Introduction to the Mathematics Curriculum

Mathematics is integral to every aspect of daily life.

Mathematical skills are essential for solving problems in most
areas of life and are part of human history. All peoples have
used and continue to use mathematical knowledge and
competencies to make sense of the world around them.

Mathematical values and habits of mind go beyond numbers and

symbols; they help us connect, create, communicate, visualize,
and reason, as part of the complex process of problem solving.
These habits of mind are valuable when analyzing both novel
and complex problems from a variety of perspectives,
considering possible solutions, and evaluating the effectiveness
of the solutions. When developed early in life, mathematical
habits of mind help us see the math in the world around us and
help to generate confidence in our ability to solve everyday
problems without doubt or fear of math.

Whether students choose to pursue a deeper or broader

study in mathematics, the design of the Mathematics
curriculum ensures that they are able to pursue their
individual interests and passions while establishing a strong
mathematical foundation. The Mathematics curriculum has
the same format as all other areas of learning. Three
curricular elements – the Big Ideas, Curricular Competencies,
and Content – link the knowing, doing, and understanding of
mathematics learning. Elaborations support each curricular
area by providing suggestions, definitions, and clarifications
to better support teaching and learning. More information on
the curriculum model is available at
https://www.curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/overview
Course Descriptions by Grade Level:

Grades 8−9

Mathematics 8

This is the first course in secondary school Mathematics, and it incorporates processes such communication, visualization, estimation, problem solving and
justifying thoughts. Topics include proportion, fractions, the Pythagorean theorem, algebra, and surface area and volume.

Mathematics 9

This course is designed to consolidate and extend topics introduced in Mathematics 8. Topics include operations with rational numbers, exponents, polynomials
and algebra, linear relations, shape and space, financial literacy, and statistics. At the end of this course, students are prepared for either Workplace
Mathematics 10 or Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10.

Mathematics 8 and 9 Accelerated

This is a special course designed for students who excel in math and would like to take on the challenge of completing two math courses in one year. Students
who take this course will have more space in their schedule during senior years to take courses like AP Statistics and AP Calculus. Applicants are selected based
on teacher recommendation and their performance on a challenge exam.
Grade 10

Workplace Mathematics 10

This pathway is designed to prepare students for entry into many of the trades, some fine arts programs, and for direct entry into the work force.
Topics include the metric and imperial systems, measurement, geometry, trigonometry, and the fundamentals of income. At the end of this course, students are
prepared to take Workplace Mathematics 11.

Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10

This course is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies in both the arts
and sciences. Topics include applying trigonometric ratios to right triangles, operations with polynomial expressions and powers, functions and relations,
systems of linear equations, arithmetic sequences, and financial literacy. Upon completion of this course, students are prepared to take Workplace Mathematics
11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, or Pre-Calculus 11.

Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 Enriched

The purpose of our enriched courses is to provide enrichment for students who excel and have a passion for learning Mathematics. The intent of this course is to
develop concepts at a deeper level to enrich student learning. Applicants for enriched courses are selected based on teacher recommendation, academic
achievement, work habits, interest in enrichment activities, and participation in extra-curricular activities such as math contests and math challengers.
Grade 11

Workplace Mathematics 11

This pathway is designed to prepare students for entry into many of the trades, some fine arts programs, and for direct entry into the work force.
Topics include measurement, geometry, data analysis, probability and statistics, formulae, and budgeting. At the end of this course, students have completed
their high school graduation requirement for mathematics.

Foundations of Mathematics 11

This course is designed to provide students with mathematical understandings and critical thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies in the arts or the
humanities. Topics include logic and reasoning, functions, geometry, and statistics. Although the course explores many abstract concepts including algebra, it will
not prepare you for university calculus. Students who successfully master the learning outcomes of this course may continue to Foundations of Mathematics 12.

Pre-Calculus 11

This course is designed to provide students with developing the mathematical understandings and competencies identified for entry into post-secondary
programs that require the study of theoretical calculus. Curricular content includes radicals, polynomials, quadratic functions, and trigonometry. It is
recommended that students earn an A or B in Foundations and Pre-Calculus Math 10 before taking Pre-Calculus 11 as this course can be academically
challenging.

Pre-Calculus 11 Enriched

The purpose of our enriched courses is to provide enrichment for students who excel and have a passion for learning Mathematics. The intent of this course is to
develop concepts at a deeper level to enrich student learning. Applicants for enriched courses are selected based on teacher recommendation, academic
achievement, work habits, interest in enrichment activities, and participation in extra-curricular activities such as math contests and math challengers.
Grade 12

Foundations of Mathematics 12

The practical focus of the Foundations of Mathematics 12 pathway is designed to enable students to develop their mathematical knowledge, skills, and attitudes
in the context of their lives and possible careers. There is increased emphasis on concrete activities and modelling, and decreased emphasis on symbol
manipulation (algebra). To take this course, students must have taken either Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11.

Pre-Calculus 12

This is an academic Mathematics course which is required for entrance into many university-level programs and prepares students for the study of Calculus.
Students will build on concepts learned in Pre-Calculus 11 by deepening their knowledge of algebra and graphing. Topics include transformations, logarithms,
exponential functions and equations, trigonometry, geometric sequences and series, polynomial functions, and rational functions.

Calculus 12

This course is designed to provide students with developing the mathematical understandings and competencies as a preview to post-secondary Calculus.
Curricular content includes limits, derivatives, and integration. Curricular Competencies (reasoning, problem solving, communication, connecting and reflecting)
are experienced through the content of this course. It is recommended that Pre-Calculus 12 precede this course, however if students are in grade 12, they can
take the two courses concurrently.

AP Calculus AB

This course is more rigorous than Calculus 12 and students will have the option to write an exam in May for first year university credit. Entry into this course can
be competitive and applicants are chosen based on teacher recommendation and their performance in Pre-Calculus.

Statistics 12

In Statistics, we learn to examine raw data, graphs, charts, rates, percentages, probabilities, averages, forecasts, and trend liens to see if a true experiment was
conducted. This course is open to any senior student who has completed Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10.

AP Statistics

This course is more rigorous than Statistics 12 and an exam can be written in May for first year university credit. This course is open to senior students who have
demonstrated an aptitude for math and have completed Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 and English 10.