HUNTER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
Mathematics Department
DEPARTMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
The chief goals of mathematics instruction at HunterCollegeHigh School are the development of problem solving abilities and understanding. We believe that these are at the heart of mathematics, and that they transfer to other academic areas and beyond. Thus, we emphasize creative and alternative methods of viewing and solving problems as opposed to a more mechanical, formula-oriented style of learning; in classroom instruction, we stress the why of mathematics, as opposed to a memory intensive approach. Classroom instruction and homework assignments are structured to include problem solving so that students experience the satisfaction and joy of doing mathematics and achieve a sense of mathematical self-reliance.
The Department gives enrichment in mathematics education greater priority than acceleration. Too often, acceleration means faster "completion" of "material." This implies memorizing a set of formulas and applying them to certain standard types of exercises. We believe that depth of understanding and development of problem solving abilities requires enrichment: inclusion of a variety of problems that are not mere exercises, and infusion of proofs and explanations that show the validity of the mathematics students learn.
The Department is committed to an integrated approach to mathematics education. Students study a variety of topics in a given year and return to study them later in greater depth. This allows for greater student understanding and appreciation of the mathematics they learn.
Mathematics is a living, changing discipline that has historically undergone major transformations. The way that mathematicians do mathematics and the way in which mathematics is used continues to change, and these changes are occurring with increasing rapidity. The mathematics curriculum at Hunter contains various contemporary topics frequently not found in more traditional programs, including the use of appropriate contemporary technology, including computers and graphing calculators.
It is fundamental to our philosophy that even while we provide what we think is the best mathematics curriculum for our students, we continue our discussion of how to improve and enrich the curriculum. In this way we hope to provide the most useful and exciting mathematics experience to every student at HunterCollegeHigh School.
HUNTER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
Mathematics Department
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
All Hunter College High School students must complete a five-year sequence in Mathematics, beginning in grade 7. Required final examinations are given in June for each of these courses. New York State Regents Mathematics Examinations are not offered at HunterCollegeHigh School.
Beginning in the eighth grade, two programs, Honors (H) and Extended Honors (E), are offered. The Honors Program is based on the New York State Sequential Mathematics curriculum, supplemented by additional topics and enrichment. The Extended Honors Program is based on the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Improvement Study Program. It includes many advanced topics and requires extensive preparation and a considerable commitment of time to the study of mathematics.
In the spring of each year, it is determined which program seventh grade students will take in the eighth grade. The determination is based on the results of the Math 8 Placement Test, given to all seventh grade students, and on the Department's consideration of the student's overall mathematical performance. Students in the Honors Program who wish to transfer to the Extended Honors Program must take the appropriate Mathematics Department Proficiency Examination, which is offered each September before the first day of classes. Transfer is permitted based on the results of this Examination and the Department's recommendation.
After completing Math 11, students may enroll in our advanced placement electives, which include Advanced Placement AB Calculus, Advanced Placement BC Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, and Advanced Placement Computer Science. Other non-advanced placement electives include Calculus, Computer Science I, and Mathematics Seminar/Problem Solving.
HunterCollegeHigh School offers an extensive Math Team program for students who enjoy the challenge of grappling with difficult problems and who wish to enrich their knowledge of mathematics. The existence of a Seventh Grade Math Team, Eighth Grade Math Team, Ninth Grade Math Team, Junior Math Team, and Senior Math Team ensures an appropriate setting for all students who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity. Math Team participants may compete in various city, state, and national competitions. Student interest is the sole criterion for membership on our Teams.