There are three distinct mathematical pathways for high school students: Workplace, Foundations, and Pre-calculus. The choice of pathway depends on the individual and is generally determined by interest, ability, prerequisite grade, and post-secondary requirements. We recommend that students and parents with questions about which pathway is appropriate should ask the student’s math teacher. We also strongly recommend that you become informed about the course requirements of individual college and university course guides for your specific programs of interest and/or consult with our Career Centre Coordinator regarding program-specific requirements.
WORKPLACE MATHEMATICS PATHWAY
This pathway is intended to provide students with the mathematical understanding and critical-thinking skills for entry into the majority of trades and for direct entry into the workforce; it is the preferred prerequisite for any of the Trades Foundation Certificate Programs offered by Camosun.
FOUNDATIONS PATHWAY
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understanding and critical-thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies in programs that do not require the study of theoretical calculus, generally including the humanities, human and social development, law, social sciences, nursing at Camosun and UVic, and many diploma programs. Please be aware that the requirements for Foundations of Mathematics as a prerequisite vary considerably between different post-secondary institutions. For example, most of the programs at UVic which accept Foundations 11 as a prerequisite will actually require Foundations 12 as a prerequisite at UBC. For this reason, we strongly advise you consult individual college and university course guides and consult with our Career Centre Coordinator regarding specific requirements for your area of interest.
PRE-CALCULUS & CALCULUS PATHWAY
This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understanding and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of theoretical calculus, including math, science, engineering, or commerce/business. Note that these post-secondary programs generally have an admission prerequisite of a B in Pre-calculus 12.
Pre-calculus is an academically demanding and sophisticated pathway which requires significant dedication and hard work.
TIPS ON CHOOSING A PATHWAY:
- I wish to pursue a trades program at Camosun: Workplace Mathematics is recommended.
- I am going to study humanities or fine arts in post-secondary: You need to take either Foundations or Pre-calculus courses up to grade 11.
- I am going to study commerce, mathematics or science in post-secondary: You need to take Pre-calculus 11 followed by Pre-calculus 12. In addition, taking Calculus 12 in high school will give you an powerful advantage in first year mathematics if your program requires 1st year Calculus.
- I want to study commerce, engineering, mathematics or science in post-secondary but I found mathematics 10 fairly difficult: You might find it best to take Foundations 11 first, to improve your skills, and then take Pre-calculus 11.
- I have no plans at present to go on to post-secondary education: It is best to keep your options open for the future, so look at the details that follow about the 3 pathways and choose one based on your interest and ability