High School Math Tutoring

Grades 9-12 help shape the post-secondary and career choices of our children. By pairing students with the right teacher based on their personal and educational needs, the Thornhill Learning Center can provide optimal tutoring support whenever they need, to help boost their confidence, grades, and interest in learning. 

FAQ

How many math courses do the students need to take for high school students in Ontario ?

In Ontario, high school students are required to take three mathematics courses to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Here's a breakdown:

1. Grade 9: Students take Principles of Mathematics.

2. Grade 10: Students take one of Principles of Mathematics.

3. Grade 11 or 12: Students must take at least one additional mathematics course. The specific course will depend on their post-secondary goals and interests.

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What basic math skills are needed for high school math success?

1. Arithmetic: This includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of both whole numbers and decimals. Understanding of factors and multiples is also important. Your child should be fluent in multiplication table.

2. Fractions: Students should be comfortable with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions with both like and unlike denominator, as well as converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages.

3. Basic Algebra: This involves understanding variables and expressions, solving basic equations, and can use algebraic expression  to describe math word problems.

4. Geometry: Understanding basic geometric shapes and their properties, calculating area and perimeter, understanding angles, and the concept of symmetry.

5. Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios and proportions and how they're used to compare quantities is a key skill in high school math.

6. Integers and Negative Numbers: Students should be comfortable working with negative numbers, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing them.

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How much time should my child spend to study math each week?

The amount of time a high school student should spend studying math each week can vary based on their individual needs, the difficulty of the material, and the expectations of their specific course or teacher.  The rule of thumb is that students should expect to spend approximately two hours studying for each hour of class time.

Assuming a typical high school math class meets for about 5 hours per week, this would suggest around 10 hours of study time outside of class each week. This includes time spent on homework assignments, reviewing notes, preparing for tests, and additional practice or study as needed.

Remember, the quality of study time is just as important, if not more so, than the quantity. For instance, studying for one to two hours per day might be more effective than trying to cram all 10 hours into a single day. Additionally, seeking help from teachers, tutors, or study groups when struggling with a concept can be very beneficial.

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Is it a good idea to have my child to pre-study the math class for the coming school year in the summer?

Pre-studying math (or any subject) during the summer can certainly be beneficial, but it should be approached thoughtfully to avoid burnout and to ensure the summer break also includes relaxation and fun. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

1. Head Start: Getting a preview of the material can help your child feel more confident and less stressed when the school year begins. It can also make the initial learning process smoother as they've already been introduced to the concepts.

2. Reinforce Skills: Pre-studying can help reinforce foundational skills that will be built upon in the next grade level, ensuring your child is well-prepared.

3. Identify Problem Areas: Pre-studying can help identify areas where your child may need extra help, giving you a chance to address these issues before the school year starts.

Cons:

1. Burnout: It's important for kids to have a break over the summer. Too much academic work could lead to burnout and reduce motivation during the actual school year.

2. Not Keeping Pace with Class: If a child studies too far ahead, they might become bored when those topics are covered in class.

To balance these pros and cons, consider a light, consistent approach to summer math learning. Focus on reinforcing skills from the previous year and previewing key concepts for the next year, but avoid trying to cover an entire year's worth of material.  And always make sure there's plenty of time for relaxation, hobbies, and fun.