IB Mathematics

Overview of the course

The IB Diploma gives students the opportunity to study Mathematics at standard or higher level or Further Mathematics at standard level. The IB Diploma Mathematics course has a strong focus on developing the students' analytical and technical skills so that they can in turn apply these skills to solve a wide range of mathematical real world problems.

The IB maths course content covers the following areas: algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, matrices, vectors, statistics and probability and calculus. In addition, students are required to produce a portfolio consisting of two pieces of work, one based on mathematical investigation and the other based on mathematical modeling.

Further Maths assumes the students have already acquired the knowledge outlined in higher level mathematics and extends the learning further by covering topics such as: geometry, statistics and probability, sets, relations and groups, series and differential equations and discrete mathematics.

How is the teaching adapted to suit the needs of Chinese students?

Although our Chinese students have a very strong mathematical knowledge when they join our centres, they have generally had little exposure to Western teaching methods. Therefore, a strong emphasis is put on working in an investigative and enquiring manner coupled with rapidly developing the academic English required to explain their calculations in the context of the questions set.

Resources

Our IB centres are equipped with big screens for laptop connection and over-head projectors to allow our students to achieve the highest grades possible in this important component of the IB Diploma. This is coupled with state of the art teaching resources and interactive teaching methodologies. Most centres allow for the extensive use of computer simulations, interactive PowerPoint presentations, videos, and other student-centred teaching resources.

Other information

The IB Diploma is fast becoming the recognised standard of international education as the individual subjects are enhanced with an holistic approach which ensures students leave school as well rounded individuals ready for the 21st century. The maths courses provide the necessary foundations for advancement into careers in maths, statistics, business, economics, finance, engineering, pure science, medicine, astronomy and many other cutting edge careers.