IB Mathematics - Applications and Interpretations SL (MAI SL)

Prerequisites

A prerequisite is to have completed the Year 10 General Mathematics and Applications course with an average of C or higher or Year 10 Mathematical Methods and Analysis course with an average of D or higher.  

Course Description and Aims

The IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations SL (MAI SL) course focusses on important interconnected mathematical topics. The syllabus focusses on placing more emphasis on student understanding of fundamental concepts than on symbolic manipulation and complex manipulative skills, giving greater emphasis to developing the students’ mathematical reasoning rather than performing routine operations, solving mathematical problems embedded in a wide range of contexts or using the calculator effectively. There is an emphasis on applications of mathematics and statistical techniques. It is designed to offer students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to learn important concepts and techniques and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of mathematical topics, preparing them to solve problems in a variety of settings, develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning and enhance their critical thinking.

The aims of all mathematics courses in Group 5 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 An individual piece of work involving the collection of information or the generation of measurements, and subsequent analysis and evaluation.

Assessment at a Glance - MAI SL

Type of Assessment	Format of Assessment	Time (hours)	Weighting Final Grade (%)
External		3	80
Paper 1 (graphical display calculator required)	15 compulsory short-response questions based on the whole syllabus.	1.5	40
Paper 2 (graphical display calculator required)	Six compulsory extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus.	1.5	40
Internal			20
Mathematical Explorations	The exploration is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics.		20