The mission of the Math department at Burnaby South is to provide opportunities for all students to learn and explore all levels of mathematics. We encourage students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the science and language of mathematics. The mathematics department at Burnaby South Secondary School offers a wide range of courses intended to meet the varied needs, abilities, and interests of our students.
The Mathematics Department at South not only follows the BC Ministry of Education curriculum but also provides enriched programs in Grades 8 through 12. These rigorous course offerings are designed to prepare students for university, for their future careers, and for their personal lives. We aim to nurture and develop the following amongst our students. We also encourage strong participation, preparation and active interest in the numerous Regional, National and International mathematics contests and competitions that take place throughout the year – in which our students have achieved considerable success. These include the CNML, the AMC10, AMC12, COMC, Euclid, Pascal / Cayley/ Fermat, Galois/ Fryer/ Hypatia, and the AIME.
There are now three pathways in BC Mathematics. Each University or trades program has different requirements for entrance. Students should discuss which option is best for them with their counsellor and math teacher.
All three pathways are designed to provide students with mathematical understandings and critical thinking skills. It is the choice of topics through which those skills are developed that varies among the pathways. The goal of all pathways is to provide prerequisite skills, knowledge and attitudes for specific career choices while still proving mathematically rigorous courses required by BC graduates.
Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into the majority of trades and for direct entry into the work force. Topics include algebra, geometry, measurement, number, statistics and probability.
Foundations of Mathematics:
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies in programs that do not require the study of calculus. Topics include financial mathematics, geometry, measurement, number, logical reasoning, relations and functions, statistics and probability.
Pre-Calculus:
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of calculus. Topics include algebra and number, measurement, relations and functions, trigonometry, and permutations, combinations and the binomial theorem.
Notes:
- AP Statistics 12 is an elective course available for students in Grade 11 or 12.
- Calculus 12 or AP Calculus AB / BC are also available elective course options. Students must be taking Pre-calculus 12 or Pre-calculus 12 Honours concurrently (unless already completed).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Numeracy Assessment:
All Grade 10 students will write The Numeracy assessment during the week of Monday, April 12 to Thursday, April 16, 2021.
The assessment itself is delivered online and has three essential components:
- Common component: 24 questions answered online by all students
- Student-choice component: 2 long-answer questions answered on paper. These questions stem out of the information and work the student will have completed in the common component. Students get to pick 2 of 4 possible questions, based on their interest, and take their analysis deeper.
- Self-reflection component: answered online (not marked)