Academic Handbook 2021-2022 109
Mathematics : FAQ
How will my daughter be placed in Mathematics in Grade 8 ?
It is important that a student is placed in a course in which she will have the greatest chance of being successful both in terms of mathematical growth and confidence . Placement includes teacher recommendation , past performance , external assessment ( s ), and a CHS placement assessment if they are interested in being considered for acceleration .
Do all students take Calculus ? Do they have to take Calculus for university ? growth mindset , focuses on differentiation as a tool to expose all learners to a challenging level of mathematics . For more information on growth mindset and differentiation in mathematics , please see Stanford University ’ s Dr . Jo Boaler ’ s book , “ Mathematical Mindsets ,” or her website ( youcubed . org ).
My daughter would like to accelerate her mathematical learning . What is the process ?
In general , acceleration is not recommended since the necessary conceptual thinking and problem-solving skills take time to fully develop . Permission from the Department Head is required to accelerate .
No . Calculus is not required for graduation from high school . It is recommended , however , for some university programs , e . g . Commerce , Science , Engineering . Students should research their postsecondary requirements carefully to see if Calculus 12 ( or AP Calculus ) is required .
Is acceleration required ( or recommended ) to take AP courses in mathematics ?
No . All mathematics courses at CHS prepare students for AP-level mathematics . Quite often , the most successful learning does not include acceleration as conceptual thinking and problem-solving skills take time to fully develop .
What is the structure of acceleration in the Senior School mathematics department ?
Students in the Mathematics 8 / 9 program will complete all the necessary learning outcomes of Mathematics 8 and Mathematics 9 in their Grade 8 year . After Grade 8 , students who are ahead in their mathematics courses will be placed in the applicable course ( for example , a Grade 10 student who is learning Pre-Calculus 11 will be placed in a Pre- Calculus 11 course with both Grade 11s and other Grade 10s in a similar situation ). See explanation of “ Mixed Grade Blocks ” in the section titled “ Framework of a Student Timetable ”. Current research in mathematics education promotes the idea of a growth mindset , rather than a fixed mindset . The mathematics department , to directly support a