Mathematics

 It is important that a student take a course in which they will have the greatest chance of being successful in terms of mathematical growth and confidence. Students should base their decisions on current proficiency in mathematics and future post-secondary plans. Students should identify which pathway best supports their post-secondary aspirations. Students can refer to the BC curriculum documents for Mathematics to determine current proficiency. https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/mathematics

Students should speak to their current math teacher. Students can also refer to the BC curriculum documents for Mathematics to determine current proficiency. https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/mathematics 

Most Grade 9 students enroll in our Principle of Mathematics 9 course. This course offers flexibility of pace in order to provide the best possible learning experience to challenge and support student understanding and confidence. 

For some students, a more accelerated approach may be desired. Strong, independent learners may complete both courses Mathematics 9 and Foundations of Math/Pre-Calculus 10 (FMPC 10) in the Grade 9 year. Students should discuss this option with their current mathematics teacher to see if it would be a good fit. Students wanting this option should select Foundations of Math/Pre-Calculus 10 in addition to Principles of Mathematics 9.

Some students entering Grade 9 may already have developed mastery and high-level proficiency with the ideas covered in FMPC 10. There is a challenge process to enter Pre-Calculus 11.

We do not recommend this option as summer courses do not cover the topics with the same depth and sometimes omit topics. Often these courses focus solely on content acquisition and do not build understanding or develop competency. Students should discuss any intention of taking a summer school course with their mathematics teacher and their Academic Advisor. 

That said, many strong and independent learners can master material on their own over a summer. We do offer a challenge process for students to prove undocumented prior learning and who may wish to advance their math pathway in their upper years of high school.

Yes. Some students are successful in this endeavour. It requires a thorough review of all topics in the course to be challenged. It is

recommended that students speak to their current Math teacher to discuss this option and to gain access to any resources that may

help them in their independent study.

Mathematics course challenge exams are offered in term 1 in September. Students will receive an email and must sign up with the link

provided. A conversation with the Head of the Department is also recommended. If you plan to challenge a mathematics course,

it is recommended to speak with your Academic Advisor and register for the higher level course in term 2. Once the challenge

result is known, then a decision can be made about which course to continue with at the start of term 2. 

Note: a course may only be challenged once and the result of the challenge becomes the transcript grade for the course. If you prefer not to accept the challenge result, then you must enroll in the year-long course in order to gain credit.

No, calculus is not required for graduation from high school. It is recommended for some university programs, such as sciences and some commerce programs; many engineering programs require calculus. We have 3 calculus courses on offer to cater to a wide variety of students and levels of challenge.  

Students can take a calculus course at the same time as, or after, they take Pre-Calculus 12.

Students are encouraged to seek additional support from their classroom teacher first. Additionally, there is a math teacher scheduled each school day at lunchtime for help. If the student finds they require more support than can be obtained through these sources, we encourage students to discuss additional support options with their academic advisor and teacher. 

Please contact the Head of Department for Math, Mat Geddes (mat.geddes@smus.ca).

Yes. For students who are planning on pursuing studies in social science, humanities, nursing, or fine arts, switching to Foundations of Math 12 is possible. A student may also choose to take both Foundations of Math 12 and Pre-Calculus 12.