Welcome to Math!!

1. Welcome to Math!!

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

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 arefamiliarto me, but am also willing to try non-routine problems. I may require assistancewith 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 reviewwhat we learned through-out the course. • I need to use a calculatorto 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!