1. Study Tips and Features for IB Maths AA
1.1 Syllabus
| Content of Study | |
| SL |
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| HL |
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1.2 Overview of Maths AA
This curriculum fosters students to think critically in a mathematical manner and use the conceptual understandings to form their own opinions. The most heavily weighted topics are Calculus, Geometry & Trigonometry, and Numbers & Algebra. For those who are considering taking a science major or a business major in the future, maths AA might be compulsory. Therefore, you should always consider the university’s requirements when selecting this course.
1.3 Study Tips
- Although the teaching hours for “Functions” is way less than the others, you will have to understand it thoroughly in order to succeed in the other topics such as “Calculus” and “Geometry & Trigonometry”.
- If you are considering taking maths AA, you should revise “Functions” at an early stage.
2. Assessment Model for IB Maths AA
The components of the exam will be discussed in this section. Your final grade for this subject will be determined based on two factors: your External Assessment and your Internal Assessment. It is important to note that the HL maths AA exam is longer than SL. Additionally, keep in mind that paper 1 is a non-calculator paper.
| Maths Analysis and Approaches HL (Higher Level) | ||
|
External Assessment |
Paper 1 |
Section A– Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus |
| Paper 2 |
Section A– Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus |
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| Paper 3 |
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Internal Assessment |
Mathematical Exploration |
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| Maths Analysis and Approaches SL (Standard Level) | ||
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External Assessment |
Paper 1 |
Section A– Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus |
| Paper 2 |
Section A– Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus |
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|
Internal Assessment |
Mathematical Exploration |
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3. Advices and Tips for Improving Your Score
3.1 Utilising Past Papers
By doing the past paper questions repeatedly, you will be able to understand what kind of questions are going to come up. There are a lot of questions in the final exam, so make sure that you are speedy enough for the exam by going through exam style questions. Practice is the key to success!
3.2 Practice How to Use the Calculator
You have to know how to use the calculator for this exam. Some questions require you to use the graphing calculator and it is essential that you know which buttons you should press in order to solve the problems. Practice using the calculator and familiarise yourself with it. In addition, you should refer back to calculator help guides when you are stuck as it can help you navigate through your calculations.
3.3 About the Internal Assessment (IA)
The Internal Assessment weighs 20% of your grade regardless of your level. You will have to choose a topic or your own and apply your mathematical skills that you have learned into your IA. Be sure to read the criteria thoroughly when writing the IA so that you don’t miss out anything. The IA is a very important part of your grade so don’t be lazy! If you are unsure of something that is on the criteria, search for example IAs on the Internet to understand what you should be writing about.
3.4 Show Your Workings Even if You Don’t Know the Final Answer!
Even if you can’t get to the final answer or don’t have enough time to complete the question, as long as your workings are correct, you will be able to get some marks. Therefore, even if you don’t have time to finish everything, it is recommended that you try to attempt the questions. Look at the criteria to understand where you can get marks and practice the calculation processes. Know which questions you are good at by doing past papers.