WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS? For employers and universities alike, critical thinking in Mathematics is becoming an increasingly valued skill, especially as technology advances make some traditional skills redundant. Critical thinking, in the context of mathematical learning, is the ability to recognise where the subject can be used. It equips students with the ability to understand and synthesise technical documents, apply relevant mathematical approaches to familiar and unfamiliar situations, structure logical arguments, be risk aware, understand that technology and mathematics can go hand-in-hand, and interpret the meaning and relevance of solutions. These are all becoming increasingly important and sought-after skills. HOW DOES THE DIPLOMA PROGAMME MATHEMATICS COURSE ADDRESS THIS? DP Mathematics focuses on developing the skills of analysis, abstraction and generalisation, risk awareness and statistical literacy, algorithmic thinking, modelling and inquiry. Two mathematical subjects/ routes have been designed that will each be offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Students wishing to take Mathematics at Higher Level need to choose the specific course (Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretations) that they wish to study. Higher Level caters for students with an excellent background in Mathematics, having got to grips with the more challenging parts of (I)GCSE and the Additional Mathematics course. Students opting for Higher Level AA will often be expecting to include Mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within subjects such as Physics, Engineering, Computing and some Chemistry and Economics courses. Higher Level AI could be a good course for able mathematicians following a science route as well as some economics courses. You should seek careful advice from the PGC / Mathematics department about embarking on the right level of mathematics for your ability and chosen career path as there is a lot of variation in university requirements. Students wishing to study Mathematics at Standard Level do not need to commit to a course at this stage. All Standard Level Mathematics students will start together in September of SFC1. They will cover some common topics in order to get a flavour of both courses. They will decide which course is most suitable for them towards the end of the first term but before a decision is made full consideration must be given to the implications of the change for university applications.