Mathematics

What is the nature of Mathematics at FC?

FC Mathematics at SJII is a curriculum that challenges students at all levels. Our goals include preparing students for whatever mathematics subject they choose in the IB and to give students the opportunity to extend themselves in developing a deeper appreciation of the discipline.

What is the approach to learning?

Learning is student-centered. Students will learn through different teaching methods and styles, including pair and group work, activities which promote thinking skills and creativity and IT-based lessons.

The emphasis is on building skills in mathematics based on a thorough understanding of mathematical principles and their application. Students will also be encouraged to undertake their own mathematical investigations under the guidance of their teacher, devise their own strategies for problem-solving and to raise questions relating to mathematical concepts and methods.

What is the subject content?

The following content will be used as a basis to help students achieve the outcomes described above. In this way, although students will become familiar with traditional topics in mathematics, these are seen as a vehicle for promoting mathematical thinking rather than being labored over for their own sake.

Area Topics

The language and notation of functions, absolute functions, inverse functions, Functions composite functions; transformation of functions Simultaneous Equations; Quadratics; Exponents; Logs; Polynomials, Sequence & Algebra Series

Trigonometry & Vectors

Calculus Differentiation

Calculus Integration Applied Mathematics

Statistics & Probability Solution of Triangles, Circular Measure, Graphs of Trigonometric functions, Trigonometric Identities, Trigonometric equations , Vectors in 2D Differentiation of various functions including integer, fractional and negative indices; Differentiation of composite functions; products and quotients, trigonometric functions, logarithmic and exponential functions; Investigating gradients; Higher derivatives and their use in determining turning points Integration of polynomials, trigonometrical functions, selected composite, quotients and exponential functions. Definite Integrals – areas under curves Application of differentiation and integration to analyze motion and to solve equations of motion Descriptive Statistics & Data Analysis ; Probability Diagrams & Conditional Probability; Binomial Expansion, Counting Principles & Binomial Distribution

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Throughout the course, students will sit for topic tests, an end-of-year examination, complete extended tasks for homework, as well as a number of mathematical investigations and modeling projects to develop their mathematical skills as well as their mathematical initiative and problem-solving skills. Students may also be required to make oral presentations.

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