In the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), mathematics promotes both inquiry and application, helping students to develop problem solving techniques that transcend the discipline and that are useful in the world beyond school.
The MYP mathematics framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability.
Students in the MYP learn how to represent information, to explore and model situations, and to find solutions to familiar and unfamiliar problems. These are skills that are useful in a wide range of arenas, including social sciences and the arts.
What is the significance of mathematics in the MYP?
MYP mathematics aims to equip all students with the knowledge, understanding and intellectual capabilities to address further courses in mathematics, as well as to prepare those students who will use mathematics in their studies, workplaces and everyday life.
Mathematics provides an important foundation for the study of sciences, engineering and technology, as well as a variety of application in other fields.
How is mathematics structured in the MYP?
MYP mathematics can be tailored to the needs of students, seeking to intrigue and motivate them to want to learn its principles. Students see authentic examples of how mathematics is useful and relevant to their lives and be encouraged to apply it to new situations.
In the MYP, the topics and skills in the framework for mathematics are organized so that students can work at two levels of challenge:
- Standard mathematics, which aims to give all students a sound knowledge of basic mathematical principles while allowing them to develop the skills needed to meet the objectives of MYP mathematics
- Extended mathematics, in which the standard mathematics framework supplemented by additional topics and skills, providing greater breadth and depth.
Extended mathematics provides the foundation for students who wish to pursue further studies in mathematics, such as mathematics higher level (HL), which is part of the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
Find out more about the MYP curriculum and about becoming authorized to implement the MYP.
Learn more about mathematics in an MYP workshop for teachers.
Mathematics subject brief
Subject briefs are short documents providing an outline of the course. Click on the brief below to find out more information about this subject.