Mathematics

Welcome to the Department of Mathematics! Here at Catholic Central High School, we offer courses in three different levels:

Locally Developed and Workplace Preparation
Applied and College Preparation
Academic and University Preparation

We also offer Pre-IB mathematics courses in grades 9 and 10 as well as IB level mathematics courses in grades 11 and 12. We take pride in the mathematics curriculum that we deliver. We ensure that students are not only prepared for their future academic paths after secondary school but are also given the mathematical knowledge and skills they need in life.

Mathematics is about better understanding the world around us by seeking out patterns. There are many practical problems that can be solved using mathematics. We can understand human population patterns, study economic growth of a country, better understand scientific discoveries, manage our finances, decipher codes, and build objects using measurement to name a few applications. Mathematics is also a beautiful discipline in itself that helps illustrate patterns. It is a universal language that bounds all humans together regardless of boundaries. The CCH Mathematics Department hopes to share this importance and love of math with our students!

Course Pathways

Grade 9 Destreamed Mathematics

In 2021, the Province of Ontario changed the curriculum expectations for the grade 9 math program. Prior to 2021, grade 9 mathematics was offered at the locally developed, applied and academic levels. In September 2021, mathematics is now offered at the locally developed and destreamed levels. Please refer to the attachment below for more information about the destreamed math program.

Destreamed Math Additional Information

Destreamed Math

Course Descriptions

Locally Developed and Workplace Preparation

Essentials Mathematics – MAT1L - This course provides students who have experienced difficulties in previous mathematics courses an opportunity to obtain sufficient background and skill development to prepare them for Grade 11 and 12 Workplace Preparation courses. Whenever possible, ideas will be presented in a realistic context providing students with an opportunity to explore, organize, interpret, and use mathematical models to solve problems. Technology and manipulative materials will be used wherever appropriate.

Essentials Mathematics – MAT2L - This course is designed to provide additional experiences in problem solving. Ideas will be presented in a realistic context providing students with an opportunity to explore, organize, interpret, and use mathematical models to solve problems. Repetition of skills and exposure to technology are key aspects of this course.

Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life – MEL3E - This course enables students to broaden their understanding of mathematics as it is applied in the workplace and daily life. Students will solve problems associated with earning money, paying taxes, and making purchases; apply calculations of simple and compound interest in saving, investing, and borrowing; and calculate the costs of transportation and travel in a variety of situations. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life – MEL4E - This course enables students to broaden their understanding of mathematics as it is applied in the workplace and daily life. Students will investigate questions involving the use of statistics; apply the concept of probability to solve problems involving familiar situations; investigate accommodation costs, create household budgets, and prepare a personal income tax return; use proportional reasoning; estimate and measure; and apply geometric concepts to create designs. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

Applied and College Preparation (Grade 10-12)

Foundations of Mathematics – MFM2P - This course enables students to consolidate their understanding of linear relations and extend their problem-solving and algebraic skills through investigation, the effective use of technology, and hands-on activities. Students will develop and graph equations in analytic geometry; solve and apply linear systems, using real-life examples; and explore and interpret graphs of quadratic relations. Students will investigate similar triangles, the trigonometry of right triangles, and the measurement of three-dimensional figures. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

Foundations for College Mathematics – MBF3C - This course enables students to broaden their understanding of mathematics as a problem-solving tool in the real world. Students will extend their understanding of quadratic relations; investigate situations involving exponential growth; solve problems involving compound interest; solve financial problems connected with vehicle ownership; develop their ability to reason by collecting, analysing, and evaluating data involving one variable; connect probability and statistics; and solve problems in geometry and trigonometry. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

Foundations for College Mathematics – MAP4C - This course enables students to broaden their understanding of real-world applications of mathematics. Students will analyse data using statistical methods; solve problems involving applications of geometry and trigonometry; solve financial problems connected with annuities, budgets, and renting or owning accommodation; simplify expressions; and solve equations. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems. This course prepares students for college programs in areas such as business, health sciences, and human services, and for certain skilled trades.

Mathematics for College Technology – MCT4C - This course enables students to extend their knowledge of functions. Students will investigate and apply properties of polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric functions; continue to represent functions numerically, graphically, and algebraically; develop facility in simplifying expressions and solving equations; and solve problems that address applications of algebra, trigonometry, vectors, and geometry. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems. This course prepares students for a variety of college technology programs.

Academic/IB and University Preparation (Grade 10-12)

Principles of Mathematics – MPM2D/MPM2DB - This course enables students to broaden their understanding of relationships and extend their problem-solving and algebraic skills through investigation, the effective use of technology, and abstract reasoning. Students will explore quadratic relations and their applications; solve and apply linear systems; verify properties of geometric figures using analytic geometry; and investigate the trigonometry of right and acute triangles. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.

Functions and Application – MCF3M(U/C) - This course introduces basic features of the function by extending students’ experiences with quadratic relations. It focuses on quadratic, trigonometric, and exponential functions and their use in modelling real-world situations. Students will represent functions numerically, graphically, and algebraically; simplify expressions; solve equations; and solve problems relating to applications. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.

Functions – MCR3U/MCR3UB - This course introduces the mathematical concept of the function by extending students’ experiences with linear and quadratic relations. Students will investigate properties of discrete and continuous functions, including trigonometric and exponential functions; represent functions numerically, algebraically, and graphically; solve problems involving applications of functions; investigate inverse functions; and develop facility in determining equivalent algebraic expressions. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.

Advanced Functions – MHF4U/MHF4UB - This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university program and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.

Calculus and Vectors – MCV4U/MCV4UB - This course builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who choose to pursue careers in fields such as science, engineering, economics, and some areas of business, including those students who will be required to take a university-level calculus, linear algebra, or physics course.

Mathematics of Data Management – MDM4U/MDM4UB - This course broadens students’ understanding of mathematics as it relates to managing data. Students will apply methods for organizing and analysing large amounts of information; solve problems involving probability and statistics; and carry out a culminating investigation that integrates statistical concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. Students planning to enter university programs in business, the social sciences, and the humanities will find this course of particular interest.

Resources

Below is a list of helpful resources for students studying mathematics at the secondary level. Some of these resources can also be accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE/D2L).

Math Instruction and Help

TVO Mathify

TVO Mathify offers free one-on-one math tutoring for students grades 6 to 10. Tutoring is carried out by Ontario Certified Teachers.

TVO Learn

TVO Learn provides access to multiple Ontario courses to maximize learning for students. It is designed to provide additional support and practice for students.

Learn at Home

This site contains learning activities catered for Ontario courses, made by Ontario educators.

CEMC Courseware

The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) through the University of Waterloo offers students additional resources to improve on skills covered in their math classes.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers instructional videos as well as activities to learn and practice math skills.

Purple Math

Purple Math offers additional help with math concepts.

Wolfram Alpha

This site provides additional support when solving math questions.

Math Tools

Desmos Graphing Calculator

Desmos provides students with an easy-to-use graphing calculator where they can explore graphs and functions.

Geogebra

Geogebra is an interactive mathematical software program that allows students to visualize mathematical concepts related to geometry, graphing, and algebra.

Math Learning Center

This site contains virtual math manipulatives which help students visualize concepts such as Geoboards and number lines.

Additional Sites

CEMC Math Contests

This site provides information for students interested in writing math contests offered by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) through the University of Waterloo.

EQAO Grade 9 Math

This site offers information about the EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics test.

Meet Our Teachers

Nathanael Brittain

Nathanael Brittain has been teaching math and computer science at CCH since 2015. Before that, he taught at Holy Cross in Strathroy and at Alternative Education and before that, he was a video programmer for nearly 10 years. Mr. Brittain coaches both the senior boys and senior girls volleyball teams and the varsity baseball team.

Kyle Geraghty

Kyle Geraghty has been teaching at CCH for the past 6 years in the math, science and IB departments. He spent the previous 6 years teaching at JPII, St. Mary's in Woodstock, SAB and Alternative Education. Before teaching, Mr. Geraghty worked as a Chemist for 3M Canada for nearly 10 years. While not teaching math, chemistry and biology, he is often found on the ice coaching Jr Boys and Girls hockey teams, taking students on STEM trips to Harvard, or singing with Mr. Sills at Mass.

Sunitha John

Sunitha John has been a mathematics teacher at CCH since September 2020. She has been working internationally as a secondary mathematics teacher for more than 10 years.

Renata Padovan

Renata Padovan has been teaching since 2008 in both high school and elementary panels. She has taught at both JPII and CCH. Mrs. Padovan runs the after-school Math Help program, has been involved with the mental health club, and the after-school workout club. She teaches both math and business courses. Outside of teaching, she enjoys tennis, concerts, and sushi.

Muriah Searle

Muriah Searle has been teaching at CCH since 2018. Her teaching career began as an occasional teacher in 2010, where she worked at various schools throughout the school board teaching mathematics and science in LTO positions. At CCH, Mrs. Searle teaches mathematics, IB physics and science. When she is not teaching, you will find Mrs. Searle spending time with her husband and two young sons, cooking or reading.

Frank Tancredi

Frank Tancredi has been teaching mathematics for over 25 years in Sarnia and London and at CCH since 2001. He has been Department Head of Mathematics for the past 6 years. He is also one of the IB teachers at CCH. Mr. Tancredi has been involved in the running of the Waterloo Math Contests, the Science and Math Olympics at Western, the CCH Boys Volleyball teams, the School's Annual Fundraising Runs for Cancer, and the School Reach for the Top Team.