2. The Math Team Subject Head – Mr. D. Wozniak (x572) Assistant Subject Head – Mr. M. Fava (x523) Math Teachers  Mrs. C. Hlevca  Mrs. H. Moorby  Mrs. C. Snowball  Mr. A. Silva  Mrs. L. Colarusso  Mrs. A. Lau  Mrs. L. Chulkova  Mr. P. Tsang  Mrs. S. Atwal  Mrs. S. Schmitt  Mr. J. Campbell  Mrs. A. Hasserjian  Mr. S. Balogh  Mr. L. Matheson

3. The Math Credits In order to graduate with an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma), you need to successfully complete 3 math credits, with one of the credits at the grade 11 or 12 level. A common question asked by students entering grade 9 is... “What math course should I take?”

4. Which Math Course Should I Take? In Grade 9 you can choose from three different grade 9 math courses:  Grade 9 Academic (MPM 1D)  Grade 9 Applied (MFM 1P)  Grade 9 Essentials (MAT 1L) Which course you choose should be based on your strengths and interests.

5. Comparing the Courses Grade 9 AcademicGrade 9 AppliedGrade 9 Essentials (Locally Developed)  Students learn the essential concepts of math and explore related material.  Emphasis on theory and abstract thinking. Practical applications are incorporated as well.  Students engage in independent problem solving and learning opportunities.  New topics are learned daily and work outside of class is required.  Students learn the essential concepts of math.  Emphasis on practical, hands-on applications and concrete examples.  Students engage in teacher- structured problem solving and learning opportunities.  New topics are taught over a couple of days and time for students to learn and apply the concepts is provided in class.  Students learn essential concepts of math while working towards grade level material.  Emphasis on practical, hands-on applications and concrete example and review of numeracy skills.  Students engage in teacher- directed problem solving and learning opportunities.  New topics are taught and multiple days are spent in class consolidating skills.

6. I Should Take Grade 9 Academic if... I do well in math and am comfortable exploring mathematical ideas with both a hands-on approach and an abstract approach. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide both integers and fractions without using a calculator. I am able to learn a new topic everyday and feel comfortable with it. I am comfortable solving non-routine problems. I generally do not need assistance with problem solving. I am willing to do at least 20 – 30 minutes of homework a day. My grade 8 teacher recommended me for this course.

7. I Should Take Grade 9 Applied if... I learn math best when it is hands-on and in context. I can sometimes add, subtract, multiply and divide both integers and fractions, but am more comfortable if I can use a calculator. I prefer solving problems that are familiar to me, but am also willing to try non-routine problems. I may require assistance with problem solving. I prefer to learn a new topic and have an extra day to practice it. My grade 8 teacher recommended me for this course.

8. I Should Take Grade 9 Essentials if... I need to review mathematical skills from previous grades. I need to regularly review what we learned through-out the course. I need to use a calculator to add, subtract, multiply and divide integers and fractions. I prefer solving problems that are familiar to me. I often require assistance with problem solving. I need many days on a topic to feel comfortable with it. My grade 8 teacher recommended me for this course.

9. Pathways In Mathematics

10. You Are Not Closing Doors... The Grade 11 U/C course (MCF3M) is a “hub” course, perhaps the most important one that we offer in High School. Whether you are in the Applied or Academic stream in grades 9 or 10, you can “connect” with the University stream through this course.

11. Please Remember... Choose your Grade 9 math course based on your current skill level. Consult your Grade 8 teacher for his/her recommendation. There are many pathways that lead to the grade 12 course you may require. You DO NOT require academic/university math to attend university. However, these math courses may be required for some specialized, math-based programs.

12. A Few More Things You May Want to Know...

13. Math Contests An excellent enrichment opportunity for students looking for a challenge. Run by the University of Waterloo. There are three different contests during the year. They are held in November, February, and April. See www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca for previous contests.

14. EQAO EQAO is the provincial wide test that all academic and applied students write at the end of the semester. Usually written the week before the January exam. It counts for 5% of students’ final marks. Previous tests are available for practice at www.eqao.com EQAO preparation also occurs as part of the course.

15. Homework & Extra Help There is homework almost every night. Extra help available from your child’s teacher, as well we have an extra help math room that is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday until 4:00 Thanks for coming!