Mathematics
Annie Sproston 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 curriculum is 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 adapted 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 final exams as well as for opportunities after matriculation. Included within the curricula are written tasks that are designed to allow students to show their abilities to analyze and synthesize their knowledge.
We provide various levels of classes to ensure that all students will be challenged to achieve to their highest capabilities, as well as be given the opportunity to be successful. In grades 6-8 we teach in mixed ability groups. Teachers differentiate their lessons to the best of their ability. 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 Mathematics courses: Mathematics Studies at Standard Level, Mathematics Standard Level, and Mathematics Higher Level.
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. Teachers select from any of the following strategies: 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.
We take advantage of IST’s international status and our location by using materials from our surroundings to study Mathematics. Local and international cultures and information are incorporated where possible into the programme. Throughout the curriculum there is an emphasis on making connections to the real, wider world.
Some examples of this are:
In Grade 6, the students have go 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 Maths 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
These courses are taught through mixed ability classes based on the homeroom system. Each grade level covers units that reflect all of the strands within the MYP Mathematics curriculum. It is expected that, given the differentiation within each classroom, all students are able to access this course and achieve to their highest ability.
Grade 9 and 10 Support Mathematics.
This course is aimed at those students who require additional support in Mathematics. The classes are small in size, and the content of the core curriculum has been adapted to best meet the needs of the students in the class.
• Grade 9 IBMYP Mathematics Grade 10 IBMYP Mathematics
This course is aimed at those students who can achieve a reasonable standard in mathematics. This is a comprehensive core course that easily prepares students for the IB Diploma Mathematics Studies course at Standard Level. This is a 2 year course.
• Grade 9 IBMYP Extended Mathematics • Grade 10 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 11 and 12 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 and 12 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 and 12 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.
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.
•each classroom has at least one computer which is available to students and 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. Teachers either use an overhead projector that displays the calculator screen for demonstrations and teaching new techniques or a TI Smart View emulator of the calculator itself.
Textbooks used for the IB MYP and IB Diploma are all from Haese and Harris publications. www.haeseandharris.com.au
• Grade 6 – Mathematics for the International Student 6 (MYP1) 2008
• Grade 7 - Mathematics for the International Student 7 (MYP2) 2008
• Grades 8 - Mathematics for the International Student 8 (MYP3) 2008
• Grades 9 - Mathematics for the International Student 9 (MYP4) 2008.
• Grades 10 - Mathematics for the International Student Pre-Diploma SL and HL (MYP 5 Plus) 2009 and Mathematics for the International student (MYP 5)
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 a variety of other national curriculum sources.
For the IB Diploma programmes:-
• 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 Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, IGCSE Mathematics, Precalculus, Calculus, IB Diploma, and Advanced Mathematics;
• 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
