Course Overview
The IB specification focuses on how Mathematics enters our lives daily in a number of ways: for example, we purchase items, consult a timetable or read a newspaper. For most of us, Mathematics extends into our chosen profession: artists need to learn about perspective, economists need to recognise trends in financial dealings and engineers need to take into account stress patterns in physical materials. Scientists view mathematics as a language that is central to our understanding of events that occur in the natural world. Some people enjoy the challenges offered by the logical methods of mathematics and the adventure in reason that mathematical proof has to offer whilst others appreciate mathematics as an aesthetic experience.
Individual students have different needs, interests and abilities. The Abbey School offers three Mathematics IB courses – Mathematical Studies (for students who do not anticipate needing mathematics in their future studies) and Mathematics SL and HL (for students who want a strong mathematical background).
Students who intend to apply to university abroad or wish to pursue a degree course in the UK with a very high mathematical content should check the precise IB Mathematics entry requirements before making their decision.
Mathematics SL is designed for those students who are confident about applying GCSE techniques correctly. The majority of these students will need good mathematical skills in other subject areas and a strong mathematical background for their university course but any student who is good at and enjoys mathematics will benefit from the SL course. It covers the development of mathematical techniques from an applications rather than theoretical perspective. The syllabus content includes: Using a Graphic Display Calculator; Matrices; Algebra; Vectors; Functions and equations; Statistics and Probability; Circular Functions and Trigonometry; and Calculus.
Mathematics HL is very demanding and aimed at those who have exhibited a high level of competence in Mathematics. It is more difficult than A Level Mathematics and is therefore best suited to those who enjoy the subject and the challenge of difficult problems and those who aim to study Mathematics, Physics or Engineering at University.
Assessment
Assessment is by calculator and non-calculator examinations and Coursework. The coursework portfolio comprises of two pieces of work based on different areas of the syllabus. One task is a mathematical investigation, the other involves mathematical modelling.
Skills gained on this course
- Ability to select, use and apply mathematical facts, strategies and techniques in a variety of contexts and problem-solving situations
- Formulation of mathematical arguments and ability to communicate them clearly
- Ability to use standard mathematical models to represent situations in the real world and interpret the results
- How to effectively use graphic calculator technology as a mathematical tool.
Beyond IB
Mathematics develops students’ analytical skills and is appropriate to a wide range of careers and science-based courses at Higher Education level and is held in universally high regard. Particularly relevant careers include Accountancy and Banking, Computing, Engineering, Architecture and Business.