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Group 5 IB Mathematics programme takes account of the wide-ranging needs of students by offering two different courses, each at HL and SL. The Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches course has a greater emphasis on mathematical argument and on areas traditionally regarded as ‘pure’ mathematics such as calculus, while the Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation course focuses more on aspects of Mathematics which are transferrable to other fields, such as statistics and functions. Your ability to operate in the future world will be immeasurably enhanced by a strong skill set in Mathematics, for which any of the four courses provides a secure foundation.
Choosing SL or HL
Both HL courses have been designed for those students who 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 technology. Others may take these courses because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy the challenge of working through difficult problems.
The SL courses cater to those students who wish to gain a sound mathematical understanding and competence in how mathematics relates to the real world and to other subjects. Depending on university and course selection, the SL pathways will help prepare students for future studies such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business studies.
The following factors must be considered carefully by students when choosing SL or HL:
- their own abilities in mathematics and the type of mathematics in which they can be successful
- their own interest in mathematics and those particular areas of the subject that may hold the most interest for them
- their academic plans, in particular the subjects they wish to study in the future
- their choice of career
Due to their challenges, it is highly recommended that students only consider choosing one of the HL courses as long as they achieve at least a grade 6 in MYP Extended Mathematics.
The following links below will give you further information about each subject.