The Mathematics department provides students the opportunity to learn how to reason logically, think critically, and problem solve – key skills for success in today’s world. As a department, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equity-based learning environment where diverse ideas, perspectives, and opinions are explored and embraced. Our teachers aim to build confidence in our students by creating a positive, supportive learning environment and by making math accessible to all types of learners. Data modelling activities, the use of manipulatives, and problem solving engage students and help consolidate their understanding of concepts. Technology is regularly used in teaching mathematics at ESA. Each of our five dedicated math classrooms are equipped with a Smartboard, mathematics software and graphing calculators.
The Mathematics department offers a large selection of courses. We offer the Enhanced Pathways model Grade 9 Math Course, MTH1W, and in Grade 10 we offer the Academic Math course, MPM2D1. In Grade 11, students may opt for one of the College, Mixed or University Math courses to fulfill their third compulsory Math credit. In Grade 12, we offer Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and Data Management.
Students interested in math and science can participate in enrichment opportunities such as the STEM Club, as well as taking part in the University of Waterloo’s Pascal, Cayley, Fermat or Euclid math contests. In addition, we have an After-School Numeracy Program to support students who find math challenging. All math teachers offer extra help at various times throughout the school day and further support exists through our school’s peer tutor program.
In preparation for Grade 9 Math, students can review integers, rational numbers, and order of operations. The six strands taught in the Grade 9 Math course, MTH1W, are Mathematical Thinking and Making Connections, Number, Algebra, Data, Geometry and Measurement, and Financial Literacy. Coding is incorporated in the Algebra and Geometry strands. All Grade 9 students are required to write the provincial Grade 9 EQAO Mathematics Assessment. The mathematics teachers are all committed to supporting student success and achievement through engaging in-class instruction, ensuring extra help is available, and providing student support.
ESA also offers the following two optional business courses:
- Grade 10 Introduction to Business
- Grade 12 International Business
BBI20 – GRADE 10 BUSINESS AND PRODUCT DESIGN
In Business arguably everything is product design. Given that problem-
solving is one of the key components of Twenty-First Century Learning, it is also
the core focus in this business course. At the same time, students will check off all
the boxes in Business curricula: product analysis, market analysis, business plans
versus strategic plans, data management, qualitative sales forecasting with the
Delphi method, market survey, executive opinion, and the sales force method, as
well as quantitative forecasting with the time series method (an historical
overview) and the associative method (statistical and mathematical modelling). All
of these components are integrated in this course of study. As well, the curriculum
pays homage to the Universal Design for Learning.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL, University of California at Berkeley)
is best understood as a principle-guided framework for developing successful
educational curricula. From a UDL perspective, the Business curriculum offers,
multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring
information and knowledge, multiple means of expression to provide learners
alternatives for demonstrating what they know, and multiple means of engagement
to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to
learn.
BBB4M – GRADE 12 BUSINESS AND PRODUCT DESIGN
The grade 12 Business course focuses on international economics and
supply and demand issues to strengthen in students, “a strong foundation to study
individuals, communities, and organizations, assessing their needs and problems
and generating solutions.” At the same time, the course continues to focus on
product design and services, and to stress the relevance of what they are studying
to encourage real-world learning experiences. These experiences reinforce
theoretical learning, and at the same time provide authentic contexts for the
application of knowledge, again with a focus on international needs, markets, and
problem-solving.
According to the Ontario Curriculum, Business Studies, Grades 11 and 12,
(2006, Revised), “the business studies curriculum examines the multifaceted
functions and operations of product analysis and innovation.” The curriculum
continues to apply the principles of the Universal Design for Learning.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL, University of California at Berkeley)
is best understood as a principle-guided framework for developing successful
educational curricula. From a UDL perspective, the Business curriculum offers,
multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring
information and knowledge, multiple means of expression to provide learners
alternatives for demonstrating what they know, and multiple means of engagement
to tap into learners’ interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to
learn.
If you have any questions please contact Teresa Bednar, ACL of Mathematics Numeracy, and Business, at teresa.bednar@tdsb.on.ca