Mathematics Pathways

The Nova Scotia mathematics curriculum provides students the knowledge, skills, and understandings for post-secondary programs or direct entry into the workforce. High school mathematics courses are organized into four pathways: Academic, Pre-calculus, Mathematics at Work and Mathematics Essentials with each pathway being organized to provide specific mathematical contexts, concepts and skills. When choosing a pathway, students should choose a pathway that best fits their interests and plans after high school. For students entering Grade 10, Mathematics 10 provides the most flexibility for future courses. This would be a good choice for students unsure of their post-secondary plans. Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to research the admission requirements for postsecondary programs of study as they vary by institution and by year.  

There are four main pathways for mathematics in Nova Scotia:

Academic pathway (academic credit type): 

Academic pathway (academic credit type): Courses in this pathway prepare students to enter post-secondary academic programs that do not require pre-calculus for admission 

Courses: Mathematics 10, Mathematics 11 (or Extended Mathematics 11) and Mathematics 12

Pre-calculus pathway (advanced credit type): 

Courses in this pathway prepare students to enter post-secondary academic programs that require pre-calculus for admission. This pathway branches off of the academic pathway. 

Courses: Pre-calculus 11 and Pre-calculus 12, Calculus 12

Mathematics at Work pathway (graduation credit type): 

Courses in this pathway prepare students to enter post-secondary programs that do not require academic mathematics (options at both community college and university) or who plan to enter the workforce directly after high school 

Courses: Mathematics at Work 10, Mathematics at Work 11, and Mathematics at Work 12

Mathematics Essentials pathway (graduation credit type): 

Courses in this pathway are designed for students who intend to enter the workforce directly after graduation or do not plan to pursue post-secondary programs that require mathematics 

Courses: Mathematics Essentials 10, Mathematics Essentials 11, and Mathematics Essentials 12

Links to individual mathematics course descriptions

Grade 10

Three mathematics courses are available at the grade 10 level: 

• Mathematics Essentials 10: (110 hours), 1 graduation credit

• Mathematics at Work 10: (110 hours), 1 graduation credit

• Mathematics 10: (220 hours), 2 academic credits

Grade 11

• Mathematics Essentials 11: (110 hours), 1 graduation credit

• Mathematics at Work 11: (110 hours), 1 graduation credit

• Mathematics 11: (110 hours), 1 academic credit

• Extended Mathematics 11: (220 hours), 2 academic credits

• Pre-Calculus Mathematics 11: (110 hours), 1 advanced credit

Grade 12

• Mathematics Essentials 12: (110 hours), 1 graduation credit

• Mathematics at Work 12: (110 hours), 1 graduation credit

• Mathematics 12: (110 hours), 1 academic credit

• Pre-Calculus Mathematics 12: (110 hours), 1 advanced credit

• Calculus 12: (110 hours), 1 advanced credit