Mathematics

The minimum requirements for a student to attain an Alberta high school diploma include Mathematics 20 level 
(20-1, 20-2 or 20-3).

Always check information with the post-secondary institution and the program of your choice. Pre-requisites vary by institution and institutions sometimes change entrance requirements.

The Advanced Placement (AP) stream is designed for students who have a passion for math and wish to pursue mathematics at a level beyond high school. Math 31 AP students write the AP Calculus AB exam and Math 35AP students write the AP Calculus BC exam in May.

Calculators

Students in our "dash-3" sequence will use a basic scientific calculator.

Students in all other Math courses require a graphing calculator as per Alberta Education. List of approved calculators

Should I take -1 or -2?

For Post-secondary Entrance, should I take  -2 or -1???
First, you should know that things have changed in the last 10 years. It is not true that the best Math course for Post-Secondary entrance is Math 30-1. It completely depends on the program the student is applying to. We recommend that students choose the Math stream that makes them the most competitive for the program they are applying to, and often that course is Math 30-2.

Math is unique in that both the -2 and -1 programs can gain students entrance into post secondary programs. Please keep in mind when choosing a course you will want to think about which level your student will have the most success, and will allow them to continue to build their confidence in Math. We understand it’s a daunting choice but students are able to change streams at any time, depending on their level of success in each math course. Students are recommended to meet with our career practitioner in grade 11, to ensure that the stream they have chosen matches with the post secondary program they wish to apply to. When students enter their Grade 12 year, most will require Math 30-2 for their post-secondary program. For students who wish to pursue the 30-1 stream, we recommend that they have a mark above 75% in their prior course and the confidence to continue. Please be aware that students who complete Math 30-2 can transition directly to Math 30-1 if they realize that they will be applying to a program that requires it.​

Math 31 studies Calculus is generally taken once a student has completed Math 30-1, although the two courses can be taken concurrently. Math 31 students who choose to can also take the AP Calculus exam in grade 12. Math 31 is recommended for students who intend to take a math intensive program in Post-Secondary, such as Engineering, Sciences, or Business at certain institutions.

Please see the chart below for recommended grade 9 averages for each of the following three grade 10 math courses. It is strongly recommended that parents and students follow these recommendations in order to allow the student to successfully complete the course they end up choosing.

Math 10-3, 20-3, 30-3

5 credits

This stream addresses a practical amount of complexity, rigor, and algebra skills needed for direct entry into the workforce or trades.

Students prepare for many post-secondary programs focusing on trades and occupations. It may also provide students an opportunity to practice their mathematical skills before entering 10C dash-1, or dash-2 streams.

Math 10C Extended

This course helps students who have had difficulties with math obtain Math 10C so that they can move on to Math 20-2 or Math 20-1.  This course allows students to take Math 10C over a longer period, taking Math 10-3 in the first 3-4 months of the year and then Math 10C in the next 6-7 months.  It is a full-year math course, which, when completed, will provide students with 10 credits and completion of Math 10-3 and Math 10C. 

Math 10C, 20-2, 30-2

5 credits

This stream is designed for students who have an aptitude for mathematics and are able to handle algebraic approaches to solving mathematical equations while exhibiting a large amount of detailed thinking and the ability to apply logical thought to solve programs.

Math 30-2 is accepted for entrance into many university programs.

Students may take Math 30-1 after successfully completing Math 30-2. This course sequence is intended for students who do not require Calculus for entry into their post-secondary program, such as Arts, Nursing, Elementary Education, and many of the technical programs.

Math 10C, 20-1, 30-1

5 credits

This course sequence is designed for students that have a strong aptitude for mathematics and are able to handle sophisticated algebraic approaches to solving complex equations.

The dash-1 mathematics student exhibits the greatest amount of detailed thinking and rigor. Students are provided with the mathematical understanding and critical thinking skills needed for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of Calculus, such as Engineering, Science, Business faculties and some technical programs.

Many students go on to take Math 31 (Calculus) after completing this stream.

Math 31

5 credits

This course is required by the following faculties and programs: Engineering, Honours Math, Mathematics Applied, Mathematical Physics, Mathematics and Economics.

Math 31 is recommended in several other programs.

Please research your post-secondary institution's preferred program requirements.

 Please refer to the Advanced Placement (AP) pages for more information.

Math 10C AP, 20-1 AP, 30-1 AP

5 Credits

This stream is for students who are passionate about Math, motivated and wish to pursue mathematics in their post-secondary studies. Topics are covered on an accelerated basis. Please refer to the Advanced Placement (AP) pages for more information.