How do the IB Math courses work?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics curriculum, as of the latest update, is structured into two main courses: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI). Each course is offered at two levels: Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).

1. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)

• Focus: Emphasizes algebra, calculus, and other analytical methods. Suitable for students with a strong interest in mathematics, particularly those planning to pursue mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, or economics at university.
• Levels:
• SL (Standard Level)
• HL (Higher Level)

2. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)

• Focus: Emphasizes practical applications of mathematics, using technology to explore mathematical models and interpret data. Suitable for students who enjoy seeing how mathematics relates to the real world, such as in social sciences, humanities, or arts.
• Levels:
• SL (Standard Level)
• HL (Higher Level)

Assessment Structure

Each course (AA and AI) has the following assessment structure:

Standard Level (SL)

1. Internal Assessment (IA)
• Weight: 20%
• Content: A mathematical exploration, where students choose a topic of interest and explore it in a written report.
• Length: Approximately 12-20 pages.
2. External Assessment
• Weight: 80%
• Papers:
• Paper 1:
• Format: No calculator allowed.
• Number of Questions: Short and extended-response questions.
• Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Paper 2:
• Format: Calculator allowed.
• Number of Questions: Short and extended-response questions.
• Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Higher Level (HL)

1. Internal Assessment (IA)
• Weight: 20%
• Content: Same as SL, with a higher expectation in terms of mathematical rigor.
2. External Assessment
• Weight: 80%
• Papers:
• Paper 1:
• Format: No calculator allowed.
• Number of Questions: Short and extended-response questions.
• Time: 2 hours.
• Paper 2:
• Format: Calculator allowed.
• Number of Questions: Short and extended-response questions.
• Time: 2 hours.
• Paper 3 (HL only):
• Format: Calculator allowed.
• Content: Extended response questions focusing on two or three topics, requiring deeper mathematical understanding and problem-solving.
• Time: 1 hour.

Time Allocation

The IB allocates the following teaching hours for each course and level:

• SL: 150 teaching hours.
• HL: 240 teaching hours.

This time includes teaching, revision, and preparation for the IA and external exams.

Summary of Assessments

• SL:
• 2 External Papers + IA
• Total External Exam Time: 3 hours
• Weight of IA: 20%
• HL:
• 3 External Papers + IA
• Total External Exam Time: 5 hours
• Weight of IA: 20%

Types of Questions

• Short Response: These questions typically require concise answers and are worth fewer marks.
• Extended Response: These questions involve multi-step problem solving and are worth more marks.
• Exploration (IA): An independent piece of work that allows students to investigate an area of mathematics of personal interest.

The IB Math curriculum's structure is designed to cater to different mathematical needs and aspirations, with assessments that rigorously test students' understanding and application of mathematical concepts.

In the current IB Mathematics curriculum, the teaching hours are allocated to specific topics within each course (Analysis and Approaches and Applications and Interpretation) for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Below is a breakdown of the teaching hours for each topic.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)

Standard Level (SL)

• Number and Algebra: 19 hours
• Functions: 21 hours
• Geometry and Trigonometry: 25 hours
• Statistics and Probability: 27 hours
• Calculus: 28 hours
• Total: 120 hours (core content)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 30 hours
• Grand Total: 150 hours

Higher Level (HL)

• Number and Algebra: 39 hours
• Functions: 32 hours
• Geometry and Trigonometry: 51 hours
• Statistics and Probability: 33 hours
• Calculus: 55 hours
• Total: 210 hours (core content + additional HL content)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 30 hours
• Grand Total: 240 hours

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)

Standard Level (SL)

• Number and Algebra: 16 hours
• Functions: 31 hours
• Geometry and Trigonometry: 18 hours
• Statistics and Probability: 36 hours
• Calculus: 19 hours
• Total: 120 hours (core content)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 30 hours
• Grand Total: 150 hours

Higher Level (HL)

• Number and Algebra: 29 hours
• Functions: 42 hours
• Geometry and Trigonometry: 35 hours
• Statistics and Probability: 52 hours
• Calculus: 41 hours
• Total: 210 hours (core content + additional HL content)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 30 hours
• Grand Total: 240 hours

Detailed Breakdown

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)

• Number and Algebra:
• SL: 19 hours
• HL: 39 hours (19 hours core + 20 hours additional HL content)
• Functions:
• SL: 21 hours
• HL: 32 hours (21 hours core + 11 hours additional HL content)
• Geometry and Trigonometry:
• SL: 25 hours
• HL: 51 hours (25 hours core + 26 hours additional HL content)
• Statistics and Probability:
• SL: 27 hours
• HL: 33 hours (27 hours core + 6 hours additional HL content)
• Calculus:
• SL: 28 hours
• HL: 55 hours (28 hours core + 27 hours additional HL content)

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)

• Number and Algebra:
• SL: 16 hours
• HL: 29 hours (16 hours core + 13 hours additional HL content)
• Functions:
• SL: 31 hours
• HL: 42 hours (31 hours core + 11 hours additional HL content)
• Geometry and Trigonometry:
• SL: 18 hours
• HL: 35 hours (18 hours core + 17 hours additional HL content)
• Statistics and Probability:
• SL: 36 hours
• HL: 52 hours (36 hours core + 16 hours additional HL content)
• Calculus:
• SL: 19 hours
• HL: 41 hours (19 hours core + 22 hours additional HL content)

These allocations ensure that both the SL and HL courses cover the required content thoroughly, with HL students receiving additional depth and rigor in certain areas.