INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

MATHS - HIGHER

WHY SHOULD I STUDY Mathematics?

All IB students must study Mathematics as part of their course.  At PPC we will offer Higher Level Mathematics and, at Standard Level, either Mathematics or Mathematical Studies. Higher Level Mathematics will offer all students an accessible, interesting, useful and practical introduction to advanced-level Mathematics, particularly those who may want to study mathematics or related subjects at University.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

Students who wish to opt for Higher Level Mathematics should have a real enjoyment of the subject and relish algebra! They should feel confident with most topics studied at GCSE. This course is for students with a strong interest in Mathematics who are self-motivated learners and may want to study a mathematics-related subject at university.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

The main topics covered are:

·         During the first year

o   Algebra, functions and equations

o   Trigonometry and Circular functions

o   Statistics and probability

o   Calculus

·         During the second year

o   Matrices

o   Further calculus

o   Vectors

o   And one of Further Statistics; Differential Equations; Discrete mathematics; Sets, Relations and Groups

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There is no external examination at the end of the first year of study. Students will take three 1¹/₂-hour exams at the end of the second year. However there will be regular in-course assessments together with more comprehensive internal trial exams both at the end of the first year and at the beginning of the second term of their second year. Work on a Mathematical Project will take place during June and July of the students’ first year (approximately 20 hours) which will form part of the assessment and final grading..

COURSE COMMITMENT

Students attend lessons for 4 hours per week for the two years of the course. In addition there will be two workshops available each week and opportunities for one-to-one time with the teacher. Students should expect to spend a similar amount of time in private study.

COURSE COSTS

Students will use graphical display calculators throughout the course. A Casio 9850 is recommended – approximately £50.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

You need to have met the standard college entry requirements of five GCSE grade C or above. Including a GCSE grade C or above in Mathematics and English.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Economics degrees

FURTHER INFORMATION

Throughout the course, the international nature of mathematics is explored by the use of examples originating from different countries and cultures. Aspects of the mathematics covered will be relevant to elements of understanding in the Theory of Knowledge component. In addition, students will have the option of basing their Extended Project on the subject.