| postsecondary_math_acceptance_chart.pdf |
FAQ:
1. What are my choices, with a brief description?
Foundations of Math 11:
for students who are considering the social sciences, humanities, arts. (Example: Geography, History, Psychology, Business management**, English, Nursing**, Music, Fine Arts)
Pre-Calculus 11:
for students who are entering into math based post-secondary programs, typically with the intention of taking Calculus. (Example: Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Commerce**, Math, Nursing**)
Apprenticeship & Workplace 11:
for students who intend on going into
a trades program, or who will enter into the workplace directly.
(Trades Example: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing, Construction)
Note: **signifies that the program requirement is only for certain
schools.
2. Which should I take if I am unsure what I want to do after high school?
Foundations of Math 11 since this pathway allows for a broader range
of potential pre-requisites in post-secondary institutions. As well, a GPA math mark for admissions may better position an applicant, and they can still choose to go into the Pre-Calculus stream if they later change their mind. ( NB. Just like the different Gr 11 sciences, you can get credit for both Math 11 Foundations & Pre-Calculus 11 )
3. Who should take Pre-Calculus 11?
Students who have already determined that they are pursuing a math and/or science based programs in post-secondary. However, you should note that almost all of these programs will also require Pre-Calculus 12.
4. Are there any disadvantages to taking Pre-Calculus 11?
Yes. If you are not a strong math student, you could be jeopardizing your general admissions requirement into university or other post-secondary programs. For example, SFU will take an 80% Foundations of Math 11 student over a 79% Pre-Calculus 11 student (all other courses being equal) as a general admissions requirement.
5. Should I take Apprenticeship & Workplace 11 if I am sure I am going into the trades?
Maybe. You first have to look at the institutions and program that you are considering, and determine what their pre-requisites are.
6. Mathematically, what is the difference between Foundations of Math 11 and Pre-Calculus 11?
Quite a big difference. Compare Physics to Chemistry, both sciences, but each concentrating on different fields of science. Similarly, Pre-Calculus 11 will look at topics needed for the study of theoretical calculus (ex. Trigonometry, Algebra, Permutations, Combinations). Foundations of Math 11 will look at the mathematics needed for non-calculus based fields of study (ex. Geometry, Relations and Functions, Finance, Statistics and Probability). Note: All of these topics were originally taught in the Principles of Math courses, and they have now been divided.
7. If I am a strong math student (`B`or better), should I automatically take Pre-Calculus 11, even if I do not know what I am doing after graduation?
Maybe. You need to look closely at which direction you are leaning towards for post-secondary. If you decide to go into the Humanities (such
as Psychology), but took Pre-Calculus 11 and 12, you will not have learned the relevant mathematics for that field of study. As well, your GPA may not be as high by having taken the Pre-Calculus path, thereby jeopardizing your general admissions.
8. Can a student take more than one math 11 course?
Yes. “Students may consider taking more than one pathway if there are mathematical topics which interest them or they are not sure about their future career choices.” – Ministry website
9. Can a student switch course pathways?
Yes. The diagram below shows the possible movements. However, a student would need approval from counsellors/administration for a dramatic switch. (Ex. A student failing or struggling in one pathway would need to discuss plans to ensure success if wanting to take a more rigorous pathway.)
10. Which math course is needed for graduation?
Any 3 of the pathways can be used as a final math course graduation requirement.
1. What are my choices, with a brief description?
Foundations of Math 11:
for students who are considering the social sciences, humanities, arts. (Example: Geography, History, Psychology, Business management**, English, Nursing**, Music, Fine Arts)
Pre-Calculus 11:
for students who are entering into math based post-secondary programs, typically with the intention of taking Calculus. (Example: Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Commerce**, Math, Nursing**)
Apprenticeship & Workplace 11:
for students who intend on going into
a trades program, or who will enter into the workplace directly.
(Trades Example: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing, Construction)
Note: **signifies that the program requirement is only for certain
schools.
2. Which should I take if I am unsure what I want to do after high school?
Foundations of Math 11 since this pathway allows for a broader range
of potential pre-requisites in post-secondary institutions. As well, a GPA math mark for admissions may better position an applicant, and they can still choose to go into the Pre-Calculus stream if they later change their mind. ( NB. Just like the different Gr 11 sciences, you can get credit for both Math 11 Foundations & Pre-Calculus 11 )
3. Who should take Pre-Calculus 11?
Students who have already determined that they are pursuing a math and/or science based programs in post-secondary. However, you should note that almost all of these programs will also require Pre-Calculus 12.
4. Are there any disadvantages to taking Pre-Calculus 11?
Yes. If you are not a strong math student, you could be jeopardizing your general admissions requirement into university or other post-secondary programs. For example, SFU will take an 80% Foundations of Math 11 student over a 79% Pre-Calculus 11 student (all other courses being equal) as a general admissions requirement.
5. Should I take Apprenticeship & Workplace 11 if I am sure I am going into the trades?
Maybe. You first have to look at the institutions and program that you are considering, and determine what their pre-requisites are.
6. Mathematically, what is the difference between Foundations of Math 11 and Pre-Calculus 11?
Quite a big difference. Compare Physics to Chemistry, both sciences, but each concentrating on different fields of science. Similarly, Pre-Calculus 11 will look at topics needed for the study of theoretical calculus (ex. Trigonometry, Algebra, Permutations, Combinations). Foundations of Math 11 will look at the mathematics needed for non-calculus based fields of study (ex. Geometry, Relations and Functions, Finance, Statistics and Probability). Note: All of these topics were originally taught in the Principles of Math courses, and they have now been divided.
7. If I am a strong math student (`B`or better), should I automatically take Pre-Calculus 11, even if I do not know what I am doing after graduation?
Maybe. You need to look closely at which direction you are leaning towards for post-secondary. If you decide to go into the Humanities (such
as Psychology), but took Pre-Calculus 11 and 12, you will not have learned the relevant mathematics for that field of study. As well, your GPA may not be as high by having taken the Pre-Calculus path, thereby jeopardizing your general admissions.
8. Can a student take more than one math 11 course?
Yes. “Students may consider taking more than one pathway if there are mathematical topics which interest them or they are not sure about their future career choices.” – Ministry website
9. Can a student switch course pathways?
Yes. The diagram below shows the possible movements. However, a student would need approval from counsellors/administration for a dramatic switch. (Ex. A student failing or struggling in one pathway would need to discuss plans to ensure success if wanting to take a more rigorous pathway.)
10. Which math course is needed for graduation?
Any 3 of the pathways can be used as a final math course graduation requirement.
