IB Diploma Mathematics Assessment: Teacher Training

Assessment Fundamentals

Grasp the structure, weightings, and grade boundaries of SL and HL examination papers.

Apply criterion-referenced marking and classroom strategies to prepare students for the Internal Assessment and final exams.

Where Maths Fits in the Diploma

Mathematics Subject Group

• One of six DP subject groups.
• Connects with the Core—TOK, Extended Essay—and ATL skills.
• Assessments promote inquiry and critical thinking, echoing the IB mission.

Available Courses & Levels

IB Mathematics

• Analysis & Approaches (AA): SL or HL • Applications & Interpretation (AI): SL • All options are rigorous; choose based on algebra skills and university requirements (p. 47)

Consult your teacher to match the course with your strengths and future plans.

Source: IB Mathematics Subject Guide 2021

Assessment Objectives

AOs 1 – 4

  • AO1 Knowledge – recall facts, concepts and terms.
  • AO2 Application – choose methods and model unfamiliar situations.
  • AO3 Reasoning – analyse data, evaluate ideas, synthesise arguments.
  • AO4 Investigation – plan, carry out and reflect on practical work (IA).

External Assessment Overview

Key Facts

Understand how the external exams shape your final IB Mathematics grade.

  • Worth 80 % of the final mark (AA/AI SL and AA HL).
  • Sat in the final IB2 session each May or November.
  • Papers sample the full syllabus and assess a broad range of skills.

Paper 1 Structure

Timing & Weighting

  • AA SL & AI SL — 1 h 30 min
  • AA HL — 2 h (non-calculator)
  • Focus: analytic reasoning & exact values
  • Weighting
  • SL Paper 1 = 40 % of final grade
  • HL Paper 1 = 30 %

Non-calculator format rewards clear reasoning and precise algebra.

Source: IB Mathematics Guide 2023

Paper 2 Structure

Exam Format & Weighting

Duration:
• AA SL & AI SL — 1 h 30 min, calculator allowed
• AA HL — 2 h, calculator allowed

Focus: real-world modelling & effective technology use.

Weighting:
• SL: 40 % of course grade
• HL: 30 % of course grade

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HL Paper 3 (AA)

Key Facts

60-minute calculator paper — 20 % of final grade.
Extended problem-solving on option-theme content.
Excellent preparation for maths-intensive degrees.

Sat in Year 2 after completing the chosen option.

Internal Assessment – Mathematical Exploration

Key Facts

Counts for 20 % of the final grade in every course.
Individual report: roughly 12–20 pages; 6–12 hours of student work.
Assessed against four criteria: presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, and reflection.
Only one draft receives feedback; rigorous authenticity checks apply.

Weightings Recap (p47)

Assessment Breakdown

• SL: Paper 1 40 %, Paper 2 40 %, Exploration 20 %
• HL: Paper 1 30 %, Paper 2 30 %, Paper 3 20 %, Exploration 20 %
• Scores 1–7 count toward the diploma; TOK/EE can add up to 3 bonus points.

Preparing Students for Success

Key Strategies

Four practical actions to build exam-ready confidence:

  • Explicitly teach assessment command terms and expectations.
  • Schedule timed past-paper drills from question banks.
  • Launch CAS mini-projects using real data to spark IA ideas.
  • Continuously model GDC and graphing software skills.

Moderation & Academic Integrity

Key Requirements

• Upload required IA samples to IBIS for external moderation.
• Follow IB Diploma Regulations (p. 8): no E in TOK or EE, and zero tolerance for misconduct.
• Retain all scripts and IA evidence until official grades are released.

Source: IB Diploma Regulations, p. 8

Key Take-aways

Summary

• Know exam paper formats & weighting • Align course choices with learner profiles • Scaffold authentic, well-paced Explorations • Provide criterion-aligned feedback & maintain records