, in numerical and non-numerical
geometry exercises
ANGLES
PART 1
Identify and describe angles as measures of turn
Compare angle sizes in everyday situations
Identify perpendicular lines and right angles
PART 2
Draw and classify angles as acute, obtuse, straight,
reflex or a revolution
PART 1
Recognise the need for formal units to measure angles
Measure, compare and estimate angles in degrees
(up to 360)
Record angle measurements using the symbol for
degrees ()
Construct angles using a protractor (up to 360)
Describe angle size in degrees for each angle
classification
PART 2
Identify and name angle types formed by the
intersection of straight lines, including angles on
a straight line, angles at a point and vertically
opposite angles
Use known angle results to find unknown angles in
diagrams
ANGLE RELATIONSHIPS
Use the language, notation and conventions
of geometry
Apply the geometric properties of angles at a point
to find unknown angles with appropriate reasoning
Apply the properties of corresponding, alternate and
co-interior angles on parallel lines to find unknown
angles with appropriate reasoning
Determine and justify that particular lines are parallel
Solve simple numerical exercises based on
geometrical properties
#CIRCLE GEOMETRY
Prove and apply angle, chord, tangent and secant
properties of circles
POSITION
Give and follow simple directions
Describe position using everyday language
Use the terms left and right to describe position
in relation to self
PART 1
Give and follow directions to move to familiar
locations and to position objects
Use the terms left and right to describe position
in relation to self and from the perspective of a
person facing in the opposite direction
Describe a path from one location to another
PART 2
Interpret simple maps of familiar locations
Represent the position of objects in models,
photographs and drawings
PART 1
Use grid-referenced maps to locate and describe
positions and pathways
Draw simple maps, with and without a grid
PART 2
Determine directions N, E, S, W and NE, SE, SW, NW,
given one of the directions
Interpret legends and directions on maps
Use the scale to calculate the distance between two
points on maps
POSITION
Use grid-referenced maps to locate and describe
positions
Follow a sequence of directions, including compass
directions, to find a particular location on a map
Describe routes using landmarks and directional
language
S TAT I S T I CS
AND PROBABI L I T Y
E ARLY S TAGE 1 S TAGE 1 S TAGE 2 S TAGE 3 S TAGE 4 S TAGE 5. 1 S TAGE 5. 2 S TAGE 5. 3
DATA
Collect information about themselves and their
environment
Organise actual objects into data displays
Interpret data displays made from objects
PART 1
Collect data and track what has been counted
Create data displays using objects and pictures
(one-to-one correspondence) and interpret them
PART 2
Pose questions and collect categorical data
Create data displays using lists, tables and picture
graphs (one-to-one correspondence) and interpret
them
PART 1
Plan methods for data collection
Collect data, organise into categories and create
displays using lists, tables, picture graphs and simple
column graphs (one to one correspondence)
Interpret and compare data displays
PART 2
Select, trial and refine methods for data collection,
including survey questions and recording sheets
Construct data displays, including tables, and
column graphs and picture graphs of many-to-one
correspondence
Evaluate the effectiveness of different displays
PART 1
Collect categorical and numerical data by observation
and by survey
Construct data displays, including tables, column
graphs, dot plots and line graphs, appropriate for
the data type
Describe and interpret data presented in tables,
column graphs, dot plots and line graphs
PART 2
Interpret and create two-way tables
Interpret side-by-side column graphs
Compare a range of data displays to determine the
most appropriate display for particular sets of data
Interpret and critically evaluate data presented in
digital media and elsewhere
DATA COLLECTION AND REPRESENTATION
Identify variables as categorical or numerical
(discrete or continuous)
Identify and distinguish between a population
and a sample
Investigate techniques for collecting data and
consider their implications and limitations
Collect and interpret data from primary and
secondary sources, including surveys
Construct and interpret frequency tables, histograms
and polygons
Construct and interpret dot plots, stem and leaf plots,
divided bar graphs, sector graphs and line graphs
SINGLE VARIABLE DATA ANALYSIS
Calculate mean, median, mode and range for
sets of data
Investigate the effect of outliers on the mean
and median
Describe and interpret a variety of data displays
using mean, median and range
Calculate and compare summary statistics of different
samples drawn from the same population
SINGLE VARIABLE DATA ANALYSIS
Construct and interpret back-to-back stem
and leaf plots
Describe data, using terms including skewed,
symmetric and bi-modal
Compare two sets of numerical data in a display
using mean, median and range
Interpret and critically evaluate reports in the media
and elsewhere that link claims to data displays
and statistics
SINGLE VARIABLE DATA ANALYSIS
Determine quartiles and interquartile range
Construct, interpret and use box plots to compare sets
of data
Compare shapes of box plots to corresponding
histograms and dot plots
Critically evaluate sources of data in media reports
and elsewhere
BIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS
Construct and interpret displays of bivariate numerical
data where the independent variable is time
Construct and interpret scatter plots of two
numerical variables
SINGLE VARIABLE DATA ANALYSIS
Calculate the standard deviation of a set of data
Use mean and standard deviation to compare two sets
of data
BIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS
Construct a line of best fit for bivariate numerical
data using digital technology
Critically evaluate the processes of planning, collecting,
analysing and reporting studies in the media and
elsewhere
Recognise that statistics are used in the decision-
making processes of governments and companies
CHANCE
PART 1
Recognise the element of chance in familiar situations
Describe chance events using everyday language
PART 2
Identify practical activities and everyday events that
involve chance
Describe events as likely or unlikely
Distinguish between possible and impossible events
Identify some events as certain or impossible
PART 1
Identify and describe possible outcomes of chance
experiments
Predict and record all possible combinations in a
chance situation
Conduct chance experiments and compare predicted
with actual results
PART 2
Describe possible everyday events and order their
chances of occurring
Identify everyday events where one occurring cannot
happen if the other happens
Identify events where the chance of one occurring
will not be affected by the occurrence of the other
PART 1
List outcomes of chance experiments involving equally
likely outcomes
Represent probabilities using fractions
Recognise that probabilities range from 0 to 1
PART 2
Compare observed frequencies in chance experiments
with expected frequencies
Represent probabilities using fractions, decimals and
percentages
Conduct chance experiments with both small and
large numbers of trials
PROBABILITY
PART 1
Construct sample spaces for single-step experiments
with equally likely outcomes
Find probabilities of events in single-step experiments
Identify complementary events and use the sum
of probabilities to solve problems
PART 2
Describe events using language of at least,
exclusive or (A or B but not both), inclusive or
(A or B or both) and and
Represent events in two-way tables and Venn
diagrams and solve related problems
PROBABILITY
Calculate relative frequencies to estimate probabilities
Calculate probabilities from Venn diagrams and
two-way tables
PROBABILITY
Calculate probabilities for simple and compound
events in two- and three-step chance experiments
with and without replacement
Distinguish between independent and dependent
events informally
Calculate probabilities of events where a condition
is given that restricts the sample space
Critically evaluate conditional statements in chance
situations

For further information go to the Board of Studies,
Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES)
http://syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au/support-materials/
additional-support-materials/
NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITIES, 2014
Continuum of Key Ideas
Mathematics K10
9997_K-10 Continuum_F_3 March.indd 2 3/03/14 3:36 PM