Changes to IB DP Mathematics

As of the academic year 2019, the IB DP Mathematics course is undergoing changes. We have prepared this guide to help both students and parents gain some insight into the changes to the syllabus. 

How will the syllabus change?

Instead of the normal IB DP Mathematics SL and HL courses, the IB DP will now offer two Mathematics subjects: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations. Similarly to the previous Mathematics IB DP, each of these two subjects will be split into Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). 

What is the rationale for these changes?

The new IB DP Mathematics courses will offer students more choice and will enable them to adapt to the changing needs of the world of work and universities. Additionally, both courses offer an increasing emphasis on the use of Mathematics and technology – essential for the modern mathematician. 

IBDP Mathematics – the details.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches  focuses on analytical methods and expertise, including calculus appropriate for pure mathematicians, economists, scientists and engineers. This course is aimed at students who will go on to study Mathematics itself at further education, or students who will study courses deeply rooted in Mathematics such as sciences, engineering and some economics courses.

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations focuses on statistics, modelling and use of technology. This course is aimed at students who will go on to study courses such as natural sciences, social sciences, medicine, business, statistics and psychology.

The IB DP Mathematics assessment model

For both subjects offered the assessment model is as follows:

Standard Level	Higher Level
Paper 1: 80 marks, 90 minutes	Paper 1: 110 marks, 120 minutes
Paper 2: 80 marks, 90 minutes	Paper 2: 110 marks, 120 minutes
	HL Paper 3: 55 marks, 60 minutes, problem solving

Which subject should I choose?

Students should choose subjects which align with their interests and what they intend to study at further education. Universities will be looking to see that applicants have chosen the appropriate subjects for their course and so this is definitely something which should be taken into consideration when choosing IB DP subjects. This can seem daunting, after all it can be difficult to make this decision at the age of 16, but if you are not sure which subject you’d like to study at further education it’s generally good advice to take the subject which interests you, challenges you and in which you feel you can perform well.

As always, if you have any questions about this subject or any other subject at IB DP level, feel free to contact us for more information.