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Secondary school cuts key part of math studies

NANAIMO: Chronic underfunding has resulted in fewer choices for our students.

To the Editor,

Prior to 1989, Woodlands Secondary School was Woodlands Junior Secondary School.

In 1988 and 1989 the Nanaimo school district reorganized and three junior highs – Wellington, Woodlands and John Barsby – became secondary schools.

When Woodlands began offering Grade 12 courses, calculus 12 was one of them and has been offered ever since.

There is a provincial curriculum for calculus 12 that the Woodlands course followed. Students enrolled in calculus would eventually enter post-secondary institutions to study further in mathematics, science, engineering, medicine, economics, or business.

Taking calculus 12 at Woodlands prepared students for their university courses, allowing them to preview a challenging subject within the familiar environment of high school.

This coming spring, Woodlands will not offer calculus 12 for the first time in 24 years. The provincial government trumpets a vision of flexibility and choice, but sadly, chronic underfunding has resulted in fewer choices for our students.

Denise Wood

Nanaimo