Curriculum Handbook 2012-2013 Grades 11-12 - International ...

MATHEMATICS
PHILOSOPHY
We believe that mathematics is an integral part of everyday life. Mathematics is a
way of thinking characterized by processes such as exploration, manipulation,
discovery and classification. It is a precise and concise means of communication
used to represent, to interpret and to predict aspects of our changing world.
We maintain that mathematics is more about process than results. Thus, students
should be expected to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, using
terminology relevant to the discipline. The ISD mathematics programme strives to
establish an atmosphere of self-discovery within the classroom, recognizing that
students need to be active participants within the learning process. Students will be
taught using a variety of methods, which include the use of technology and
manipulative materials. The mathematics' classroom will provide a safe and
respectful environment that is tolerant of mistakes and considerate of the learner's
language level.
Our goal is to help students gain an understanding of mathematical relationships
across topics as well as an appreciation of mathematical applications across various
subject areas. We aim to establish a mathematical awareness that moves beyond
the classroom itself, enabling students to value the essential nature of the subject.
Assessment at all levels of the mathematics programme will include both
summative and formative components. Students will be assessed against criteria
that clearly outline the learning objectives within each branch. Assessment tasks will
include tests, quizzes, mathematical investigations, mathematical modelling
assignments, group activities and individual presentations, as appropriate, as well as
comprehensive summative examinations.
IB DP Mathematical Studies
Prerequisite: IB-MYP Mathematics Grade 10 (Standard or Extended)
IB Mathematical Studies is a two-year IB standard level course which includes many
standard algebra, geometry, and trigonometry topics plus: sets and Venn diagrams;
logic; financial math; probability and statistics; three-dimensional geometry and
introductory calculus. A project (app. 2000 words) is required for internal
assessment. Note: The German Kultusministerkonferenz does not recognize the
validity of this course. The use of a graphics display calculator is a requirement
of the course. Calculators can be purchased through the school at the
student’s own expense.
IB DP Mathematics SL
Prerequisite: IB-MYP Mathematics Grade 10 (Standard or Extended)
IB Mathematics SL is a two-year standard level course which reviews many topics
from the branches of algebra, trigonometry and geometry plus: functions;
differentiation and its applications; integration and its application; vectors and
matrices; probability and statistics; coordinate and analytical geometry. A portfolio
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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
Prerequisite: normally open only to IB diploma candidates
Ex –EAL Students
Social Studies Electives
TOK is a two-year, 100 hour course taken by all IB diploma candidates. The course
No Pre-requisite
introduces students to critical examination of the types, nature and limitations of
Ex –EAL different Students ways of knowing. By considering the roles of language, perception, reason,
Social Studies and emotion Electives in the processes of knowing, various systems of knowledge, and value
No Pre-requisite judgments in relation to knowledge, students confront the fundamental questions:
“What do we know” and “How do we know what we know”. In the two-year
programme students will give formal oral presentations and produce one written
essay which is externally moderated. A selection of each student's written work plus
a formal oral presentation form the basis for successful completion of the course,
and the awarding of bonus points toward the IB diploma.
TOK 1
Ways of knowing: nature of knowledge and thought; role of language, perception,
reason, and emotion in knowledge and thought; need for logical rigor in knowledge.
Areas of knowledge: mathematics and natural sciences.
TOK 2
Areas of knowledge: human sciences and history, the arts and ethics. Value
judgments and knowledge: moral & political judgment; aesthetic judgment; literary
judgment; knowledge and truth.
A final aim of the TOK course is to consider the nature of knowledge itself.
Our substantial knowledge cannot give us certainty, and it is in fact possible to doubt
almost everything. But extreme scepticism, whilst logically possible, is in the end
rather uninteresting – it doesn’t really get us anywhere. We must accept that
knowledge is by its very nature provisional, that what was once certain is no longer
so. Furthermore, it is possible that there are important truths that lie forever beyond
the grasp of our intellects. The one comfort here is that, if there are, then we can
never know anything about them.
The gods did not reveal, from the beginning,
All things to us, but in the course of time
Through seeking we may learn and know things better
But as for certain truth, no man has known it,
Nor shall he know it, neither of the gods
Nor yet of all the things of which I speak.
For even if by chance he were to utter
The final truth, he would himself not know it:
For all is but a woven web of guesses.
(Xenophanes)
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