Aims & Objectives

Course Aims

• Develop a curiosity and enjoyment of mathematics, and appreciate its elegance and power

• Develop an understanding of the concepts, principles and nature of mathematics

• Communicate mathematics clearly, concisely and confidently in a variety of contexts

• Develop logical and creative thinking, and patience and persistence in problem solving to instil confidence in using mathematics

• Employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization

• Take action to apply and transfer skills to alternative situations, to other areas of knowledge and to future developments in their local and global communities

• Appreciate how developments in technology and mathematics influence each other

• Appreciate the moral, social and ethical questions arising from the work of mathematicians and the applications of mathematics

• Appreciate the universality of mathematics and its multicultural, international and historical perspectives

• Appreciate the contribution of mathematics to other disciplines, and as a particular “area of knowledge” in the tok course

• Develop the ability to reflect critically upon their own work and the work of others

• Independently and collaboratively extend their understanding of mathematics.

Assessment Objectives

• Knowledge and understanding: Recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

• Problem solving: Recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical skills, results and models in both abstract and real-world contexts to solve problems.

• Communication and interpretation: Transform common realistic contexts into mathematics; comment on the context; sketch or draw mathematical diagrams, graphs or constructions both on paper and using technology; record methods, solutions and conclusions using standardized notation; use appropriate notation and terminology.

• Technology: Use technology accurately, appropriately and efficiently both to explore new ideas and to solve problems.

• Reasoning: Construct mathematical arguments through use of precise statements, logical deduction and inference and by the manipulation of mathematical expressions.

• Inquiry approaches: Investigate unfamiliar situations, both abstract and from the real world, involving organizing and analyzing information, making conjectures, drawing conclusions, and testing their validity.