Mathematics Courses in the IBDP

There are two new courses available for Mathematics in the IB DP.
Both Mathematics: Analysis and approaches and Mathematics: Applications and interpretation will be offered at HL and SL, and within each subject the SL course will be a complete subset of the HL course. 

HL courses are 240 hours and SL courses are 150 hours (this is a subset of the 250).
These new courses are being taught for the first time in 2019 with first IB examinations in November 2020. Updated information regarding university can be found here.

Mathematics: Analysis and approaches course (AA) – SL and HL 

Course Description: Mathematics AA will be offered at both SL and HL. It is designed for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They will explore real and abstract applications, sometimes with technology, and will enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalisation. 

• Emphasis on algebraic methods 
• Develop strong skills in mathematical thinking 
• Real and abstract mathematical problem solving  
• For students interested in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, and some economics. 

Mathematics: Applications and interpretations course (AI) – SL and HL 

Course Description: Mathematics AI will be offered at both SL and HL for students who are interested in developing their mathematics for describing our world, modelling and solving practical problems using the power of technology. Students who take Mathematics: Applications and interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a practical context. 

• Emphasis on modelling and statistics 
• Develop strong skills in applying mathematics to the real-world 
• Real mathematical problem–solving using technology 
• For students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, engineering, some economics, psychology, and design 

Content: 

All courses cover the same five topic areas but with varying emphasis. In addition, all course levels have the same focus on developing inquiry and modelling skills alongside the exploration internal assessment. 

 Topic breakdown by allocated teaching hours per course: 

Other components: 

Assessment

The Year 11 school-based assessment program will consist of:

Three assessment tasks

1. An assignment or investigation-style assessment
2. An in-class test
3. A formal end of course examination

A similar series of assessments will be followed in the Year 12 course. However, the investigation piece will be the formal internal assessment (see below). SL students will complete two externally assessed written papers at the end of Year 12 and the internal assessment, HL students will complete three externally assessed written papers and the internal assessment.

Internal assessment: The internal assessment for all courses occurs over the duration of the Year 12 course. It is a mathematical exploration that involves the deep investigation of an area of mathematical interest and relating it to comparable course content. This task comprises 20% of a student’s final IB grade and is moderated externally.

Summary – what level should I choose?