Mathematics

Overview

Welcome to the Munich International School Mathematics Department. Our department consists of 9 Mathematics teachers from around the world. We aim to deliver Mathematics instruction through lessons that are engaging and exciting for students. In addition to developing the skills necessary for students to be successful on their exams, and in post secondary Mathematics courses, we aim to enhance our students’ learning through using technology to prepare them for a job market that is increasingly more technical.

We provide students with a wide variety of learning resources including but not limited to; interactive textbooks, notes, online course management systems (Moodle and Planbook), the internet and podcasts. One of our goals is to provide students with an appropriate level of challenge.

We participate in both the Canadian Mathematics Competition and the ISMTF Mathematics Competition.

We offer Mathematics Clinic which runs in one of the Mathematics rooms (S119, S120, S125 or S126). Maths Clinic is staffed by a member of the Mathematics department and is designed for students who feel they would benefit from extra assistance with their Mathematics. Students from all courses are welcome to attend and can bring questions from homework, classwork, quizzes and/or tests. Students may come anytime between 16:00 and 17:00 and stay for as long as they feel they need.

Grades 9 & 10

Mathematics Advanced

Mathematics Advanced is a rigorous programme intended to prepare students to take Higher Level Mathematics in the IBDP. In addition to covering the material in Standard Mathematics, supplementary topics of interest are explored. Students have the opportunity to engage in many investigations requiring a higher level of thought and analysis. A major emphasis is placed on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, statistics, and probability. The use of technology, including a Graphic Display Calculator is used to complete investigations to enhance learning and develop student’s higher order thinking skills. Investigations prepare students for portfolio tasks that comprise 20% of a student’s IBDP grade. Students admitted to this program should have the recommendation of their grade 8 Mathematics teacher and achieve a 6 or 7 on the end of year report card with at least a 6 in Criteria A, and perform well on both the Canadian Mathematics competition and the end of year exam. Students must maintain a ‘high’ level of achievement to remain in the section.

Mathematics Standard

The Mathematics Standard programme is intended to prepare students for Standard Level Mathematics in the IB Diploma. Students have the opportunity to engage in many investigations requiring a higher level of thought and analysis. A major emphasis is placed on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, statistics, and probability. The use of technology, including a Graphic Display Calculator is used to complete investigations to enhance learning and develop student’s higher order thinking skills. Investigations prepare students for portfolio tasks that comprise 20% of a student’s IBDP grade

Mathematics Foundation

With a low teacher-student ratio, students have the opportunity to explore basic Mathematics concepts in depth and engage in a variety of investigations to help them make the connection between Mathematics and the world around them. A major emphasis is placed on the use of technology and the Graphic Display Calculator. Admission to this program will be based upon the recommendation of the student’s Mathematics teacher. The Mathematics Foundation programme prepares students for the Mathematics Studies program of the IB Diploma

Grades 11 & 12

IB Mathematics Higher Level

This is a demanding programme, requiring students to study a broad range of topics to varying degrees of depth. The programme caters to students with a solid background in Mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. The majority of the students enrolled will be expecting to include Mathematics as a major component of their university studies either as a subject in its own right, or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in Mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging its problems. A major emphasis will be placed on the use of technology, and in particular, the use of the Graphic Display Calculator. The study of calculus makes up about ¼ of this syllabus.

Prerequisite: at least a 4 in Mathematics Advanced including at least a level 4 in Criterion A.

IB Mathematics Standard Level

A less rigorous course than IB Higher Level catering for students who anticipate a need for a sound Mathematical background in preparation for their future studies. The Mathematics SL course is a complete subset of the Mathematics Higher Level course. The majority of students likely to select this subject will be those who expect to go on to study subjects that have significant Mathematical content. In this course, in addition to a large amount of algebra, an emphasis will be placed on the use of technology and the Graphic Display Calculator for demonstrating and understanding most concepts. Students registering for this programme and wishing to attend a German university must enrol in a higher level Science. The study of calculus makes up about 25% of the course.

Prerequisite: at least a 5 in the Mathematics Standard including at least a level 5 in Criterion A.

IB Mathematics Studies Standard Level

This course caters to students with varied backgrounds and abilities in Mathematics. It is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of Mathematics in students who do not anticipate a need for Mathematics in their future studies. Topics are designed to help students relate Mathematics to home, work, and leisure situations and as much as possible to other curriculum subjects. A major study of statistics is undertaken to assist students in becoming well-informed citizens. The majority of students selecting this subject are those whose main interests lie outside the field of Mathematics, and for many students, this will be their last formal Mathematics course. An emphasis on the use of technology and the Graphic Display Calculator will be made in this course.