Top tips to pass IB MYP Mathematics

MYP, or the Middle Years Programme, forms part of the International Baccalaureate curriculum of teaching. It follows on from the Primary Years Programme, where students build a foundation in a variety of subjects, and it preceeds the IB Diploma- a rigorous and well-respected qualification.

Mathematics forms part of the MYP course selection. What sets the IB programmes apart from other qualifications is their focus on independence and self-directed learning. Alongside traditional subject content, students are given metacognitive tools- they learn how to learn. It is aimed at students aged 11-16, and on completion students can earn the IB MYP certificate.

How is MYP assessed?

Mathematics is assessed against four criteria:

Knowing and understanding- students need to demonstrate that they can apply the different branches of mathematics covered in the syllabus to a range of problems, including familiar and unfamiliar questions.

Investigating patterns- the programme encourages critical thinking, questioning and taking risks.

Communicating- students use mathematical language regularly in a variety of contexts in order to convey their ideas.

Applying contexts to real life- this allows students to explore the place of mathematics in the world be able to apply their knowledge to different problems that are relevant to society today.

The MYP Mathematics course is designed to be taught over 50 hours of instruction per year, with 20 hours extra as guided learning time. Students can choose whether to study the standard mathematics or extended mathematics course. The standard course teaches everything needed for a firm grounding in the subject, with all of the key concepts covered to ensure understanding and progression. The extended course also covers the content in the standard course, but enhances it with more difficult concepts providing greater depth and breadth.

Below is a list of topics covered in the standard course:

Tip 1 – Resilience

It is likely that you will find some parts of the course easy and some parts more challenging. In order to succeed you will need to be able to keep trying when things are tricky and be happy to reach out and ask for help with explaining difficult questions. Don’t be afraid to keep trying until you have understood!

Tip 2 – Mix it up

The MYP Mathematics programme is varied and broad. It expects you to use what you have learnt in a previous topic and apply it to a new context. When you’re practicing the maths you’ve learnt, try and think back to what other topics relate to this question. For example, can you use algebra to help you solve a probability question?

Tip 3 – Remember that Mathematics is found in most subjects

The good think about maths is that it is extremely useful to many disciplines. Any science or humanities subject will have large elements of maths, whether it is through analysing data from a survey, calculating the likelihood of something happening, or working out percentage increase and decrease. Learning maths will not be a waste- you will use it throughout your life and it will make your other subjects easier now too.

Tip 4 – Enjoy the challenge

The best mathematicians are those who enjoy problem solving. The trickier questions asked in mathematics will often just present a problem (often hidden in words) and not tell you what sort of techniques to use to solve it. You need to be able to decide which topics are relevant to the question and then just have a go seeing what you can do. It doesn’t matter if you find something doesn’t work and you need to try a different method- that’s all part of the process.

Keeping these tips in mind during your studies will enable you to make the most of your time studying MYP Mathematics. Enjoy the learning process, get stuck into problem solving challenges and keep a positive attitude!