New IB Mathematics Curriculum (2021-2028)
See below for detailed information on the new courses
Overview of Changes
There are 4 new IB Mathematics courses to choose from…
Course Structure & Assessment
The 4 new courses offer more flexibility in the classroom…
Comparison to the Current Courses
What has changed…
Formula Sheets
Applications & Interpretation
Analysis & Approaches
University Prerequisites
Universities are still deciding on how to approach the new IB Maths Curriculum. Below shows a sample of 10 Universities and their responses so far…
Common Questions
With the new curriculum changes, many questions come to mind…
What are the main changes in the new IB Mathematics curriculum?
The IB Mathematics curriculum change is significant. The 4 current subjects (Studies, SL, HL & Further) are being replaced by two “routes” that can be taken at either a Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). The two routes are “Analysis & Approaches (AA)” and “Applications & Interpretations (AI)”. This creates 4 brand new subjects: AA SL, AA HL, AI SL, AI HL. The AA route is similar to the current SL & HL courses and traditional higher level mathematics pathways, whereby students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and solve both real and theoretical problems, often without the use of technology. The AI routes on the other hand, have been introduced for citizens in our future world, whereby students can harness the power of technology to solve real life practical problems.
Why is the IB Mathematics curriculum changing?
The IB review and improve subject curriculums every 7 years to ensure students are equipped with skills desirable to Universities & future Employers. Critical thinking & problem solving, especially with the use of technology, has become an increasingly valued skill in this complex & technologically dependent world. The IB has incorporated more of this with the addition of the AI route. The curriculum change will also provide a wider choice of mathematics pathways for students as well as enabling schools with more flexibility in how they group students, schedule classes and teach the content.
When does the new IB Mathematics curriculum start?
The new IB Mathematics curriculum commences with the cohort of IB students starting their DP in August/ September, 2019. The first assessment for the New Curriculum will take place in May, 2021.
What happens to current students during the IB Mathematics curriculum change?
Current students (those starting their DP prior to August 2019) will not be impacted by this IB Mathematics curriculum change. These students will continue with their current subject (Studies, SL, HL or Further) and be assessed against the existing curriculum content & structure.
Which new IB Mathematics subject should I take?
The infographic at the top of this page provides guidance on which of the new IB Mathematics subjects to select, depending on the students confidence level in mathematics and preferred university pathway. As a general guide, students who struggle with mathematics and want to pursue university pathways not involving mathematics (e.g., Law) will be suited to AI SL. Conversely, students who excel at mathematics and aim to take mathematically demanding courses (e.g., engineering) may consider the AA HL subject. Students between this range can consider the AI HL or AA SL pathways.
Which new IB Mathematic subject is the easiest / hardest?
This is a subjective question and individual views may vary. Based off the course content and specimen papers, AI SL looks to be the easiest subject and AA HL looks to be the hardest subject of the 4 options. AI HL and AA SL are comparable in difficulty, however AI HL has more course content to cover (an additional 90 HL hours).
Which new IB Mathematics subjects will Universities accept?
10 leading Universities were sampled to understand their acceptance criteria. Their responses have been summarised in the info-graphic above. Universities around the world are still determining prerequisites and it is recommended that students reach out to the recruitment office of their preferred universities to understand course prerequisites prior to subject selection.
Where do I find resources for the new IB Mathematics curriculum?
The leading textbook providers have updated their IB Mathematics offering to cater for the new subjects. For digital resources (websites, videos & exam preparation), Revision Village has released all features and resources for IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches & IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretations! 1,200+ exam style questions filtered by topic with videos, practice exams and more!
Resources for New IB Math Courses
Choose your course…
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Website last updated:
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