Courses
Mathematics and Computer Science
The Mathematics and Computer Science department at Cardinal Carter Academy prides itself in providing students with a strong foundation of mathematics and computer science skills needed to succeed in the future. We also believe that math and computer science are for everyone so we aim to make these subjects a positive experience for every student.
Our mathematics teachers are committed to offering a variety of strategies and tools to help students realize their mathematical potential. Our classrooms are equipped with whiteboards along every wall to encourage collaboration, problem solving, and thinking, according to the Building Thinking Classrooms pedagogy. We use technology where appropriate to support learning, including applications such as Desmos, Scratch, KnowledgeHook, and Google Sheets. Each year, approximately 80% of our students achieve at or above the provincial standard in the Grade 9 EQAO test.
Our computer science courses aim to introduce students to a variety of skills in the field. Although the main focus is the development of programming skills, students will also study computer hardware and software design, applications, and their impact on society. In Grade 9 mathematics, students learn coding using the visual programming language Scratch. In Grade 11, computer science students are introduced to text based programming using Python. In Grade 12, students further develop their knowledge and skills in computer science using Java.
Courses
The following math and computer science courses are available to students:
Grades 7 and 8 - Mathematics
Grade 9 - Mathematics (Destreamed)
Grade 10 - Principles of Mathematics (Academic), Foundations of Mathematics (Applied)
Grade 11 - Functions (University Preparation), Functions and Applications (University/College Preparation), Foundations for College Mathematics (College Preparation), Introduction to Computer Science (University Preparation)
Grade 12 - Advanced Functions (University Preparation), Calculus and Vectors (University Preparation), Mathematics of Data Management (University Preparation), Foundations for College Mathematics (College Preparation), Computer Science (University Preparation)
Math Hub
Our Math Hub is a space for students to continue their mathematical learning outside of class time. Open every day at lunch, students may drop in to receive extra help from the mathematics teacher on duty or the senior mathematics students who volunteer to help out. Students may also use the space to work on math homework problems with their classmates, prepare for upcoming tests, or tackle challenging math contest problems. We also have chess boards and other math board games to help students engage in math while having fun.
The Math Hub is open every day at lunch in room C104. No need to register, just drop in!
Math and Computer Science Contests
Students are invited to participate in various mathematics contests prepared by the University of Waterloo. The aim of these contests is to provide students with an opportunity to develop their problem solving abilities. Each year, we have approximately 100 students participating in these contests with several students achieving in the top 25% of all competitors.
Please visit the Math Contest Information 2024-2025 chart for contest details, dates and registration information.