In addition, the existing optional modules available for Higher Level students will be combined into the 2 new courses. For example, the Analysis and Approaches HL course will include the previous optional calculus module, whilst the Applications and Interpretation HL course will incorporate the statistics optional module currently available.

What does this mean for university applications?

Most universities are treating the 2 courses as equivalent, with either being accepted at SL for any degree that requires the current Mathematics SL course. However, the University of Bath has stated they are only accepting applicants who study the Analysis and Approaches HL course for any degrees in Mathematics and some courses will only accept SL Analysis and Approaches (not SL Applications and Interpretation). King’s College London has requested Analysis and Approaches HL for Maths, Physics and Engineering degrees, but have followed all other universities that, at the time of writing, have agreed to accept either Analysis HL and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL where they currently require Mathematics HL. Please follow the IBSCA page for updates from universities here: http://www.ibsca.org.uk/how-uk-universities-are-responding-to-the-ib-maths-changes/. In addition, please check the admission requirements for your chosen course and university, and if in doubt, contact the university themselves.

How will this impact me beyond the IB?

The IBO has emphasised that the new maths course focuses on critical thinking. This is an important skill to have in the classroom and in the workplace. This will allow you to challenge the status quo, question your assumptions and make rigorous and informed choices. As the IBO highlight, technology is “making some traditional skills redundant”, so the ability to think critically, especially in mathematics, is fast becoming a sought-after skill.

Whichever path you choose, we hope that you thrive in the new maths environment! If you want advice on which maths route to choose from IB graduates who have gone on to study at Oxford, Cambridge and King’s College London, please get in touch with us.

Please see the IBO website for more information on these course changes: https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/latest-curriculum-updates/mathematics-curriculum-changes/

Please also see the “revised courses” section of this IBSCA publication for more details on what subjects each of the 5 topics will include: http://www.ibsca.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/IB-update-5-3-18.pdf

Other useful links

Once you've chosen the type of Maths you want to study, the team over at Lanterna Education have free study resource booklets dedicated to helping you with Maths and your other subjects.

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