Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation, Standard Level
Mathematics that emphasises modelling and the use of technology to make sense of real-world data and situations.
Who this course is for
For students who enjoy applied mathematics with the GDC at hand. A good fit for futures in design, social sciences, business, and natural sciences where data literacy matters more than abstract proof.
Topics covered
- Number and algebra
- Functions
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
- Calculus
Across the two years
Foundations of the course are taught here. New techniques are introduced and consolidated; students sit a mock paper at the end of the year and submit a first draft of their Exploration topic.
Course content is completed by the spring of Year 13. The Exploration is finalised in the autumn term, and the rest of the year is given over to revision, past-paper practice, and the final examinations.
Assessment overview
Each course is examined externally (papers) plus an Internal Assessment (the Exploration).
External examination: 80% · Internal assessment: 20%
| Component | Duration | Weight | Calculator | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 90 minutes | 40% | GDC required | Short-response questions covering the whole syllabus. All questions answered. |
| Paper 2 | 90 minutes | 40% | GDC required | Extended-response questions, often grounded in real-world contexts. All questions answered. |
| Internal Assessment — Exploration | approx. 20 hours over 2 years | 20% | GDC permitted | A 12–20 page mathematical exploration on a topic of the student's choice. Students develop, apply and reflect on mathematical ideas, marked against the IB criteria for presentation, communication, personal engagement, reflection, and use of mathematics. |