Analysis and Approaches
Standard Level (SL) Programme
The course focuses on introducing important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques. The intention is to introduce students to these concepts in a comprehensible and coherent way, rather than insisting on the mathematical rigour required for Higher Level (HL). Students should, wherever possible, apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context.
The internally assessed component, the exploration, offers students the opportunity for developing independence in their mathematical learning. Students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas. The exploration also allows students to work without the time constraints of a written examination and to develop the skills they need for communicating mathematical ideas.
This course does not have the depth found in the HL course. Students wishing to study subjects with a higher degree of mathematical content should therefore opt for an HL course rather than an SL course.
Standard Level Assessments
School assessments will consist of tests, examinations and problem solving tasks or projects.
Higher Level (HL) Programme
The course focuses on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way. This is achieved by means of a carefully balanced approach. Students are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to solve problems set in a variety of meaningful contexts. Development of each topic should feature justification and proof of results. Students embarking on this course should expect to develop insight into mathematical form and structure, and should be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between concepts in different topic areas. They should also be encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments.
The internally assessed component, the exploration, offers students the opportunity for developing independence in their mathematical learning. Students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas. The exploration also allows students to work without the time constraints of a written examination and to develop the skills they need for communicating mathematical ideas.
This course is a demanding one, requiring students to study a broad range of mathematical topics through a number of different approaches and to varying degrees of depth. Students wishing to study mathematics in a less rigorous environment should therefore opt for one of the Standard Level courses, Analysis and Approaches SL or Applications and Interpretation SL.
Higher Level Assessments
School assessments will consist of tests, examinations and problem solving tasks or projects.