Math

The mission of the Math department is to provide opportunities for all students to learn and explore all levels of mathematics. We encourage students to recognize the importance of Mathematics in their everyday life, to develop confidence in their ability to pattern solve, to develop critical thinking skills, and to enjoy doing math.

There are three pathways in BC Mathematics. Each post-secondary or trades program has different requirements for entrance. Students should discuss which option is best for them with their counsellor and math teacher.

• Workplace - Students who intend to enter the workforce or trades program directly after post-secondary should consider this pathway to help prepare them.
• Foundations - The Foundations pathway is for students who intend to study the arts, social sciences, or other disciplines which do not rely on Mathematics in post-secondary.
• Pre-Calculus - This pathway is designed for students who intend to study the sciences, business, or engineering disciplines. As the name implies, this pathway prepares students for Calculus and students should consider taking Calculus 12 to help prepare them for University.

Math Contests

Participation in National Competitions occurs throughout the year, all students with a strong interest in mathematics are encouraged to participate. More information can be found at:

University of Waterloo Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing
Canadian Mathematical Society Competitions

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Students at Johnston Heights Secondary in grades 8 - 10 are part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). For mathematics, students are assessed on the following four criteria:

• Criterion A: Knowing and understanding: Students select and apply mathematics to solve problems in both familiar and unfamiliar situations in a variety of contexts, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the framework's branches (number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics, and probability).
• Criterion B: Investigating patterns: Students inquire and use their critical thinking skills to work through investigations to select and apply mathematical problem-solving techniques to discover and describe complex patterns.
• Criterion C: Communicating: Students use appropriate mathematical language and different forms of representation when communicating mathematical ideas, reasoning, and findings, both orally and in writing.
• Criterion D: Applying mathematics in real-life contexts: Students transfer theoretical mathematical knowledge into real-world situations and apply appropriate problem-solving strategies, draw valid conclusions, and reflect upon their results.

Contacts