Mathematics
Cycle 1:
Students review and expand upon concepts including integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, lines and angles and are introduced to beginner algebra. Students approach math learning interactively using a variety of projects and learning evaluation situations.
Students taking the pre-AP course learn the grade 7 and 8 curriculum in grade 7. More information on pre-AP and AP math courses can be found below.
Cycle 2:
Secondary 3:
Pre-AP Science Math Stream: The science option is intended for students who seek to understand the origins of different phenomena and how they work, as well as to explain them and make decisions that pertain to them. Students who choose this option develop strategies and acquire an academic background that enables them to pursue their studies in the sciences or perhaps eventually specialize in research. This is an accredited course that will appear on the student’s transcript.
Prerequisite: 75% or higher in grade 9 math
Secondary 4:
CST (Cultural/Scientific/Technical): This option is intended for students who like to design objects and activities, develop projects or participate in making them or carrying them out. This course involves a greater use of statics and discrete mathematics. The program is ideal for students pursuing careers in the Arts, Communications, Business Marketing and the Social Sciences.
SN (Science Math): The science option is intended for students who seek to understand the origin of different phenomena and how they work, as well as to explain them and make decisions that pertain to them. Students who choose this option develop strategies and acquire an academic background that enables them to pursue their studies in the sciences or perhaps eventually specialize in research.
Secondary 5
AP Calculus: The AP Calculus program emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus with concepts, results and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically and verbally. The connections among these representations are also important. Through the use of the unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, applications and modeling, the course becomes a cohesive whole rather than a collection of unrelated topics (AP Calculus description from the College Board)
Pre-AP and AP Program:
The Pre-AP and AP math program at WHS offers an opportunity for students to advance their understanding of mathematics. Students learn and acquire post-secondary mathematics skills in addition to the provincial high school math program. This program is designed for students who display an active interest in math and are willing to work hard. Success in the program depends not only on a student’s ability and prior preparation but also on the amount of devoted time and sustained effort of each student. Students enter the program based on Grade 7 diagnostic testing and/or teacher recommendation.
At the end of Cycle 2 (Secondary 5) students are encouraged to apply their hard work and dedication by taking the AP exam and obtaining university level credits. The AP Calculus math exam is written in May of each year. For the past decade, our students have achieved a success rate of 90% or higher on the exam, with a success rate of 100% in the year of 2019.
MEES Leaving Exam: Secondary 4