Knowledge in the Service of Africa!

Mathematics Department

“A generation ago, there were many intellectual careers that required repeatedly solving routine problems. Most of those jobs are performed by computers now. Successful people in the next generation will need to develop new skills throughout their careers as their older skills become obsolete… Students best learn how to solve hard problems by tackling the problems themselves, not by watching passively as others do the work” (Art of Problem Solving.)

The MYP and IB are the two programmes offered in the department:

  • At MYP level we offer two programmes both of two years in length.

1) Standard and 2) Extended both courses are compulsory. This is to ensure the students have enough mathematics in order for the students not to limit the subject choices students must make at the Diploma level.

The MYP is an inquiry –based course where the IB defines inquiry–based learning as “provoking curiosity in order to structure and sustain exploration.” (From Principles into Practice.)

This is achieved through hands-on investigations, experimentation, problem-solving, research, and the use of technology.

Many text and online sources are used to support the programme the school subscribes to myimath for example and is registered with Alcumus which is a resource produced by Art of Problem Solving. The Art of Problems solving resources are a new addition to the school and are designed to develop the potential and talent of all our students.

  • At the Diploma level there are four mathematics courses. We offer all four courses but currently are running three due to student demand. The four courses are
    • IB HL (higher level) AA (Analysis and Approaches). This course follows a classical approach to mathematics and students who wish to pursue careers in mathematics, physics or engineering tend to take this course. Note some leading Universities demand that students wishing to read Economics have taken this course as they demand a high degree of analytical skills.
  • IB HL AI (Applications and Interpretation.) This course follows an applied for students who enjoy mathematics but prefer to learn applied skills take this course. For example, students who tend to do this course wish to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, Chemistry, mathematical biology courses, statistics, and other engineering courses. However, individual course requirements vary greatly. Currently, the school is not running this course.
  • IB AA SL. This course follows a classical approach to mathematics and tends to be pursued by those students requiring a good grounding in mathematics but not to the level of HL.
  • IB AI SL. This course is an applied course. It is designed for students that are likely to pursue non-mathematical-based courses at University. It is a brand new and interesting, hands-on technology-based
  • Furthermore, the department encourages all our students to join our mathematics club to 1) play mathematical games and 2) get involved in problem-solving.
  • Finally, all our students are encouraged to take part in international contests like the Canadian Mathematics Contest. Our most talented students have the opportunity to excel in these competitions and often gain the rewards and recognition that leading Universities demand of their students.