Options in Mathematics
FOR GRADE 11 STUDENTS IN 2010/11 AND GRADE 12 STUDENTS IN 2010/11 AND 2011/12
OVERVIEW - PATHWAYS IN MATHEMATICS Currently there are three pathways in Mathematics:
1. Principles of Mathematics
2. Applications of Mathematics
3. Essentials of Mathematics
Which pathway is suitable for the individual student?
In deciding on an appropriate pathway, students should take into account any long-term career plans and the academic qualifications needed. As well, students should select courses that are appropriate for their current level of aptitude in mathematics. The members of the mathematics department are always ready to advise students on course selection.
THE PRINCIPLES PATHWAY Students following the Principles pathway will find the emphasis placed on developing and applying mathematical concepts using symbol manipulation and abstract situations. This pathway will feature stronger links with problem situations as well as help students to develop the theory required for further study of Mathematics in calculus and post-secondary institutions.
THE APPLICATIONS PATHWAY
Students who select this pathway will find less emphasis on formal, abstract mathematics and less emphasis on extensive symbol manipulation. Instead, they will focus on developing the required concepts using “hands-on” approaches with concrete activities and mathematical modelling. This pathway is not intended as a preparation for students who are planning on taking Mathematics courses at university. Most University entrance requires Principles of Mathematics 11, however, Math 12 Applications is accepted by some faculties at some Universities. Visit the Counselling Centre to check specific University and College calendars for entrance requirements to the faculty in which you are interested. A math assessment may be required for entrance to some programs at College.
THE ESSENTIALS PATHWAY
Students who select the Essentials of Math 10 and Essentials of Math 11 pathway will find the emphasis placed on numerical calculation, measurement problems, consumer issues and problems involving money and financial planning. Completion of this program meets the requirements for Graduation.
As of 2010/11, there are new pathways in Mathematics (FOR GRADE 10 STUDENTS):
1. Mathematics – Foundations (grade 10- 12)
2. Mathematics – Apprenticeship and Workplace (grade 10 - 12)
3. Mathematics – Pre-Calculus (grade 11 & 12)
Which pathway is suitable for the individual student?
In deciding on an appropriate pathway, students should take into account any long-term career plans and the academic qualifications needed. As well, students should select courses that are appropriate for their current level of aptitude in mathematics. The members of the mathematics department are always ready to advise students on course selection.
Goals of Pathways
The goals of all three pathways are to provide prerequisite attitudes, knowledge, skills and understandings for specific post-secondary programs or direct entry into the work force. All three pathways provide students with mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills. It is the choice of topics through which those understandings and skills are developed that varies among pathways. When choosing a pathway, students should consider their interests, both current and future. Students, parents and educators are encouraged to research the admission requirements for post-secondary programs of study as they vary by institution and by year.
Foundations of Mathematics (begins Sep 2010 at grade 10 level)
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies in programs that do not require the study of theoretical calculus. Topics include financial mathematics, geometry, measurement, number, logical reasoning, relations and functions, statistics and probability.
Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics (begins Sep 2010 at grade 10 level)
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into the majority of trades and for direct entry into the work force. Topics include algebra, geometry, measurement, number, statistics and probability.
Pre-calculus (grades 11 & 12) (begins Sep 2011)
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of theoretical calculus. Topics include algebra and number, measurement, relations and functions, trigonometry, and permutations, combinations and binomial theorem.
“What happened if you change your mind about the pathway decision that you made before the start of the year?”
Because the three pathways are designed to give students different skills, attitudes, and knowledge for different career and post-secondary paths, they were not designed specifically to allow for lateral movement amongst pathways. As a result, we do not suggest students move from one pathway to another once a choice has been made and a student is working in one pathway’s courses. The pathway courses contain different content and were designed in such a way that students could take courses in more than one pathway if desired. For example, a student might take Foundations Math 10 and then decide that she wants to go into the Apprenticeship pathway – she would then take Apprenticeship & Workplace Math 10 as well.
OVERVIEW - PATHWAYS IN MATHEMATICS Currently there are three pathways in Mathematics:
1. Principles of Mathematics
2. Applications of Mathematics
3. Essentials of Mathematics
Which pathway is suitable for the individual student?
In deciding on an appropriate pathway, students should take into account any long-term career plans and the academic qualifications needed. As well, students should select courses that are appropriate for their current level of aptitude in mathematics. The members of the mathematics department are always ready to advise students on course selection.
THE PRINCIPLES PATHWAY Students following the Principles pathway will find the emphasis placed on developing and applying mathematical concepts using symbol manipulation and abstract situations. This pathway will feature stronger links with problem situations as well as help students to develop the theory required for further study of Mathematics in calculus and post-secondary institutions.
THE APPLICATIONS PATHWAY
Students who select this pathway will find less emphasis on formal, abstract mathematics and less emphasis on extensive symbol manipulation. Instead, they will focus on developing the required concepts using “hands-on” approaches with concrete activities and mathematical modelling. This pathway is not intended as a preparation for students who are planning on taking Mathematics courses at university. Most University entrance requires Principles of Mathematics 11, however, Math 12 Applications is accepted by some faculties at some Universities. Visit the Counselling Centre to check specific University and College calendars for entrance requirements to the faculty in which you are interested. A math assessment may be required for entrance to some programs at College.
THE ESSENTIALS PATHWAY
Students who select the Essentials of Math 10 and Essentials of Math 11 pathway will find the emphasis placed on numerical calculation, measurement problems, consumer issues and problems involving money and financial planning. Completion of this program meets the requirements for Graduation.
As of 2010/11, there are new pathways in Mathematics (FOR GRADE 10 STUDENTS):
1. Mathematics – Foundations (grade 10- 12)
2. Mathematics – Apprenticeship and Workplace (grade 10 - 12)
3. Mathematics – Pre-Calculus (grade 11 & 12)
Which pathway is suitable for the individual student?
In deciding on an appropriate pathway, students should take into account any long-term career plans and the academic qualifications needed. As well, students should select courses that are appropriate for their current level of aptitude in mathematics. The members of the mathematics department are always ready to advise students on course selection.
Goals of Pathways
The goals of all three pathways are to provide prerequisite attitudes, knowledge, skills and understandings for specific post-secondary programs or direct entry into the work force. All three pathways provide students with mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills. It is the choice of topics through which those understandings and skills are developed that varies among pathways. When choosing a pathway, students should consider their interests, both current and future. Students, parents and educators are encouraged to research the admission requirements for post-secondary programs of study as they vary by institution and by year.
Foundations of Mathematics (begins Sep 2010 at grade 10 level)
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies in programs that do not require the study of theoretical calculus. Topics include financial mathematics, geometry, measurement, number, logical reasoning, relations and functions, statistics and probability.
Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics (begins Sep 2010 at grade 10 level)
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into the majority of trades and for direct entry into the work force. Topics include algebra, geometry, measurement, number, statistics and probability.
Pre-calculus (grades 11 & 12) (begins Sep 2011)
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of theoretical calculus. Topics include algebra and number, measurement, relations and functions, trigonometry, and permutations, combinations and binomial theorem.
“What happened if you change your mind about the pathway decision that you made before the start of the year?”
Because the three pathways are designed to give students different skills, attitudes, and knowledge for different career and post-secondary paths, they were not designed specifically to allow for lateral movement amongst pathways. As a result, we do not suggest students move from one pathway to another once a choice has been made and a student is working in one pathway’s courses. The pathway courses contain different content and were designed in such a way that students could take courses in more than one pathway if desired. For example, a student might take Foundations Math 10 and then decide that she wants to go into the Apprenticeship pathway – she would then take Apprenticeship & Workplace Math 10 as well.
