A New Choice: Mathematics 10C

The revised Grades 10-12 Mathematics Program includes a new option for students entering Grade 10. Mathematics 10C – the 'C' stands for 'combined' – is the starting point for both the Mathematics-1 and Mathematics-2 course sequences. Students who aren't sure  which course sequence they want to follow right out of junior high can take Mathematics 10C and then choose which path they want to take, either Mathematics 20-1 or Mathematics 20-2, in Grade 11.

It allows students more time, and more resources, before they have to make a decision about which course sequence to pursue. And it is designed to provide the student opportunities to switch sequences based on changes in his or her education and career goals.

Other Grade 10 mathematics courses available are the new Mathematics 10-3 for students planning to enter the majority of trades or the workforce immediately after high school and the current Mathematics 10-4 (Knowledge and Employability).

A Smoother Transition

The new program was designed to make it easier for students to move from Grade 9 to Grade 10 in mathematics. Mathematics 10C helps students who passed Mathematics 9 build on their achievements to succeed at new challenges in Grade 10. Students will spend a year learning in the high school format before choosing which sequence to follow in Grades 11 and 12.

Informed Decisions

The courses students take in high school affect the programs they can enter in post-secondary education. By waiting until Grade 11 to choose which mathematics course sequence to follow, students will have a better idea of their future career goals, their skill at high school-level mathematics, and the requirements for the post-secondary programs that interest them. Students can now get input from high school teachers and counselors on which course suits their specific skills and career needs. And a wider range of programs at universities, colleges, and technical institutes will accept the new athematics-2 course sequence than the current Applied Mathematics route, giving students more options at the post-secondary level as well.

Greater Flexibility

Students' goals and needs may change during high school, and with Mathematics 10C they can change their mathematics course to suit those new directions. Mathematics 10C includes topics needed for both Mathematics 20-1 and Mathematics 20-2. This means students will have the background knowledge to switch course sequences in either Grade 11 or Grade 12. Students will have more options in high school, which means more choices for their future education and career paths.