IB Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches SL (MAA SL)

Prerequisites

Successful completion of the Year 10 Methods Analysis course or Year 10A Methods Analysis course. 

Course Description and Aims

The IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL (MAA SL) course is a subset of the Higher Level (HL) course and focusses 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 IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL (MAA HL). Students should, wherever possible, apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context.

The internally assessed 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.

The aims of all Group 5 IB Mathematics courses are to enable students to:

• develop a curiosity and enjoyment of mathematics, and appreciate its elegance and power;
• develop an understanding of the concepts, principles and nature of mathematics;
• communicate mathematics clearly, concisely and confidently in a variety of contexts;
• develop logical and creative thinking, and patience and persistence in problem-solving to instil confidence in using mathematics;
• employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalisation;
• take action to apply and transfer skills to alternative situations, to other areas of knowledge and to future developments in their local and global communities;
• appreciate how developments in technology and mathematics influence each other;
• appreciate the moral, social and ethical questions arising from the work of mathematicians and the applications of mathematics;
• appreciate the universality of mathematics and its multicultural, international and historical perspectives;
• appreciate the contribution of mathematics to other disciplines, and as a particular 'area of knowledge' in the TOK course;
• develop the ability to reflect critically upon their own work and the work of others;
• independently and collaboratively extend their understanding of mathematics.

Curriculum Model Overview

Component

Topic 1 Number and Algebra

Topic 2 Functions

Topic 3 Geometry and Trigonometry

Topic 4 Statistics and Probability

Topic 5 Calculus

Mathematical Exploration Internal assessment in Mathematics SL is an individual exploration. This is a piece of written works that involves investigating an area of mathematics.

Assessment at a Glance - MAA SL

Type of Assessment	Format of Assessment	Time (hours)	Weighting Final Grade (%)
External		3	80
Paper 1 (non-calculator)	Section A: Compulsory short-response questions based on the whole syllabus. Section B: Compulsory extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus.	1.5	40
Paper 2 (graphical display calculator required)	Section A: Compulsory short-response questions based on the whole syllabus. Section B: Compulsory extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus.	1.5	40
Internal			20
Mathematical Explorations	Internal assessment in Mathematics SL is an individual exploration. This is a piece of written works that involves investigating an area of mathematics.		20