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Mathematics is a compulsory part of the IB Diploma for all students, and the course that students choose in Mathematics will fulfil the Group 5 requirement.
At Europa we offer three different Mathematics courses, and there is one that will suit all learners.
Analysis and Approaches HL
Analysis and Approaches HL
The Analysis and Approaches Higher Level course (AAHL) is aimed at students who wish to study Mathematics, or a subject that relies heavily on Mathematics (Physics, Economics, Engineering, etc), at University level or equivalent.
The focus in this course is on developing analytical skills to solve mathematical problems in a wide range of scenarios. It is intended for those students who are passionate about Maths, enjoy the challenge of solving mathematical problems, and want to learn Mathematical techniques that underpin more advanced mathematical studies.
There is an empasis on algebra skills, and the largest part of the syllabus is focused on calculus.
This is broadly equivalent to studying an A-Level in Mathematics, with a few topics from the Further Mathematics A-Level course.
Analysis and Approaches SL
Analysis and Approaches SL
The Analysis and Approaches Standard Level course (AASL) is aimed at students who wish to study sciences or other subjects that require a certain level of mathematical fluency, such as Chemistry, Biology, Medicine or Architecture, at University level or equivalent.
The focus in this course is on developing analytical skills to support mathematical problem solving. It is intended for those students who enjoy Maths, have been successful in Maths up to this point and need a strong mathematical basis for their other studies.
There is an empasis on algebra skills, and students will have to sit a non-calculator examination paper.
This is broadly equivalent to studying an AS-Level in Mathematics, or the first year of an A-Level in Mathematics. It does not cover as much content as the full A-Level, but does go into significant depth in the topics that are covered.
Applications and Interpretations SL
Applications and Interpretations SL
The Applications and Interpretations Standard Level course (AISL) is aimed at students who wish to study subjects that require a lot of statistics, such as social sciences (Psychology, ESS, Biology), and those which require little or no Mathematics, such as humanities (History, Geography, Law) and arts (Art, Music), at University level or equivalent.
There is an empasis on interpreting the results of calculations in the context of the problem, as opposed to the processes of finding the solution. There is a greater emphasis on using technology to help solve problems, and both examination papers require the use of a graphical calculator. It is intended for those students who wish to use Maths as a tool to solve problems, but are less concerned about how and why it works.
The largest area of the course is statistics, and this statistical study will help support subjects such as Psychology and ESS, where the internal assessment often requires a lot of statistics.
There is no real comparison with A-Level Maths in this course.
Content Comparison
Content Comparison
Based on the stated number of hours for each curriculum area as stated in the IB Diploma Mathematics guides, we can make the following comparison between the three courses.
Internal Assessment
Internal Assessment
No matter which course you choose to study in the IB DP, you will have to complete an internal assessment in Mathematics, which is known as an Exploration. This is a 12-20 page written piece of work exploring an area of Mathematics at the same level as the course. It is a chance to explore an area of Mathematics that you are interested in, either looking at it in more detail or exploring some of the applications.
Graphical Calculator
Graphical Calculator
All IB students need to purchase a Graphical Calculator for their Mathematics course. This is a required piece of equipment to complete the examinations. There are many different options, but at Europa School we use the Casio CG50. Towards the end of the year before starting the IB, parents will be given an opportunity to purchase the calculator through the school at a reduced rate. Alternatively you can source one second hand or from other retailers.
Formula Booklet
Formula Booklet
In IB examinations, all students are provided with a Formula Booklet which contains many mathematical formulae that they require. Students will be given a copy of the formula booklet printed at the start of the course. If they lose this, they will be required to print a new copy themselves, and their teacher will provide an electronic version for them to do this.
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