IB MATH HIGHER 1

 Course info

 

IB Math HL is a demanding two-year course intended for serious mathematics students with a strong background and interest in mathematics. It is recommended for students who plan to pursue an advanced field of study at a university requiring the highest level of mathematics, e.g. pure or applied mathematics, physics, or engineering. Successful students will be strong problem-solvers, have the ability to develop and interpret mathematical models, and to verify their conclusions using rigor and proof.

There are six compulsory core topics:

  1. Algebra – sequences/series, exponents/logarithms, complex numbers
  2. Functions and Equations – graphing, transformations, inequalities
  3. Circular Functions and Trigonometry – graphing, equations, identities, inverses
  4. Vectors – 2D and 3D vectors, scalar/vector products, lines and planes in 3D space
  5. Statistics and Probability – discrete/continuous probability distributions
  6. Calculus – differential and integral calculus, with applications

 

In addition there will be one option topic.

 

The course will be assessed internally through tests, quizzes, and an independent mathematical exploration, and externally through written examinations. The Mathematical Exploration requires each student to pursue an independent mathematical investigation on a topic of his/her choice.  These projects allow for independent mathematical development without the time constraints inherent in written examinations.

All students enrolled in an IB subject must sit the external exam at the end of Year 2.  Students are required to purchase a TI 84+ calculator, which is available through the school.

 

 

Primary Text:

  • Fenson, Harcet, Heinrichs, Seiler, Skoumal, Mathematics HL, Oxford

 

Course Timeline

Semester 1:

  • Advanced algebra topics
  • Functions and transformations
  • Polynomial functions and equations
  • Circular functions and Trigonometry

 

Semester 2:

  • Limits and differential calculus
  • Applications of differential calculus
  • Integral calculus
  • Applications of integral calculus

 

Semester 3:

  • Probabillity
  • Probability distributions
  • Vectors and 3D geometry

 

By the end of Semester 3, we will be done with the “Core” syllabus.

 

Semester 4:

  • Option Topic
  • Review

 

ACS Cobham HS grade categories and weights

All IB Math Higher courses at ACS will use the following grade category weighting:

  • Tests 60%
  • Assignments 40%
  • Quizzes, projects maybe counted in either category, at the discretion of the teacher.

 

IB assessment information

External assessment: 80%

  • Paper 1: 30%        2 hour non-calculator exam on core topics
  • Paper 2: 30%        2 hour exam on core topics, calculator required
  • Paper 3: 20%        1 hour exam on option topic, calculator required

 

Internal assessment: 20% — Mathematical Exploration

  • If two or more Mathematical Explorations are completed, the best may be chosen.

 

Other information

Tests

Tests will be given at the end of each unit. A student who is absent on the day of a test will be expected to make up the test within five school days of his/her return to school. Failure to do so will result in the final semester grade being marked as Incomplete, and additional work may be required before the student is permitted to make up the test.

There is no test re-take opportunity for students.

 

Quizzes

Quizzes will generally be given once or twice per unit to check your progress with new concepts.

 

Homework

Homework will be assigned every day and its completion is essential to the learning process.