| Maths |
Grade 9
Ninth Grade Math is intended to prepare the students for the IB Math courses. It is a foundation course for the study of functions and further concepts of mathematics. It is designed to review and reinforce the rules and procedures introduced in Math 8, especially in the manipulation of symbols in which letters take the place of numbers and operations are indicated in condense form. Much of the first semester’s work reviews and extends Math 8.
Students should be familiar with the use of variables, the manipulation of expressions involving variables, solutions of linear equations and graphing of equations involving one and two variables. Students are required to have a graphing calculator with a statistical mode. The Texas Instruments model TI-83 will be used in class.
Depending on the level of proficiency and understanding towards the end of this course, students will be tracked for the next level towards Math 10 or Math 10 Honors.
Grade 10
Tenth Grade Math is intended for students who need more time to develop proficiency in topics studied in Grade Nine Math. The course begins with a review of the basic algebra concepts needed for further study. After the students have some mastery of these concepts, more advanced topics in algebra are studied. The same approach is used with concepts studied in geometry. The year closes with exposing the students to topics encountered in the IB Standard Level courses.
Grade 10 Honors
Tenth Grade Honors Math is intended for students who have a solid background in algebra including the ability to solve linear and quadratic equations, including systems of two equations and graphing functions. Students are introduced to logarithmic and exponential functions. The course begins with a review of algebra topics that the students should have a mastery of. More advanced topics in algebra are studied using a more rigorous approach. Many pre-calculus topics are covered during the course of the year, which includes an emphasis on a study of trigonometry, functions and graphs, sequences and series and an introduction to limits.
IB Math Studies Year 1& 2 (SL)
Mathematical Studies is aimed at students with varied backgrounds and abilities. More specifically, it is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of Mathematics in students who anticipate pursuing a liberal arts degree in their future studies. Students embarking on this course need to be equipped with fundamental skills and a rudimentary knowledge of basic processes. The nature of Mathematical Studies is such that it concentrates on Mathematics that can be applied to contexts related as much as possible, to other disciplines, to common general world occurrences, and to topics that relate to home, work and leisure situations. The program includes a unique feature within group 5, the Project. The Project is a written work based on personal research that is guided and supervised by the teacher. It provides an opportunity for the student to undertake an investigation of a mathematical nature in the context of another subject in the curriculum, a hobby, or interest of his/her choice, using skills learned before and during the Mathematical Studies course. This process allows students to ask their own questions about Mathematics and to acquire ownership of a part of the program. All parts of the syllabus have been carefully selected to ensure that an approach from first principles can be used. As a result, students are able to use their own inherent, logical thinking skills and do not have to rely on standard algorithms and remembered formulas. For many Mathematical Studies students this will be their last formal course in Mathematics.
IB Math Standard Level Year 1& 2 (SL)
Mathematics Standard Level is aimed at students who anticipate a need for a sound mathematical background in preparation for future studies in Mathematics. The program focuses on introducing a rigorous, calculus-based program. Important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques include differential and integral calculus along with a review of probability and statistics and other topics from Pre-Calculus. Portfolio work as described in the IB Math curriculum is required as an essential piece to complete as part of their Internal Assessment for the Group 5 IB program.
IB Math Higher Level Year 1& 2 (HL)
Higher Level Mathematics is aimed at the student with a strong background in mathematics, and who is competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. This is a university level course specifically aimed towards the strong math student who is a serious IB candidate. Most students who choose HL Mathematics expect to include Mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as Physics, Engineering and Technology. The course is open only to students who intend to sit the exam in May of the second year. Students are expected to have a natural aptitude and very strong background in algebra and trigonometry with considerable experience of functions and their graphs including polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Portfolio work as well as the study of one of the four Optional Topics as described in the IB Math curriculum is required as essential pieces to complete as part of the Group 5 IB program.
Senior Math
This course is intended for those seniors who have no longer chosen to continue with the IB program or have never enrolled in the IB Diploma program at the start of their Junior year and yet still want to take a math course. The course begins with a good review of all basic algebra topics that should have been mastered during their former math classes. Additional advanced topics in algebra are studied in the aim that the student will gain the algebra skills needed for their first college algebra course. One quarter of the class is devoted to the study of trigonometry that is a pre-requisite for calculus. The year ends with a study of Probability and Statistics covering such topics as cumulative frequency diagrams and normal distributions.
