IB and National Curriculum Approaches to Mathematics
IB and national mathematics lessons are similar at their core, yet differ sharply in teaching and assessment. We compare the two approaches for our parents.
Because the fundamental aim of both IB mathematics and national curriculum mathematics is to develop mathematical knowledge, there are important similarities between them. Yet significant differences emerge in teaching techniques and assessment formats. In this article we compare the two approaches for our parents.
Course Levels and Requirement
Every student who wants to earn the international IB diploma must take one of four different options: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL, and Applications and Interpretation SL/HL. In the national system, on the other hand, it is possible to graduate from high school without taking mathematics in some tracks (such as language or humanities). In IB mathematics courses, topics are also taught with TOK (Theory of Knowledge) in mind, and developing the IB learner profile is one of the core aims.
Two Approaches at a Glance
Choice of level
One of four levels is required; the student chooses by their goal.
Flexible requirement
Graduation without mathematics is possible in some tracks.
A link to daily life
Topics are taught by relating them to real life.
Extensive geometry
Detailed geometry scope in grades 9 to 12.
Topic Scope
In the national curriculum, geometry topics (triangles, polygons, the circle, solids) are taught in great detail across grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. In IB mathematics, geometry generally focuses on the sine, cosine and triangle area theorems, and questions that relate these topics to daily life come to the fore. IB mathematics is levelled: some of its levels are below the national curriculum, while others are far more advanced. In this way the student charts their own path in line with their goal.
Exams and Assessment
In the national curriculum, exam questions are built around learning outcomes; they are short, multiple-choice questions expected to be solved in about a minute. In International Baccalaureate exams, by contrast, the questions are longer and related to daily life, and can take about an hour and a half. What is expected of the student is to be able to show how they will use the mathematics they have learned in real life.
In brief
- IB mathematics is levelled, and the student chooses by their goal.
- The national curriculum covers extensive geometry; IB focuses on relating it to daily life.
- IB exams are long and applied; national exams are short and multiple-choice.
You can explore our international program approach on our IB Diploma Program page, or get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IB mathematics harder than the national curriculum?
There is no single answer. IB mathematics is levelled; some levels are more advanced than the national curriculum, while others are more basic. The student chooses the level suited to their goal.
Does every IB student have to take mathematics?
Yes. One of the four mathematics options is required for the IB diploma; in the national curriculum, graduation without mathematics is possible in some tracks.
Why are IB exam questions longer?
IB measures the ability to apply knowledge more than to recall it. For this reason the questions are related to daily life and require analysis.
Gökkuşağı Koleji · Bringing mathematics together with life.