IB New Syllabus

Advice

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Table of Contents
1 New Course Breakdown ............................................................................................. 2
1.1 Analysis & Approaches ................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Applications and Interpretation ..................................................................................... 2
2 Comparison To Old Courses ........................................................................................ 3
3 University Implications .............................................................................................. 4
3.1 University of Bath .......................................................................................................... 4
3.2 University of Bristol........................................................................................................ 4
3.3 City, University of London .............................................................................................. 4
3.4 King’s College London .................................................................................................... 4
3.5 University of Leeds ......................................................................................................... 5
3.6 University College London .............................................................................................. 5
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1 New Course Breakdown
Two new courses, Analysis and Approaches and Applications and Interpretation, will replace Mathematical studies,
standard level, higher level and further higher level from 2019/2020 onwards. The SL maths courses are 150 hours of
classes, whilst a HL maths course is taught over 240 hours

Why are the IB introducing the new courses?

They have described the new courses as “relevant and rigorous” and offer “more choice to a greater number of students”.
The IBO have emphasised that the new maths course focuses on critical thinking. This is an important skill to have in the
classroom and in the workplace. This will allow you to challenge the status quo, question your assumptions and make
rigorous and informed choices. As the IBO highlight, technology is “making some traditional skills redundant”, so the ability
to think critically, especially in mathematics, is fast becoming a sought-after skill.

1.1 Analysis & Approaches

This course has been created for students who “enjoy developing their mathematics” and wish to study the “construction
of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking”. This has a focus on algebra, geometry and
calculus at HL, with a relatively even spread across the 5 topics at SL. You will be answering both abstract and applied
questions, which will consistently challenge you to think in different ways. Consequently, the IBO pitch this course to those
who enjoy the “thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalisation”.

Assessment: 3 externally assessed written papers and the internal assessment

Ideal for those wanting to go on to study:

• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Physical sciences
• Mathematical economics

1.2 Applications and Interpretation

This course has been developed for students who wish to “develop their mathematics for describing our world, modelling
and solving practical problems”. Both the SL and HL course emphasise statistics and probability – a key application of
mathematics in subjects such as Economics and Psychology. This course will also use more “technology” during lessons as
part of its focus on statistics. The IBO state that this course will suit students “who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a
practical context” as it will place a greater emphasis on the application of mathematical concepts.

Assessment: 2 externally assessed written papers and the internal assessment

Idea for those wanting to go on to study:

• Social sciences
• Natural sciences
• Medicine
• Statistics
• Business
• Engineering
• Applied economics
• Psychology
• Design

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2 Comparison To Old Courses
How do they compare to the old courses?

The IB suggest the following equivalences:

Old course New course

Mathematical Studies SL Applications and Interpretation SL
Mathematics SL Analysis and Approaches SL
Mathematics HL Applications and Interpretations HL or Analysis and Approaches HL

In addition, the existing optional modules available for Higher Level students will be combined into the 2 new courses. For
example, the Analysis and Approaches HL course will include the previous optional calculus module, whilst the Applications
and Interpretation HL course will incorporate the statistics optional module currently available.

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3 University Implications
Most universities are treating the 2 courses as equivalent, with either being accepted at SL for any degree that requires the
current Mathematics SL course.

In addition to the information below, please check the admission requirements for your chosen course and university, and
if in doubt, contact the university themselves.

3.1 University of Bath

HL Analysis and Approaches for the following programmes:
§ Mathematics (including Comp Sci & Maths, Maths & Physics and Econ & Maths)

Note: Students who have been forced to take HL Applications & Interpretations should contact them before
applying, but they will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

HL Analysis and Approaches or Applications and interpretations

§ Physics

§ Engineering

§ Accounting and finance

§ Economics

§ Computational Science

§ Natural sciences

§ Science and sport degrees where Maths is meeting a core maths/science subject requirement

Note: where some of these courses consider SL Mathematics now, they will consider SL Analysis & Approaches only.

All other degrees (Social Sciences, Languages, Politics, Sport, Psychology, Management, other science degrees where
students have sufficient science subjects to meet core requirements with maths consider any of the four Mathematics
subjects

3.2 University of Bristol

They accept either Applications and interpretation HL and Mathematics: Analysis and approaches HL for entry to courses
that currently require Mathematics HL.

3.3 City, University of London

Both the HL routes will be equivalent to A-Level Mathematics.

3.4 King’s College London

From the summer 2019, Year 11 students studying IB Mathematics can choose either the Analysis and Approaches or
Applications and Interpretation pathway. King’s would expect to see IB students studying the new curriculum from 2021

Kings have followed all other universities that, at the time of writing, have agreed to accept either Analysis HL
and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL where they currently require Mathematics HL.

Where Mathematics was previously required at Higher Level, King’s would ask applicants to study:

HL Analysis and Approaches for the following programmes:

§ Mathematics (all programmes)

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§ Physics (all programmes)

§ Engineering (all Biomedical and Electronic programmes)

Either pathway accepted at higher level for:

§ BSc Accounting and Finance

§ BSc Economics

§ BSc Economics and Management

§ Computer Science (all programmes)

§ Chemistry (all programmes)

§ Pharmacy

§ Physiotherapy

§ Psychology (all programmes)

§ Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences

If Maths is a listed as a preferred subject, either pathway would be adequate preparation for the programme. When Maths
is required at GCSE level, IB applicants can use either pathway at Standard Level or the Maths component of their IB
Middle Years programme to meet this requirement.

3.5 University of Leeds

Standard Level Applications and Interpretation and Analysis and Approaches are accepted in place of GCSE Maths. Higher
Level Applications and Interpretation and Analysis and Approaches are accepted in place of A Level Maths. Maths
requirements vary by programme and may differ depending on the IB module undertaken. Applicants should
visit Coursefinder for more information.

3.6 University College London

From 2021, programmes requiring A-level Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level. Programmes requiring Further Mathematics at A-level will
accept higher level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

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