Group 5: Mathematics

Higher Level, Standard Level

Students are streamed according to their likely choices for the next two years, when they undertake the Diploma Programme. We offer core mathematics for students who are more likely to choose SL for their diploma years. These students who are potential HL candidates will be offered the extended mathematics which prepares them for HL option. This course is designed to provide these students with the tools to enable them to complete the IB HL Mathematics. Extra- curricular mathematics activities are offered and encouraged for students who are planning to undertake HL Mathematics in the Diploma Programme.

Individual students have different needs, aspirations and abilities. For those reasons there are two different subject in Mathematics: analysis and approaches and applications and interpretations. These two courses might approach mathematics from two different perspectives but they are connected by the same body of knowledge, ways of thinking and approaches to problems.

The first one is design for students who wish to study mathematics or closely related subjects as subjects in its own right (HL) or for those who would like to pursue their interest in areas related to mathematics (SL). Application and interpretation course (SL) allows students to gain understanding and competence in how mathematics relates to real world or to other subjects.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches is for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They will also be fascinated by exploring real and abstract applications of these ideas, with and without technology. These students should enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalization.

Mathematics: applications and interpretation is for students who are interested in developing their mathematics for describing our world and solving practical problems. They will also be interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models. Students who take Mathematics: applications and interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a practical context.

In our school, Mathematics: analysis and approaches is taught at standard and higher levels, while Mathematics: applications and interpretations only at standard level.

During the Diploma Programme each student is required to plan and develop an individual project called Exploration that is a part of internal assessment. The exploration is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics as well as applying mathematics to solve real- life problems.