Trying to literally compare their difficulties is quite hard (it’s years 9-10 vs 11-12: they’re not on the same scale really) and it would not be possible to give you a precise answer. However the recommendation has been the following (presumably provided by NESA because every school I’ve seen seems to use it).
- Students studying 5.2 are recommended to study the Standard pathway at the stage 6 level, however if they show a strong capability they may be able to continue through with the Advanced pathway (2 unit)
- Students studying 5.3 may consider all pathways for mathematics at the stage 6 level (+ some other recommendations regarding MX1)
So potentially it’s uncommon for 5.2 students to take the advanced course, which would suggest some relationship between 5.2 and standard. But again, can’t comment precisely.