Mathematical Studies

Course summary

The IB Maths courses in general will build on the skills at the top of the IGCSE course. The subject will allow students to: develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles; develop logical, critical and creative thinking; employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalisation. The mathematics department aims to develop a love of the subject as well as encouraging students to see the links between topic areas and with other subjects. This should help them to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments. Individual students have different needs, aspirations, interests and abilities. For this reason there are two different Diploma Programme subjects in Mathematics: • Mathematics: analysis and approaches • Mathematics: applications and interpretation Both courses are offered at Standard Level and Higher Level. Students will need to select one of the four options. Mathematics: analysis and approaches (Higher Level and Standard Level) The course focuses on the more traditional elements of mathematics with a strong emphasis on algebraic skills and calculus, amongst other topics. The focus is on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way. Students will develop further the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Mathematics: applications and interpretation (Higher Level and Standard Level) Compared to the analysis and approaches course there is a greater emphasis on using results and interpreting their meaning, rather than the computation of carrying them out. The applications and interpretation course recognises the increasing role that mathematic plays in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasises the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modelling. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalisations, with a focus on using technology.