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IB Mathematics

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is compulsory for all IB Diploma students.

A Graphic Display calculator (GDC) is required for all IB mathematics courses.

There are 3 courses available:   

In each of the courses, assessment will consist of examination papers worth a total of 80% and internally assessed coursework worth 20%.

Mathematics HL

This course should only be considered by those with a high degree of ability and interest in Mathematics, and at least a grade 'A' at IGCSE or equivalent.

The mathematics to be undertaken involves a large amount of theory.  Many topics within the syllabus are entirely conceptual and are set several levels above pre-IB study. The course should be chosen by students who anticipate studying mathematics at University, or a related subject with a high mathematical content.

The coursework element consists of two short assignments which are set at regular intervals during the course. The first assignment is a Mathematical Investigation. The second is a Mathematical modelling assignment.

External assessment is in the form of 3 papers, with Paper 3 being based on an option topic.

Mathematics SL

This course is suitable for students wishing to embark on a career in architecture, medicine and some engineering fields. It is expected that students will enter this course with at least a grade 'B' at IGCSE or equivlent.

This course introduces a number of new concepts to the students but is not as demanding as Mathematics HL.

As with HL, there will be 2 assignments that comprise the coursework element.

External assessment is in the form of 2 papers.

Mathematical Studies SL

This course is for those students who are only studying mathematics because they have to!

There is considerably less theory in this course than in Mathematics SL or Mathematics HL and it contains topics of a more practical nature - e.g. financial mathematics and statistical analysis.

Experience has shown that mathematically able pupils who choose this course find the level of mathematics required too easy - more satisfaction is to be found in the Mathematics SL or HL Course.

In contrast to the other two courses, there is an internal assessment component in the form of a single project.