Mathematics
Vivienne Verschuren Head of Dept
As an IB World School, it is our objective to present and teach the curricula according to the IBO philosophy as well as IST’s vision statement. The Math department strives to develop students’ mathematical skills, the ability to communicate mathematics, the ability to reflect and evaluate, and to develop and apply technology skills. We aim to develop in all students a positive attitude and appreciation of mathematics and its relevance to everyday life. We attempt to incorporate intercultural awareness and cross-curricular links throughout our programme.
In grades 6-10 we teach IB MYP Mathematics. The curricula are designed by IST teachers in accordance with the IB MYP principles and students are assessed according to the published MYP mathematics criteria. In grades 6-8 these criteria have been simplified for student use. In grades 11-12 we follow the IB Diploma programme and teach the curricula that the IBO puts forward in a manner that best prepares our students for the exam as well as for opportunities after matriculation. Included within all of these curricula are written tasks that are designed to allow students to show their abilities to analyze and synthesize their knowledge.
We attempt to provide various levels of classes to ensure that all students will be challenged to achieve, as well as be given the opportunity to be successful. In grades 6-8 differentiation occurs within classes to enable students to achieve to the best of their ability. In addition, there is in-class support available for students who require it. In grades 9-10 we offer three levels of classes: Extended Mathematics, Mathematics, and Mathematics with support. In grades 11-12 we offer three IB diploma math courses: Math Studies, Math SL, and Math Higher Level. All classes meet for 5 40-minute periods a week, with the exception of Grade 10 Mathematics and Grades 11 and 12 Higher Level Mathematics, which meet for 6 periods a week.
In consideration of students’ diverse learning styles, we employ various teaching and assessment strategies to ensure that all of our students have an opportunity to learn and demonstrate understanding. The teaching methodologies are varied within each classroom. During any given lesson, any of the following strategies may be employed: lecture, group discovery, individual work, student presentations, use of manipulatives, carousel activities, vocabulary activities, peer teaching, team teaching, or games. Our teaching methods aim to develop students’ ability to express ideas clearly, think critically and acquire the skills needed to become rational, tolerant and responsible citizens of the world.
Statement of International Nature
We take advantage of our international nature and our location by using material from the surroundings to study math. Local and international culture and information are incorporated where possible into the syllabus. Throughout the entire programme students write projects that include the application of different mathematical concepts to problems involving the natural world and current events.
Some examples of this are:
In Grade 6, the students have gone on a week-long research trip where they discover tessellations as used in Islamic art and the architecture of Zanzibar. Students are encouraged to use their mother tongue language to relate to math topics. In Grade 7, the students have used African rhythm to look at fractions. In Grade 8, they have learned about fractals using tropical and indigenous plants. In Grade 10 students looked at transformations using a Maui’s Dolphin from New Zealand. In Grades 11 and 12, real life problems are included where possible and the students learn how their mathematical knowledge is applied. In Math Studies in particular, many students take advantage of their background or Tanzania itself, in their choice of project. They frequently collect data from local projects or institutions. At all levels, students collect real life information and data to build into their statistics or graphing units.
As teachers and students, we have many different backgrounds and thus our math language varies. Students are exposed to a variety of terminology and encouraged to be broadminded, while at the same time maintaining accuracy and consistency in their use of mathematical notation.
Course Outlines
• Grade 6 IBMYP Mathematics
• Grade 7 IBMYP Mathematics
• Grade 8 IBMYP Mathematics
• Grade 9 IBMYP Mathematics
• Grade 9 IBMYP Extended Mathematics
This course is aimed at students who might plan to take Mathematics Higher Level at the diploma level or who would benefit from a more rigorous mathematics programme. In addition to the material covered in Mathematics, students are exposed to more advanced mathematics. Generally, this is a two year course, and students would continue with Extended Mathematics in 10th grade.
• Grade 10 IBMYP Mathematics
• Grade 10 IBMYP Extended Mathematics
• Grade 11 IB Diploma Mathematical Studies Standard Level
This course is aimed at students who do not intend to pursue a subject at university that is mathematically based. In this course, the skills needed to cope with the mathematical demands of a technological society are developed. Emphasis is placed on the application of mathematics to real-life situations and a research project is a requirement.
• Grade 11 IB Diploma Mathematics SL Standard Level
This is a demanding programme containing a wide variety of mathematical topics aiming to provide a sound mathematical basis for those students who plan to study course like chemistry, economics, geography or business administration in the future.
• Grade 11 IB Diploma Mathematics Higher Level
This course aims to provide stimulation and challenge for those with a genuine interest in the subject and to fulfil the mathematical need for future studies in physics, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
• Grade 12 IB Diploma Mathematical Studies Standard Level
• Grade 12 IB Diploma Mathematics SL Standard Level
• Grade 12 IB Diploma Mathematics Higher Level
Resources
The Mathematics department has a wide variety of specialized equipment, instruction materials and text books that enhance the teaching and learning of this subject.
Technology is a feature across the MYP and IB Diploma curricula.
• A mini computer lab with five computers had been established in one of the mathematics classrooms and is accessible to all mathematics classes. In addition, the computer labs are available for sign-up.
• Autograph is a software programme that has features suitable for the MYP grades as well as the rigours of the IB Diploma programme. It is installed on all computers in labs and in the library and students may install it on their computers at home.
• TI Graphing calculators are provided to each student from Grade 8 onwards. Each teacher has an overhead projector that displays the calculator screen for demonstrations and teaching new techniques.
• TI Graph Links are available to check out to all students.
Textbooks used for the IB MYP Diploma are from McDougal Little Ltd, www.mcdougallittell.com:
• Grade 6 - Passport to Mathematics Book 1. McDougal Littell Ltd. 2002.
• Grade 7 - Passport to Mathematics Book 2. McDougal Littell Ltd. 2002.
• Grades 8 - Integrated Mathematics 1. McDougal Littell Ltd 1998.
• Grades 9 - Integrated Mathematics 2. McDougal Littell Ltd 1998.
• Grades 10 - Integrated Mathematics 3. McDougal Littell Ltd 1998.
All MYP books take an integrated approach to mathematics and structure the learning in a spiral fashion. They include a variety of activities involving the Areas of Interaction. There are real life applications, writing tasks, investigations, and research tasks. These books are supplemented by resources from various areas including the IGCSE curriculum.
Textbooks used for the IB Diploma programme are from Haese and Harris Publications, www.haeseandharris.com.au:
• Mathematics for the International Student: Mathematical Studies SL, Haese and Harris Publications, 2004
• Mathematics for the International Student: Mathematics SL, Haese and Harris Publications, 2004
• Mathematics for the International Student: Mathematics HL Core, Haese and Harris Publications, 2004
• Mathematics for the International Student: Mathematics HL Option, Haese and Harris Publications, 2005
These books include interactive CDs which contain investigations, demonstrations, graphing packages, spreadsheets, etc.
There are supplementary resource books to enrich the students’ learning environment. They include books for:
• middle school math, algebra, geometry, statistics, IGCSE math, precalculus, calculus, IB Diploma, and advanced math;
• critical thinking, investigations and discovery;
• history of mathematics;
• projects;
• real life applications;
• hands on activities;
• ‘Mathcounts’ activities for extending gifted students.
The Mathematics Department has other specialised equipment including:
• Various computer software;
• General learning aids and manipulatives for students such as algebra tiles, a variety of dominoes, dice, counters, measuring equipment, hands-on geometry equipment, etc;
• Past papers for IB Diploma courses and IGCSE
