Mathematics
For more than two thousand years, mathematics has been a part of the human search for understanding. From the initial desire to describe the natural world and form inescapable truths by careful reasoning, it has evolved to be used in all walks of modern life. From trends in politics to the stresses on the Bay Bridge, from bus schedules to recipes, from software engineering to weather patterns, math is all around us!
In the words of the famous Russian novelist and philosopher, Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy:
“Some mathematician has said pleasure lies not in discovering truth, but in seeking it.”
Grade 9
Our math program for grades 9 and 10 in the International Track has been tailored to prepare students from a diverse range of middle schools for the rigors of the IB math classes (all IB math courses entail calculus).
Math Placement: A student’s initial mathematics placement is based on quantitative SSAT (or equivalent) scores, the middle school math recommendation, and our own placement tests. We acknowledge that these tests do not provide full measure of a students's math aptitude and motivation. Accordingly there is always some results-based, teacher validated movement between classes during the first three weeks of school.
INTEGRATED MATHEMATICS I
[5 hours per week; taught in English]
Course Coverage: The core course is known as Integrated Math and is approved as a UC a-g requirement. Integrated Math consolidates algebra and contains elements of trigonometry, geometry and statistics (including probability). Integrated Math is based on the final two years of the internationally acclaimed MYP program.
Our teachers of Integrated Math differentiate their approach according to the aptitudes, levels of attainment and individual learning modalities of each student.
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: School defined
Updated: August 2016
We also have a more advanced Integrated Math class described formally for the UC a-g requirement as Algebra II/Geometry. This fast paced course is for students who have proven high math attainment from middle school, and who are on the fast track to our advanced integrated math class in 10th grade, formally labeled Pre-Calculus (again for the UC requirement).
Course Coverage: Instructional time in this fast-paced course will focus upon an extension of the Integrated Mathematics course with an additional Geometry component.
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: School defined
Updated: August 2016
FRENCH SECTION
MATHÉMATIQUES
This class includes an equal amount of geometry and algebra, and is aimed at students with a broad range of abilities, who are intending to sit the French National Brevet examinations. This class prepares students who will proceed to any of the French Bac or IB sections. Some of the topics covered are: simultaneous equation systems, working with literal expressions, linear mappings, quadratics, statistical measures and descriptions, introductory trigonometry, circular angles, vectors, pyramids, cones, spheres, coordinate geometry, translations, and rotations.
Assessment competencies:
• Communiquer à l'écrit et à l'oral
• Mettre en oeuvre une recherche de façon autonome
• Mener des raisonnements
• Avoir un esprit critique
Standards alignment: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
Updated: August 2016
Grade 10
This course is recommended for students entering 10th grade who have taken the Integrated Mathematics I course in 9th grade.
Course Coverage: Instructional time will focus upon a continued in-depth study of algebraic and geometric concepts including logarithms, complex numbers, trigonometry, circle theorems, functions, and similarity. Students will continue to develop their problem solving skills by recognizing the need for accuracy and the valid presentation of their reasoning.
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: School defined
Updated: August 2016
[5 periods per week]
This advanced and fast paced mathematics class is suitable for those students entering tenth grade who have demonstrated a high ability and an enthusiasm in all areas of mathematics.
Course Coverage: In addition to reinforcing the previously learned topics and concepts covered in ninth grade, students will be introduced to more complex mathematical topics including analysis of functions, matrices, transformations, analytic geometry, and loci.
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: School defined
Updated: August 2016
SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (SAT) MATHEMATICS PREPARATION
[1 period per week for 1 quarter]
This non-graded course is mandatory for all students in the 10th grade.
Course Coverage: This course provides students with an introduction to the format and requirements of the new (2016) SAT examination including the three main topics covered particular to the subject of mathematics – heart of algebra, problem solving and data analysis, and passport to advanced math. Students will be shown test taking strategies to employ through use of practice SAT tests.
Standards alignment: School defined
Updated: August 2016
FRENCH SECTION
MATHÉMATIQUES
[5 periods per week; taught in French]
Assessment competencies:
• Communiquer à l'écrit et à l'oral
• Mettre en oeuvre une recherche de façon autonome
• Mener des raisonnements
• Avoir un esprit critique
Standards alignment: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
Updated: August 2016
Grades 11 & 12
[4 periods per week]
This two year course is designed for students intending to pursue college studies in which highly rigorous levels of mathematics are not necessary, but where a solid understanding of the application of mathematical methods is helpful. It caters for students from a variety of mathematical backgrounds. Topic coverage includes: number and algebra, sets, logic, probability, functions (including trigonometric functions), solid geometry, statistics (up to hypothesis testing), financial mathematics, and introductory differential calculus. The student’s proficiency and application is demonstrated through a compulsory math project paper which forms a component of the final IB grade.
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: International Baccalaureate Organization
Updated: August 2016
[5 periods per week]
This two year course is designed for students who intend to pursue college studies for which a strong foundation in mathematics is required (for example: biology, chemistry, economics, business). Students need to possess knowledge of basic mathematical skills. The program delivers a variety of topics, including: the analysis of functions, algebraic manipulation, vectors and matrices, sequences and series, circular functions and trigonometry, statistics and probability, differential and integral calculus, and complex numbers. Students can demonstrate their analytical skills and mathematical methods through two portfolio tasks that form a component of their final IB grade.
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: International Baccalaureate Organization
Updated: August 2016
[5 periods per week]
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: International Baccalaureate Organization
Updated: August 2016
IB FURTHER MATHEMATICS HIGHER LEVEL
[Mentored advanced study: two or more periods per week]
Assessment competencies:
• Reads and interprets a problem in appropriate mathematical terms
• Formulates a mathematical argument and communicates it clearly
• Applies previously learned techniques in new situations
• Performs well on tests and quizzes
• Performs well on homework
• Manages time effectively and is fully engaged in class
Standards alignment: International Baccalaureate Organization
Updated: August 2016
LE BAC
There is no “spécialité” in Grade 11 S.
Assessment competencies:
• Communiquer à l'écrit et à l'oral
• Mettre en oeuvre une recherche de façon autonome
• Mener des raisonnements
• Avoir un esprit critique
Standards alignment: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
Updated: August 2016
The "spécialité" course focuses on number theory (prime numbers, congruencies, Bézout and Gauss theorems) and on plane transformations (isometric and non isometric transformation with an introduction to abstract algebra and examples of groups).
Assessment competencies:
• Communiquer à l'écrit et à l'oral
• Mettre en oeuvre une recherche de façon autonome
• Mener des raisonnements
• Avoir un esprit critique
Standards alignment: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
Updated: August 2016
PREMIÈRE ES MATHÉMATIQUES
Assessment competencies:
• Communiquer à l'écrit et à l'oral
• Mettre en oeuvre une recherche de façon autonome
• Mener des raisonnements
• Avoir un esprit critique
Standards alignment: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
Updated: August 2016
TERMINALE ES MATHÉMATIQUES
Assessment competencies:
• Communiquer à l'écrit et à l'oral
• Mettre en oeuvre une recherche de façon autonome
• Mener des raisonnements
• Avoir un esprit critique
Standards alignment: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
Updated: August 2016