BC
SECONDARY MATHEMATICS COURSE STRUCTUREBC
SECONDARY MATHEMATICS COURSE STRUCTURE
The mathematics curriculum for Grades 8 to 12 offers students a choice of routes through the different mathematics courses offered.
Mathematics 8 and 9
The Mathematics 8 and 9 curriculum provides all students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be numerate.
The prescribed learning outcomes for the Mathematics 8 and 9 curriculum form the basis of preparing students for Applications of Mathematics 10, Essentials of Mathematics 10, and Principles of Mathematics 10.
At the bottom of each column 1 in the body of this IRP, Suggested Extensions are identified. The Suggested Extensions are not provincial curriculum but are provided to assist teachers in developing programs of study that go beyond the provincial curriculum. Using the suggested extensions can provide students with opportunities for enrichment, giving them the ability to explore additional topics and add greater breadth and depth to the topics under study.
Students intending to take
Principles of Mathematics 10 should explore most of the suggested extensions.
Succesful completion of most of the suggested extensions will improve students'
preparation for Principles of Mathematics 10. It is the responsibility of teachers
to determine which, if any, of the suggested extensions their students should
study as teachers are in the best position to make these decisions.
After completion of Mathematics
9, students must choose one of three provincially developed mathematics programs
of study:
Both Applications of Mathematics 12 and Principles of Mathematics 12 have a provincial examination component. Students who successfully complete Applications of Mathematics 11, Essentials of Mathematics 11, or Principles of Mathematics 11 will meet British Columbia's graduation requirements.
In all three pathways, teachers
are expected to adapt instruction, learning resources, time, setting, or any
other factors to support their students in successfully meeting the outcomes
of the curriculum.
The Applications of Mathematics Pathway
The Applications of Mathematics pathway provides a practical focus that encourages students to develop their mathematical knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the context of their lives and possible careers. The instructional approaches used emphasize concrete activities and modelling, with less emphasis on symbol manipulation.
Students following the Applications
of Mathematics pathway will be prepared for many postsecondary programs that
do not require calculus as part of the program of study. The Applications of
Mathematics curriculum is intended to prepare students for entrance into some
university degree, certificate, diploma, continuing education, trades, and technical
programs, none of which require calculus.
The Essentials of Mathematics Pathway
The Essentials of Mathematics pathway focusses on the development of a sense of numeracy that will help students understand how mathematical concepts permeate daily life, business, industry, and government. The instructional approaches used to develop the required numeracy knowledge, skills, and attitudes emphasize concrete activities and modelling.
Students following this
pathway will be prepared to use mathematics in their personal lives as citizens
and consumers and will be prepared to enter a limited number of postsecondary
programs such as trades and vocational programs.
The Principles of Mathematics Pathway
Students following the Principles of Mathematics pathway will focus on developing an understanding of theoretical mathematics concepts such as algebra, trigonometry, functions, statistics, and probability.
One of the primary purposes
of Principles of Mathematics is to develop the formalism students will need
to pursue a wide range of postsecondary programs, particularly those that require
the study of calculus, such as mathematics, science, and engineering.
Calculus 12
This course is intended for students who have completed (or are taking concurrently) Principles of Mathematics 12 or who have completed an equivalent college preparatory course that includes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Students taking Calculus 12 should be prepared to write the UBC, SFU, UVic, UNBC Challenge Examination if they choose to do so. For more information concerning the Challenge Examination, contact the mathematics department at one of the above-mentioned universities.
Some schools may choose
to develop articulation agreements with their local colleges. Students under
these agreements may receive credit for first-term calculus (depending upon
the particular agreement).
©
Copyright 2001. All Rights Reserved. BC MOE Standards Department.
Maintained by: Mathematics Coordinator
Revised: September 5, 2002
Ministry of Education Home Page