Mathematics

Our Approach to Learning

The high school mathematics program is designed to prepare you to solve problems, communicate and reason mathematically, make connections between mathematics and its applications, appreciate and value mathematics, and make informed decisions as a citizen. It is important to select math courses that are a good match to your abilities, interests, and future goals.

At Dr. Anne Anderson High School, students are encouraged to explain their understanding of mathematical ideas and develop their thinking in a variety of ways. Students engage with math manipulatives, allowing students hands-on experiences in order to visualize concepts.

Critical skills are reviewed often in order to support learning, to build fluency, and to allow students to work toward mastery of skills. Students are encouraged to analyze errors in work and to see mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. Computer technology is used to enhance understanding as students create connections between different disciplines. For example students may create an art project using mathematical equations.

The physical spaces in our school allow students to take Mathematics outside the classroom and engage both inside our building in terms of measurement and spatial math lessons, and outside our building in terms of looking at math in nature.

Teachers and students discuss the historical development of mathematics including how it was understood and lived in different cultures. Discussing significant contributions to mathematics from different parts of the world increases cultural awareness and appreciation.

Teachers at DAAHS discuss with students the concept that Mathematics is a language which creates increased appreciation by students of how we communicate in this symbolic form. Our mathematical language is a universal language with symbols that are the same in every country of the world - a system of communication with vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.

Courses Offered

Mathematics 10C (Combined) is the starting point for two course sequences (Mathematics 20-1 or Mathematics 20-2). With a focus on algebraic reasoning, students will learn to solve problems in a variety of ways. Students require a mark of 50% (or a letter grade C) in Math 9 to enroll in this course.
Mathematics 20-1 and 30-1 are precalculus courses designed to prepare students for entry into post-secondary studies involving calculus, such as engineering, business, and certain sciences. Topics include algebra, measurement, relations and functions, trigonometry, permutations, combinations, and binomial theorem.
Mathematics 20-2 and 30-2 are courses designed to prepare students for entry into post-secondary studies in programs that do not involve calculus. These courses emphasize the application of mathematics with numeric and geometric approaches to solve problems. Topics include geometry, trigonometry, logical reasoning, relations and functions, statistics, and probability.
Mathematics 10-3, 20-3 and 30-3 provides students with the foundational understanding and critical-thinking skills for entry into many trades and for direct entry into the workforce. Topics include geometry, measurement, trigonometry, finances, statistics, and probability.
Mathematics 31 is a calculus course that prepares students for post-secondary programs that recommend or require high school calculus for entrance. Mathematics 30-1 is a pre-requisite or co-requisite for this course.
Math Transitions 10 is a two-semester course that reviews prior concepts foundational to future math courses, using the Math 10-3 curriculum in the first semester. Students will also experience a portion of the Math 10C curriculum during the first semester. In the second semester students complete the Math 10C curriculum.
Advanced Placement™ (AP) designated mathematics courses expand the provincial course to also prepare students for the associated AP exam. Students take both Mathematics 20-1 AP and Mathematics 30-1 AP in their Grade 11 year and take AP Calculus in their Grade 12 year.

To earn an Alberta High School Diploma, students must complete a provincial 10-level and a 20-level mathematics course (earning a minimum of 10 credits). Competencies in Math 15 is a preparation course and does not contribute to the 10 required credits in Mathematics for the diploma.

Learning Connections

DAAHS hosts a math homework club where students can connect with each other and mentor teachers to help with learning math.

Students may participate in math competitions both in the school and in other locations in our community. Speakers from the University of Waterloo Math Department attend one of the annual math competitions and engage with students about math problem solving.

Opportunities to connect with organizations such as APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscience in Alberta), and Math outreach at the University of Alberta.

We celebrate events throughout the year through the lens of mathematics including PI day events and making mathematical holiday ornaments!

Career Pathways

Students who are interested in the fields of Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Nursing, Physical Education, Medical Technology, Teaching, and some Engineering Technology programs, should consider taking Principles in Mathematics (- 2 route). This route of study can support you with math skills needed in post-secondary studies such as statistics, data analysis, algebraic reasoning, trigonometry, and representing situations in a graphical manner.

Students who are interested in the fields of Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Medicine, Commerce, should consider taking Pre-calculus (- 1 route). This route of study can support you with math skills needed in post-secondary studies such as fluency with algebraic manipulation, and strong connections between algebraic and graphical modelling,

Students who are interested in the trades, apprenticeship programs, technical colleges or direct entry into the workplace, should consider taking Apprenticeship and Workplace Math (- 3 route). This route of study can support you with math skills needed such as measurement and trigonometry, working with measurement instruments and precision, financial calculations, statistics, and probability. This route can lead to careers such as Electrician, Millwright, Machinist, Carpenter, Horticulturist, Automotive technician, Baker, Boilermaker, Crane Operator, or Gasfitter.

Math at DAAHS 2023

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Mathematics @ DAAHS