Academic Program > Mathematics Department

Group 5 -- Mathematics

• Mathematics (HL only)
• Mathematical Methods (SL only)
• Mathematical Studies (SL only)

Introduction
Since individual students have different needs, interests and abilities, the International Baccalaureate offers three different programmes in Mathematics.

These are targeted at three distinct groups:

• Students who wish to study Mathematics in depth, either as a subject in its own right or in order to pursue interests in areas related to Mathematics.
• Students who wish to gain a degree of understanding and competence in order to understand better their approach to other subjects.
• Students whose interests do not lie in the field of Mathematics and feel that Mathematical skill and techniques will not be needed in their future lives.

Each programme is designed to meet the needs of these three groups and great care should be exercised in selecting the one most appropraite for you.

In making your selection, you are advised to take account of the following considerations.

• Your ability in Mathematics and the type of Mathematics in which you can be successful.
• Your other choices of subjects within the IB.
• Your future academic plans in terms of subjects you may wish to study at University or college.
• Your choice of career.

All students must choose one of the following three programmes.

Mathematics Higher Level
This programme is for students with a good background and ability in Mathematics. The majority of students choosing this course will be expecting to include Mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and techonology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in Mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges.

Mathematical Methods Standard Level
This programme caters for students who need a sound Mathematical background in preparation for their future studies e.g. Chemistry, Psychology, Geography, Economics or Business Administration. This is a demanding course that covers many of the topics in the Higher Level programme but not to the same depth.

Mathematical Studies Standard Level
This programme is for students who do not anticipate a need for Mathematics in their future studies. The emphasis is on the application of Mathematics to real-life situations and a piece of personal research in the form of a "project" is a requirement of this course. It is a suitable course for students planning to pursue a university course in Languages, History etc.

IMPORTANT POINTS

• All 3 courses include an internally assessed component (coursework).
  For Higher Level and Mathematical Methods Standard Level, students are required to produce a "Portfolio" of three pieces of work assigned by the teacher.
  For Mathematical Studies Standard Level the "project" is the internally assessed component.
• All three courses require students to have access to a graphic display calculator at all times during the course, both inside and out of the classroom. However, for Mathematics HL and Mathematics SL one of the final IB examination papers must be taken wihtout a GDC (or any other calculator).
• The Mathematics teachers at the college will assist students and offer advice on choosing the most appropriate course. Changing courses is allowed but it is advisable to find the most suitable course as quickly as possible.
• Detailed syllabuses are available at http://www.geocities.com/kokminglee/math.html.

Martin Breen (Head of Mathematics), Beta Chau, Kok Ming Lee & Stella McCrakcen