2013 - 2014 Course Selection Guide Book - Claremont Secondary ...

GRADE 10
Claremont Secondary – Course Guide 2013-2014
There are two options in Grade 10. Students may take both pathways.
APPRENTICESHIP AND WORKPLACE MATHEMATICS 10 (2303)
Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10 is designed to provide students with the
mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into the majority
of trades at the post-secondary level and for direct entry into the work force.
FOUNDATIONS OF MATH AND PRE-CALCULUS 10 (2309)
Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 enables the students to continue on to either
Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 11. The Foundations of Math pathway is designed to
provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified
for entry into post-secondary programs that do not require the study of theoretical calculus,
like Economics, Geography, Arts, or Humanities. The Pre-Calculus pathway is designed to
provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified
for entry into post-secondary programs that do require the study of theoretical calculus, like
Sciences, Engineering, Nursing or Medicine.
COURSE SELECTION FAQ’S
“Which Math course is best suited to my child?”
While there is no “rule” about which Math course is right for each student, the decision can be
made easier by thinking about your child’s future education and career plans. If your child
enjoys working on projects and “hands-on” activities, or intends to pursue a trade or technical
job, then the Apprenticeship and Workplace pathway might be the right choice. If your child is
planning further study in the Arts or Humanities, then Foundations of Math is likely the right
choice. Students interested in Math and Sciences in post-secondary should take the Pre-
Calculus pathway. There is also nothing to preclude a student from taking more than one path.
Your child’s education choices after high school depend, in part, on the courses they take in
high school. To make an informed decision about which course is best suited for your child,
you both need to find out as much as you can about each pathway. You can do this by talking
to your child’s math teacher or a school counsellor.
“What happens if we change our mind about the pathway decision that we made
before the start of this year?”
Because the pathways were designed to give students different skills, attitudes, and knowledge
for different career and post-secondary paths, they were not designed specifically to allow for
lateral movement between the pathways. For example, this means that a student who took
only AWP10 would likely not have the skills needed in either Foundations 11 or Pre-Calculus
11.
If, after high school, your son/daughter changes career paths and realizes that he/she needs
Pre-Calculus 11 or 12 instead of the Foundations courses taken, colleges and universities will
offer these or equivalent courses for upgrading. Your son/daughter should choose the courses
that best fit his/her current math interest and best fit his/her current post-secondary direction.
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