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Math Department
Department MATH
The high school mathematics program is intended to provide mathematical skills to university bound students. The curriculum offers courses that develop a core mathematical knowledge for all students as well as advanced courses to those wanting additional mathematics.
Advanced courses consisting of IB Mathematics SL, IB Mathematics HL, AP Calculus and AP Statistics are intended for highly motivated students. Students wanting to enter these courses must have taken all courses in the appropriate pathway (either Core or Extended).
The graduation requirement for mathematics is two years. It is strongly recommended that all students take a mathematics course through to their senior year. All students are required to have a graphing calculator (TI 84 plus recommended).
ISB
ATTRIBUTES
I work with my peers to ask questions to each other and compare work. That way, I am able to learn math with less pressure in a more effective way. Throughout the course, I have developed problemsolving and critical thinking skills which are very useful in other classes as well. It has allowed me to think more logically and be more thoughtful when solving any problems.”
Monica, Gr11
MATH Essentials 1
Length: 1 year | Credit:1 Prerequisite: Math 8 Core
This is the first year of a two-year sequence of courses introducing students to the beauty of the language, structure and applications of mathematics. Emphasis is placed on balancing the skills of Algebra and Geometry, problem solving, real life applications, and using technology. The general topics of study will focus on effective use of technology and then move to reinforce algebra concepts and skills associated with simplifying and solving linear equations. Data analysis with statistics is then investigated in the remainder of the first semester. The course then strives to develop an understanding of geometrical concepts involving this algebra. The second half of the course will begin with a study of congruence and similarity, then move to a look at right triangle trigonometry, area and volume. It will conclude with topics to develop skills related to further algebraic skills including an appreciation of quadratic functions.
Depending on teacher recommendation, students completing Math 8 Core in middle school will take this course.
MATH Essentials 2
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math Essentials 1
Math Essentials 2 will be offered to students who have completed Math Essentials 1 and will prepare students for IB Math Applications SL or Functions and Statistics (non-IB course). This course’s aim is to complete the development of mathematical core knowledge. The course begins with a review of linear equations and linear functions, then continues on in the first semester with area and perimeter of polygons and circles, solving and graphing linear inequalities, and finishes up with solving systems of linear equations. Second semester begins with a complete treatment of polynomials, moves on to volume and surface area of 3-D figures, then moves on to a study of quadratic equations and quadratic functions.
Students who successfully complete the Essentials pathway will be prepared for the non-IB mathematics class Functions and Stats then followed by the Financial Mathematics course.
Students who successfully complete this course will also be prepared for the IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations Standard Level course in grades 11 and 12, if they are looking to take the full IB diploma.
MATH Core 1
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math 8 Core with teacher recommendation
This is the first year of a two-year sequence of courses introducing students to the beauty of the language, structure and applications of mathematics. Emphasis is placed on balancing the skills of Algebra and Geometry, problem solving, real life applications, and using technology. The general topics of
study will focus on numeracy and then move to reinforce algebra skills associated with simplifying and solving linear equations. The course then strives to develop an understanding of the interrelated nature of Geometry and Algebra. Data analysis with statistics is then investigated in the remainder of the first semester. The second half of the course will begin with a study of congruence and similarity, then move to a look at right triangle trigonometry, area and volume. It will conclude with topics to develop skills related to more advanced algebra and functions including quadratics functions.
MATH Core 2
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math Core 1 with a teachers recommendation
This course will be offered to students who have successfully completed Math Core 1 and will prepare students for either of the IB Math Standard Level courses. The course’s aim is to complete the development of mathematical core knowledge while introducing students to the more in-depth topics of IB courses. The course will begin with a study of functions, including quadratic, exponential, logarithmic and rational, and then move to higher-degree polynomials. Skills in probability will be further developed, and circular functions will be introduced. The course will end with an introduction to advanced trigonometry concepts.
Students who successfully complete the Core pathway will be prepared for Functions and Stats or either of the IB Standard Level courses.
Students who excel in the Core pathway will be effectively preparing themselves for PreCalculus
MATH Extended 1
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math 8 Extended with a teacher recommendation
It is the first year of a rigorous two-year sequence of courses introducing students to the beauty of the language, structure and applications of mathematics. Emphasis is placed on balancing the skills of Algebra and Geometry, problem solving, real life applications, and using technology. This course’s aims are: to review and reinforce early linear algebra concepts and number sense, to develop an understanding of geometrical concepts and reasoning, to begin a study of triangle trigonometry, to continue data analysis with statistics and probability and to expand skills related to more advanced algebra and functions.
MATH Extended 2
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math Extended 1 with a teachers recommendation
The Math Extended 2 course will finish preparing students for either of the IB Math Higher Level. The course is designed for talented and ambitious math students who are desiring more in-depth study and rigor than the Math Core 2 provides. The course begins with a review of linear and quadratic functions from Year 1, before looking at higher-degree polynomials and complex algebra. Further topics include exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, sequences and series, and circular geometry. Skills in advanced trigonometry will be further developed, and the course will end with a study of rigorous probability and statistical topics.
Students excelling in this course will be actively preparing themselves for either IB Mathematics Higher Level courses in 11th grade.
MATH IN MOTION 1 & 2
Length: 1 semester each Credit 0.5 per semester
Prerequisite: Completion of Math Essentials 2 or Math Core 1 or Math Extended 1 Prerequisite for Math in motion 2: completion of Math in motion 1
Math in Motion will answer the question, “Why do we have to learn this stuff?” Through authentic, collaborative and engaging longterm projects, students will engage in the design cycle as they create tangible applications of mathematics; from trebuchets that can be used as fundraising games at Spirit Night, to statistically relevant solutions to problems they face in their lives as students, to the construction of big and small things that can improve the experience of students on or off campus.
Students will learn not only why familiar math content is useful and how to apply it in productive ways, but they will also learn all the “soft skills” that come with seeing through a series of collaborative, month-long projects from concept, to proposal, to prototype, to refined product, and finally to a curated exhibition of learning.
PRE-CALCULUS
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math Core 2, Math Extended 2 or Functions and Stats with a teacher recommendation
This course is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Math Extended 2 or received a 6/7 from Math Core 2. The course will provide an in-depth study of all topics essential to the study of AP Calculus. Students will be actively engaged in problem-solving, reasoning, connecting, and communicating mathematically as they explore families of functions. Special emphasis will be on the Exponential, Logarithmic, Logistic, Trigonometric, and Inverse Trigonometric functions from numerical, graphical, and algebraic approaches. Additional topics to be investigated include Sequences, Series, Polar Coordinate System, DeMoivre’s Theorem, Binomial Theorem, and Math Induction.
Students excelling in this course will be actively preparing themselves for the AP Calculus AB course.
AP STATISTICS
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Math Extended 2, Math Core 2 or Functions and Stats with a teachers recommendation
AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.
IB MATHEMATICS: APPLICATIONS and INTERPRETATIONS
(Standard Level or Higher Level)
Grades: 11 - 12 | Length: 2 years | Credits: 2
Prerequisite for SL: successful completion of Math Essentials 2, Math Core 2 with teacher recommendation Prerequisite for HL: Successful completion of Math Extended 2 with teacher recommendation
Applications and Interpretation SL and HL are appropriate for IB diploma students who are interested in developing their mathematics for describing our world and solving practical problems. They will also be interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models. Students who take Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a practical context. This subject is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, some economics, psychology, and design.
IBDP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations Course Guide
IB MATHEMATICS: ANALYSIS and APPROACHES
(Standard Level or Higher Level)
Grades: 11 - 12 | Length: 2 years | Credits: 2
Prerequisite for SL: successful completion of Math Core 2, with teacher recommendation
Prerequisite for HL: successful completion of Math Extended 2, with teacher recommendation
Analysis and approaches at SL and HL are appropriate for IB diploma students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They will also be fascinated by exploring real and abstract applications of these ideas, with and without the use of technology. Students who take Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches will be those who enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalization. This subject is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects with substantial mathematics content such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or economics
IBDP Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Course Guide
Grade: 12 | Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL1 & teacher recommendation
AP Calculus AB is primarily concerned with developing the students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and application. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. This course compares to a calculus course in university. Students in AP Calculus take the AP Calculus AB exam in May. Due to the parallel nature of the IB Analysis SL 2 curriculum and AP Calculus AB, an option for high achieving students in IB Analysis SL 1 is to take the IB Analysis SL 2/AP Calculus AB course. This course will cover the AP Calculus AB material but also cover the remainder of, and review, the IB Analysis SL material. In May, these students may take the IB Analysis Standard Level exam and/or the AP Calculus AB Exam. IB Math HL 2 students who wish to take the AP Calculus BC exam may do so by guided independent study.
IBDP Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Course Guide
AP CALCULUS AB
Length: 1 year | Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre-calculus Prerequisite: IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL1 & teacher recommendation
This course will run as a stand-alone course if there are numbers that support that happening. If not it will run as the combined course mentioned above.
FUNCTIONS and STATISTICS
Length: 1 year | Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Math Essentials 2 or Math Core 2 with a teacher recommendation.
This course is offered to students who have completed either Math Essentials 2 or Math Core 2 courses who do not wish to take an IB math class. The course will review and strengthen the concepts from previous math classes balancing the skills of algebra, geometry, problem solving, real life statistical applications, and using technology so that students are well-prepared to take on the challenge of remaining high school math classes or at college. Emphasis is given to the applications of mathematics in real life situations using investigations, projects and technology where mathematical techniques are used to define and solve problems.
Students who successfully complete this course are preparing themselves for Financial Mathematics
Students excelling in this course will be actively preparing themselves for AP Stats
FINANCIAL MATH (Part 1)
Grades: 11 – 12 | Length: 1 semester Credits: 0.5
Prerequisite: none
This is a first semester course with part 2 continuing in the second semester. It is offered at the 11 or 12th-grade level and is an excellent course for students who have completed Functions and Stats and are not full DP candidates. Students will be exposed to numerical and financial ideas which they are most likely to encounter in their lives. Such topics as: credit and credit cards, taxes and tax structure, mortgages, retirement planning, investing- actively managed mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, games of chance, statistics in sports, data presentation and spreadsheets, basic accounting principles and more. This course will not be a traditional math class in its presentation and assessment and will focus more on projects and presentations. Students will also greatly deepen their fluency and capacity with spreadsheets in this course as it will be the main tool used.
FINANCIAL MATH (Part 2)
Grades: 11 – 12 | Length: 1 semester Credits: 0.5
Prerequisite: Financial Math Part 1
This is a second semester course continuing from Financial Math Part 1. Students will continue to build on real-life financial concepts from the first semester including buying cars, insurance, short term loans, student loans, budgeting and the F.I.R.E lifestyle, in the hope of becoming more informed consumers of the numerical information encountered in life. This course will not be a traditional math course in its presentation and assessment and will focus more on projects and presentations. Students will also greatly deepen their fluency and capacity with spreadsheets in this course as it will be the main tool used.
