At Canadian Academy, the Mathematics department offers two routes of IB mathematics to meet the needs and aspirations of our students in Grades 11 and 12. The routes are DP Mathematics: Analysis and approaches and DP Mathematics: Applications and interpretation.
The best mathematics placement is the appropriate placement, not the most advanced one. Success in Grade 11 and 12 mathematics depends ultimately on an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts that are pitched at the right level for a student. Taking the time to learn material that is appropriately challenging is the best way to build both competence and confidence in mathematics.
Past experience has shown that students require strong learning attitudes to be successful in each of the mathematics routes.
For both routes and levels, students will be required to complete a Mathematical Exploration as part of the DP Internal Assessment component and sit DP external exams at the end of Grade 12.
Higher Level Prerequisites: MYP 5 students must consistently attain at least level 6 in all criteria, learning attitudes of at least 3 and teacher approval. While Extended Level Mathematics in the MYP better prepares students for Higher Level DP, it is not strictly required.
The DP Mathematics: Applications and interpretation route has an emphasis on statistics, modelling and use of technology – appropriate for those with an interest in the applications of mathematics and how technology can support this. Higher Level Application and interpretation includes advanced statistics and discrete mathematics content. This subject is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such as social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, some economics courses, psychology, and design.
Students who take Mathematics: Applications and interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a practical context.
For this route, a TI-Nspire (non-CAS) calculator is required and used extensively.
This route builds upon existing knowledge and skills and introduces new topics such as sequences and series, trigonometry, probability, statistics, differential and integral calculus. Students who take Mathematics: Analysis and approaches will be those who enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalization. The emphasis on this route is calculus and algebraic, graphical and numerical approaches. Analysis and approaches is appropriate for pure mathematicians, engineers, physical scientists, economists, those with an interest in analytic methods. They will explore real and abstract applications, sometimes with technology, and will enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalization.
For this route, a TI-Nspire (non-CAS) graphing calculator is required, but students will sit one non-calculator exam as well.
Business and Consumer Math covers real-world topics like statistics, interest, budgets and costs. Students will learn to work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and measurement, emphasizing how these concepts apply to common financial and consumer activities.
The course focuses on strengthening foundational math skills for beyond high school, with applications related to university and careers. With a blend of interactive lessons, real-world applications, and individualized support, Business and Consumer Mathematics aims to equip students with practical tools for making informed financial decisions and navigating tasks in daily life. This course can be taken in Grade 11 or 12, as a one or two year course.
Year 1: Business and Consumer Math - Operational Applications
Year 2: Business and Consumer Math - Statistical Applications (Business Statistics)
For this course, a TI-Nspire (non-CAS) graphing calculator is required.