Mathematics

Mathematics — MYP 1

International Baccalaureate · Ages 11-12

MYP 1 is the first year of the Middle Years Programme, usually taken at ages 11 to 12, and mathematics is organised into four branches: number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and statistics and probability.

Students consolidate the four operations with integers, fractions, decimals and percentages, and meet algebra as a way of generalising. Assessment uses four criteria — knowing and understanding, investigating patterns, communicating, and applying mathematics in real-life contexts — so process is marked, not just answers.

The investigating patterns criterion is distinctive and often unfamiliar: students must find a rule, generalise it and justify why it works. It is the criterion most students lose marks on.

Key topics covered

• Number — Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, factors, multiples and primes.
• Algebra — Expressions, substitution, simplifying and solving simple equations.
• Geometry — Angles, shape properties, perimeter, area and coordinate geometry.
• Statistics & Probability — Collecting and representing data, averages and simple probability.
• Investigating Patterns — Finding, generalising and justifying a rule from a pattern.
• Real-Life Applications — Applying mathematics to authentic contexts and evaluating the outcome.