Analysis & Approaches

Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL/SL is for students interested in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, possibly some economics, finance and medicine depending on the University. The course focuses on a deeper understanding of algebra through investigation, conjecture, and proof, and requires students to work both with and without a graphic display calculator. 

It is important for students to carefully consider their interests and career goals when choosing which IB Mathematics course to study. Both courses are valuable in their own right and will lead students to successful careers, but understanding the differences between them can help students make an informed decision about which course is best aligned with their particular ambitions and aspirations

Mathematics: analysis and approaches has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments in coherent and rigorous way. 

Students are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to solve abstract problems as well as those set in a variety of meaningful contexts. 

Students should expect to develop insight into mathematical form and structure, and should be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between concepts in different topic areas. 

Students are also encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments. The internally assessed exploration allows students to develop independence in mathematical learning. 

The final grade (1-7) is a combined grade based on the Internal Assessment (written investigative report/exploration) and the External Assessment (examinations) 

Standard Level

Internal Assessment 20% 

External Assessment 80%

• Paper 1 - 40% - Short & Extended Response Questions. 80 Marks in 90 Minutes (No Calculator)

• Paper 2 - 40% - Short & Extended Response Questions. 80 Marks in 90 Minutes (Calculator)

Higher Level

Internal Assessment 20% 

External Assessment 80%

• Paper 1 - 30% - Short & Extended Response Questions. 110 Marks in 120 Minutes (No Calculator)

• Paper 2 - 30% - Short & Extended Response Questions. 110 Marks in 120 Minutes (Calculator)

• Paper 3 - 20% - 2 Difficult Investigative Problems. 55 Marks in 75 Minutes (Calculator)

Assessment Objectives

Problem-solving is central to learning mathematics and involves the acquisition of mathematical skills and concepts in a wide range of situations, including non-routine, open-ended and real-world problems. The assessment objectives are common to Mathematics: applications and interpretation and to Mathematics: analysis and approaches.

Knowledge and understanding: Recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. 

Problem solving: Recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical skills, results and models in both abstract and real-world contexts to solve problems.

Communication and interpretation: Transform common realistic contexts into mathematics; comment on the context; sketch or draw mathematical diagrams, graphs or constructions both on paper and using technology; record methods, solutions and conclusions using standardized notation; use appropriate notation and terminology.

Technology: Use technology accurately, appropriately and efficiently both to explore new ideas and to solve problems.

Problem-solving is central to learning mathematics.  Our lessons will involve the acquisition of mathematical skills and concepts in a wide range of situations, including non-routine, open-ended and real-world problems.

Our lessons will also investigate unfamiliar situations, both abstract and from the real world, involving organizing and analyzing information, making conjectures, drawing conclusions, and testing their validity.

Ability to use technology accurately, appropriately and efficiently both to explore new ideas and to solve problems will be incorporated during these instructions.

Timeline

Both courses SL and HL follow Oxford IB Diploma textbook at appropriate level to cover the following topics

• sequences and series

• functions, including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic

• differentiation and integration

• probability and statistics

• geometry and trigonometry

AAHL will also cover

• complex numbers

• vectors

The goal of each course is to finish the syllabus by Christmas of Gr12. This leaves the second semester free to revise and prepare for the upcoming exams. 

Assessments and Grade Reporting

Grade 11 SL Grade 11 HL

6 Units and 6 Unit Exams - 70% of the Class Grade 7 Units and 7 Unit Exams - 70% of the Class Grade

End of Year Cumulative Exam - 30% of the Class Grade

Internal Assessment (IA) - Exploration

This is introduced in February of Gr11. There are mini-deadlines the students are expected to meet every month. The final draft is then submitted in December of Gr12. 

Grade 12 SL Grade 12 HL

3 Units and 3 Unit Exams - 70% of the Class Grade 4 Units and 4 Unit  Exams - 70% of the Class Grade

Gr12 Mock Exams - 30% of the Class Grade

Resources and Necessary Equipment 

Students are Responsible for…

• A graphical display calculator. The TI-84 Plus CE-T is the recommended calculator as it is what will be used by the teacher when demonstrating how to use the calculator. 

• A tablet or laptop

Students will be given access to

• Class notebooks

• Class Textbooks

• Formula Booklet

Connections to International Mindedness and Global Issues

Mathematics can be seen as an international language of science that unites our international students and provides them with an opportunity to engage with global issues and transform the world around us.

• Mr Peter Cusick     | pcusick@danubeschool.com  

• Ms Michelle Shaw    | mshaw@danubeschool.com   

Appointments: Arrange by email.