SL - Math
SL - Math
To ensure both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, students must
choose at least one subject from five groups: 1) their best language, 2) additional
language(s), 3) social sciences, 4) experimental sciences, and 5) mathematics. Students
may choose either an arts subject from group 6, or a second subject from groups
1 to 5. At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level (240
recommended teaching hours), while the remaining are taken at standard level (150
recommended teaching hours). In addition, three core elements—the extended essay,
theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service—are compulsory and central to the
philosophy of the programme.
I. Course description and aims • employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization
• apply and transfer skills to alternative situations, to other areas of
The IB DP mathematics standard level (SL) course focuses on introducing knowledge and to future developments
important mathematical concepts through the development of mathe- • appreciate how developments in technology and mathematics
matical techniques. The intention is to introduce students to these con- have influenced each other
cepts in a comprehensible and coherent way, rather than insisting on • appreciate the moral, social and ethical implications arising from
the mathematical rigour required for mathematics HL. Students should, the work of mathematicians and the applications of mathematics
wherever possible, apply the mathematical knowledge they have ac- • appreciate the international dimension in mathematics through an
quired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context. awareness of the universality of mathematics and its multicultural
and historical perspectives
The internally assessed exploration offers students the opportunity for • appreciate the contribution of mathematics to other disciplines,
developing independence in their mathematical learning. Students are and as a particular “area of knowledge” in the TOK course.
encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical ac-
tivities and to explore different mathematical ideas. The exploration also II. Curriculum model overview
allows students to work without the time constraints of a written exam-
ination and to develop the skills they need for communicating mathe-
matical ideas. Component Recommended
teaching hours
The aims of all mathematics courses in group 5 are to enable students to: Topic 1 9
Algebra
• enjoy mathematics, and develop an appreciation of the elegance Topic 2 24
and power of mathematics Functions and equations
• develop an understanding of the principles and nature of
mathematics Topic 3 16
• communicate clearly and confidently in a variety of contexts Circular functions and trigonometry
• develop logical, critical and creative thinking, and patience and Topic 4 16
persistence in problem-solving Vectors
About the IB: For over 40 years the IB has built a reputation for high-quality, challenging programmes of education that develop internationally
minded young people who are well prepared for the challenges of life in the 21st century and able to contribute to creating a better, more
peaceful world.
For further information on the IB Diploma Programme, visit: http://www.ibo.org/diploma/ Complete subject guides can be accessed through
the IB Online Curriculum Center (OCC), the IB university and government official system, or purchased through the IB store: http://store.ibo.org
To learn more about how the IB Diploma Programme prepares students for success at university, visit: www.ibo.org/recognition or
email: [email protected]