Instruction in the Mathematics Department

The goals of the Mathematics Department for all students are consistent with those of the NCTM and the Diocese of Monterey:

That they learn to value mathematics,
That they become confident in their ability to do mathematics,
That they become mathematical problem solvers,
That they learn to use the calculators and appropriate technology when necessary,
That they learn to communicate mathematically, and
That they learn to reason mathematically.

In order to achieve these goals, the department emphasizes mathematical thinking, logical development of a solution to a problem and pattern recognition at all levels of instruction. Girls are encouraged to make good use of the information provided in the text, and to take responsibility for their learning by asking questions and seeking help outside of class from any math teacher on campus. The environment created in the classroom is friendly and conducive to learning for all students, yet challenging enough to stretch even the strongest student.

Curriculum

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Algebra 1: Algebra 1 is the beginning algebra course in which the basic principles of future mathematics courses are introduced. The concepts covered include: the Real Number System, operations with positive and negative numbers, solving and graphing linear equations in one and two variables, solving and graphing linear inequalities, applying the rules of exponents, understanding operations involving polynomials, rational expressions and square roots, and solving both rational and quadratic equations. The concept of a function is introduced focusing primarily on terminology and basic operations involving functions. Translating verbal expressions into symbolic relationships is emphasized by working with word problems associated with the appropriate concepts.
Algebra 2 Honors: The emphasis in this course is on step-by step solutions. The pace is set to challenge students with high mathematical abilities, and placement in this course is based on previous high performance in mathematics and a strong recommendation from the student's most recent mathematics instructor. This second year of algebra begins with a review of the principles learned in Algebra I. However, the aim of this course is to proceed into greater complexities of the topics studied earlier with subsequent introductions of the elements of exponents, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, and sequences and series.
Algebra 2/Trigonometry: The emphasis on this course is on step-by-step solutions. The pace is set to challenge students with average mathematical abilities, and placement in this course is based on completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry. This second year of algebra begins with a review of the principles learned in Algebra 1. However, the aim of this course is to proceed into greater complexities of the topics studied earlier with subsequent introductions of the elements of exponents, functions, logarithms, and trigonometry.
Calculus: Calculus offers students the opportunity to take a calculus course, which emphasizes application and problem solving. The course is designed to prepare students for college level calculus. The course is paced in such a way that solid math students will be challenged.
Calculus AP: Calculus AP offers students the opportunity to take a college-level mathematics course and receive college credit with success on the AP examination held in May. Course content includes the list of topics specified in the AP Program Course description for the Calculus AB examination and more. The depth and pace of this course is such that once successful students are ready to meet the challenge of college mathematics courses.
Geometry: This course is designed students who have fulfilled the requirements of Algebra I. Students are introduced to concepts in Geometry and learn to write a two-column proof. Basic algebraic skills are reinforced throughout this course with special emphasis on applications of congruence and similarity of triangles, properties of circles, areas of plane figures and volumes of solids.
Geometry Honors: This course is designed for students who have a genuine interest and high aptitude in mathematics. In this course students will gain a greater appreciation of the nature of a mathematical system through the study of mathematical proofs. Other topics emphasized are application of congruence and similarity of triangles; properties of circles, areas of plane figures, and volumes of solids. Also, inductive and deductive reasoning are discussed, constructions are introduced, and algebraic concepts are reinforced through the study of coordinate geometry.
Nature of Math: This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra II, who do not intend to pursue Calculus, but who wish to further their studies of mathematics. This course will provide students with the opportunity to discover the "spirit of mathematics", to learn what mathematicians do, and to understand how mathematical thinking may be useful to them in their daily lives. Through an interactive exploration of mathematics, students will study as well as learn to appreciate the internal structure of mathematics, the history of mathematical development, the problem-posing and problem-solving techniques of mathematics, and the connection of mathematics with other disciplines. In addition, students will study the properties of geometric structures through building polyhedra. This will enrich their geometric experience, deepen their spatial intuition, and enable them to communicate the joy of artistic creation through mathematics. The first three to four weeks of the course will focus on review and practice for the mathematics portion of the SAT.
Pre-Calculus: This course is designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of Algebra 2. Students will continue to study functions and trigonometry along with topics in finite mathematics. Graphing calculators will be used extensively without compromising the mathematical integrity of the course presentation.
Pre-Calculus Honors: This course is designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of Algebra 2 Honors. Students will continue to study functions and trigonometry along with topics in finite mathematics. Graphing calculators will be used extensively without compromising the mathematical integrity of the course presentation. Skills necessary to continue on to AP Calculus will be emphasized and the course will finish with an introduction to limits and the basic concepts of differentiation.
Statistics AP: The purpose of the AP course in Statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. The course is paced in such a way that solid math students will be challenged.