Mathematics

Challenging and supporting students in appropriate ways is key to the Villa Maria approach. We offer a variety of math courses of varying levels of difficulty to ensure that every student can build fundamental skills in problem solving, while gaining confidence and achieving his or her potential. At the junior levels, we solidify students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, algebra, geometry and number sense. We offer enriched courses at the senior levels for students interested in pursuing careers in science, engineering, business and research.

Mathematics is an integral part of our students’ academic lives. Through availability and peer tutoring programs, as well as fun math-related activities and projects, students have significant exposure to this wonderful discipline.

The streams of math offered at the senior levels include:

ENGLISH AND FRENCH SECTORS

Cultural, Social and Technical Math (CST)

The Technical and Scientific stream is for students who want to explore situations that sometimes combine both manual and intellectual work. The emphasis is on case studies as well as exploration via technological tools such as Excel and graphic calculators. It aims to clarify mathematical concepts and processes associated with the design, operation or use of technical instruments. This stream explores different areas of study but focuses in particular on helping students become adept in technical fields related to nutrition, biology, physics, administration, fine arts and graphic arts.

Science option (SO)

Offered at the secondary 4 and 5 levels, this enriched stream of math deals with abstract concepts and leans heavily on algebraic manipulation. A focus is placed on research, analysis and proofs, necessary for other areas of the sciences.

Students who follow this stream will develop strategies and the mathematical knowledge necessary for future studies in engineering, science, commerce and other math and research-related fields.

Mathematics Plus

Available to Secondary 1 students, this mathematics course seeks to develop and deepen the students’ problem-solving skills. More complex activities and real problems enrich the regular mathematics program at a given level. 

ENGLISH SECTOR ONLY

Spiral math 

Offered at the secondary 3 level, this course was designed to support students who have experienced significant difficulty in Cycle 1 mathematics. In a smaller class setting, students gain confidence and solidify their mathematics foundation as key concepts are revisited, thereby allowing them to gain confidence and experience success as they venture into the CST stream in their senior years of high school.

Introduction to College Mathematics (Precal)

Offered at the secondary 5 level, this enrichment is intended for students destined for a calculus course at the CEGEP level and aims to expose students to key concepts like limits and derivatives, thereby easing the transition to college-level math.