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Mathematics

The Math and Computer Studies Department of SRB

Welcome to Sir Robert Borden. We have a great school and an excellent mathematics department full of committed teachers who care deeply and work hard for their students. We strive model the school character attributes of Respect, Appreciation, and Perseverance, and apply them in our math classrooms.

Math Mastery

What's Special about SRB MATH?

  • Our Mastery program is a cornerstone of our philosophy. Through this program, students master and retain basic knowledge that is the foundation for further learning, and is required for success as they progress through the grades. This program was developed by our former Department Head Rob McLeish.
  • We are committed to the use of manipulatives in our Math classrooms. Through the use of manipulatives, students access physical models that build their core understanding (not just memorizing) of critical concepts such as algebra and functions. Manipulatives are also a powerful general modeling and problem solving tools, and are particularly powerful for kinesthetic and applied learners.
  • We are committed to the use of technology to facilitate deep understanding. Graphing calculators are incredibly powerful learning tools that are supplied and integrated throughout our courses. Students frequently visit computer labs to work with software such as Geometers Sketchpad, Fathom Statistical Software. The internet is bursting with interesting data, programs, and real-life math examples.
  • We support progressive teaching and assessment methods that focus on developing life-long learning through the mathematical processes. These methods include incorporation of an investigative approach in many lessons.
  • The MOB is a peer-focused math support group that runs most days after school, and is supervised by math teacher volunteers. It is an example of our team approach, and our department philosophy to support the development of our students competence and confidence in Math.

We hope these pages will inform and assist you. Included here are introductions to our staff, department policy documents, mastery information and ma, support materials for various courses, course selection information, contest information/results, and links. Please pass on suggestions for the site to Mr. Blakely.   Our Students   We are very proud of our students! They are a diverse, energetic, enthusiastic group who work hard and take responsibility for their learning. Our school participation rates in mathematics and computer contests are among the highest in the city, and our team typically ranks very well. many of our graduates receive prestigious scholarships to universities. Typically, our students perform better than Board and provincial means on the EQAO test of grade 9 math in every category.

Name

 Courses 2014-2015

Room Number

Michael Blakely
Department Head

MPM1D, MFM1PL/1L/2L, MDM4U, MHF4U/4UR, MCV4U/4UR

243

Thuy Ha

MPM2D, MCR3U, ICS2O

107, 247

Thomas Maloley

MBF3C, MPM2D, MCR3U/3UR, MCV4U, ICS3C/3U, ICS4U

107, 251

Yvonne Nieuwenhuis

MPM2D, MFM2P, MDM4U

233

Jamey Pender

MPM2D, MAP4C, MHF4U, MCV4U

245

Andrea Pepler

MPM1D and Business courses

119

Tony Sleiman 

MFM1D/1P, MFM2P

249

Jennifer Wright

MPM1D, MFM2P, MPM2D

241

Xiaoxiao Zhao

MPM1D/1P, MPM2D, MHF4U

249

Your first big decision prior to grade 9 will be to decide which mathematics program you are best suited for. Most students choose between Applied and Academic. While both courses have roughly the same mathematical content, the approaches diverge quite quickly. 

NEW: In 2009/20010, SRB will be offering LDCC Math in grade 9 (Locally Developed Credit Course). This course is designed for students who have significant gaps in their math learning from grade 8, or who have modified programs. The goal is to provide a pathway for these students to successfully achieve the three math credits required for graduation. For more information on this course, please contact our guidance department.

Making the correct choice now will enhance your chances of being successful in math, and make your time at SRB much more enjoyable.

If the following describes you, then you should consider taking grade 9 Applied Math: MFM 1P

  • Need more repetition, hands-on activities, manipulatives and visuals,
  • Want to know how … not necessarily why
  • Need familiar contexts to understand problems or help along the way
  • Need to use a calculator to perform basic operations
  • Are an inductive thinker – discover through experiments - rather than reading or listening.
  • Like to focus on fewer main ideas and want to focus on basic skills and concepts
  • Do not enjoy abstract reasoning

If the following describes you, then you should select grade 9 academic Math: MPM 1D

  •  Want thorough coverage of the material, and need little repetition
  • Learn from reading and traditional approaches, and are ready for abstract reasoning
  • Enjoy new problems in a variety of contexts
  • Are a deductive thinker and are able to apply and extend concepts
  • Appreciate the difference between a hypothesis and a conclusion
  • Need to know why rather than just how to do something
  • Use technology to learn, apply and extend thinking ... not just to get an answer

What if you make the ‘wrong’ choice?A few students switch from one course to another in the first semester, but sometimes changes are not possible because of timetabling issues. If is possible to switch from grade 9 Academic to Grade 10 Applied in grade 10. It is more difficult to switch from grade 9 Applied to Grade 10 Academic. This requires making up significant material - we recommend taking the grade 9 Academic course (sometimes at summer school). However, consider the following when making choices:

  • Grade 9 Academic Math will prepare students better for grade 10 Academic Math, and
  • Grade 9 Applied Math will prepare students better for grade 10 Applied Math.

These courses diverge even more and lead to a variety of destinations in University or College. It is important that you consider destinations before making a course selection.

Hopefully, this will assist you with your long term planning. If you have more questions, please consult one of the Mathematics teachers at Sir Robert Borden.