All students graduating from UWCEA at diploma level will need to study one of the mathematics courses on offer. The two courses are Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Course Objectives

As a DP mathematics student, you will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge and understanding: Recall, select and use your knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
• Problem solving: Recall, select and use your knowledge of mathematical skills, results and models in both abstract and real-world contexts to solve problems.
• Communication and interpretation: Transform common realistic contexts into mathematics; comment on the context; sketch or draw mathematical diagrams, graphs or constructions both on paper and using technology; record methods, solutions and conclusions using standardized notation; use appropriate notation and terminology.
• Technology: Use technology accurately, appropriately and efficiently both to explore new ideas and to solve problems.
• Reasoning: Construct mathematical arguments through use of precise statements, logical deduction and inference and by the manipulation of mathematical expressions.
• Inquiry approaches: Investigate unfamiliar situations, both abstract and from the real world, involving organizing and analysing information, making conjectures, drawing conclusions, and testing their validity.

Diploma mathematics courses all require the use of a graphic display calculator. We recommend the TI-84 Plus from Texas Instruments. These are available to purchase from the school, but may be cheaper elsewhere. Instruction will be given in class using the TI-84 Plus.

Course Selection

The DP mathematics courses are designed for different types of students: those who wish to study mathematics as a subject in its own right, or to pursue their interest in areas related to mathematics, and those who wish to gain understanding and competence in how mathematics relates to the real world and to other subjects. There are many elements common to both courses although the approaches may be different. Great care should be taken to select the course and level that is most appropriate for you.

In making your course selection, you should take into account the following factors:

• your own abilities in mathematics and the type of mathematics in which you can be successful;
• your own interest in mathematics and those particular areas of the subject that may hold the most interest for you;
• your other choices of subjects with the framework of the DP;
• your academic plans, in particular subjects you wish to study in the future;
• your future choice of career.

As a general rule if you are going down the Human Science, Engineering or Mathematics route consider Analysis and Approaches. If you are going for Social Sciences then consider Applications and Interpretations. If you are considering Economics then it varies according to university. Look at the university acceptance documents for more information from universities. However, your ability should drive your choice of both career and Mathematics course.