Choosing Math Options in Secondary IV and V

Some teens already have a good idea of their future career choice and the prerequisites they need. However, the vast majority of them have only just begun to think about life after high school. For these students, making decisions can cause a lot of anxiety. Here’s what you need to know to help your child choose the right math option for them.

In Secondary III, students are asked to pick their Secondary IV math course. This is a very important decision, as it generally determines their school curriculum for the next two years. For example, if your child chooses the Science Option (NS), they will probably follow this track in Secondary IV and V.

1 – Cultural, Social, and Technical Option (CST)

This option, or profile, prepares students for further studies in social sciences, communications, or the arts. To help your child determine if this profile is right for them, ask them the following questions: 

• Do you like group work? Why?
• Do you think you’re a good communicator?
• Do you like seeing projects through from start to finish?
• Would you say that you have an entrepreneurial spirit?
• What social cause would you like to defend? 
• Etc.

2 – Science Option (NS)

This option is specifically aimed at students wishing to get into the fields of pure or natural science and research. While a career in science may pique your child’s interest, it’s important to make sure they have the right personality for it. To find out, ask them the following questions:

• Do you want to understand the origin of certain phenomena?
• Do you like analyzing theoretical models?
• Are you interested in cause-and-effect relationships?
• Do you like games that require deduction and logic?
• Do you have a talent for finding the root causes of problems?
• Etc.

3 – Technical and Scientific Option (TS)

This option is ideal for teens who would like to continue their studies in a technical or university program, in a field related to biology, administration, humanities, engineering, etc. To find out if this is the right choice for your child, ask them the following questions:

• Do you like manual work as much as intellectual work?
• Do you like analyzing situations?
• Would you enjoy making recommendations?
• Do you like games that involve material, like LEGOs?
• Are you good at noticing and correcting mistakes?
• Etc.
   

Your child should choose a math option that matches their career goals, but also their abilities. To help them make the right choice, you can discuss the following points:

• Their motivation
• Their interests
• Their strengths and weaknesses 
• Their short-, medium-, and long-term academic goals
• Their current grades
• Etc.

Mathematics and science are close cousins. Your child’s science courses may help them decide which math option to pick.
 

A student’s math grades in Secondary III can affect which options are available to them in Secondary IV and V. Given that the TS and NS courses feature more advanced content, certain schools require that students have a minimum grade in math—usually 75 percent. However, these requirements can vary from school to school. It’s a good idea to check with your child’s school when the time comes to choose math options.

Generally, your child’s math profile will be the same in Secondary IV and V. However, it is possible to request a change. Of course, if your child wants to switch into a different course, they’ll need to do some extra studying to catch up.

You and your child don’t need to make this decision alone. Consider asking the following experts for advice to help you make an informed decision:

• The school’s guidance counsellor
• The school’s math teachers (specifically those who teach Secondary III and IV)
• Members of the administration
• Etc.