Somewhere on the more rigorous side of the course catalog lies Calculus I* and II*, among two of the most advanced math classes that Haverford offers. What happens when they collide and merge into one?
Previously, completing both courses required three semesters spread across two years. Now, the school has compressed the material into two semesters over one year. Because topics flow smoothly into one another, combining the material into one year is much more feasible. In combining Calc I* and Calc II* into one year, students who take this course, especially in their Fifth Form year, will be able to take more electives (since they don’t take Calc II* in senior year for one semester).
Since the two classes have been combined, students should expect a faster-paced class compared to previous years.
Mr. Jeremy Fus teaches what may be Haverford’s last ever Calculus II* class.
The main driver for changing the course is Haverford’s new academic rotation schedule. The addition of one extra meeting per cycle keeps the material fresh and makes the heavier workload manageable.
This course restructuring also affects our faculty. Dr. Mark Gottlieb now assumes the role of Statistics* teacher, while Mr. Matthew Ator leads Calculus I* and I/II* classes. Mr. Jeremy Fus teaches what may be Haverford’s last ever Calculus II* class.
Even though the combined class covers the full scope of Calculus BC, math department chair Mr. Justin Gaudreau stated that the official transcript will still read Calculus I*, which raises the question of how colleges will be able to tell that the course covered Calc II* material as well.
“Class engagement has been really good, and I think that Mr. Ator has done a fantastic job of presenting the material in an engaging and conducive manner.”
Byron Yang ’28
Students who perform well in the class are in a good position to achieve high scores on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam, which can then be used later to apply to colleges.
For students taking on the challenge of this course, it will represent a rigorous yet cohesive dive into college mathematics.
“With Calc I* and Calc II* merging, it has been interesting so far, but I mean that in the best way possible,” Fifth Former Byron Yang said. “Additionally, class engagement has been really good, and I think that Mr. Ator has done a fantastic job of presenting the material in an engaging and conducive manner.”
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