OVERVIEW

What is MYP Mathematics?

MYP Mathematics is assessed against four criteria — Knowing & Understanding, Investigating Patterns, Communicating, and Applying Mathematics in Real-Life Contexts — each marked out of 8. Unlike traditional exam-based curricula, MYP rewards mathematical reasoning, investigation skills, and the ability to connect maths to real-world situations. Students in MYP Years 4 and 5 may also sit the MYP eAssessment, which is an externally moderated on-screen examination. At Improve ME, our MYP Maths tutors are trained in the IB framework and understand exactly how criterion-based marking works — preparing students to score 7s and 8s across all four criteria, not just get the right answer.

MYP

Qualification

Ages 11-16

Age range

IB Middle Years Programme

Exam boards

COURSE CONTENT

MYP Mathematics Course Content

Inquiry-led coverage with criteria-based success strategies and progress to DP.

Number, Algebra & Functions

Natural numbers, integers, rational and irrational numbers, real number system
Prime factorisation, HCF, LCM, powers and roots
Algebraic manipulation — expanding, factorising, simplifying expressions
Linear equations and inequalities — solving and graphing
Quadratic equations — factorising, completing the square, quadratic formula
Linear and quadratic functions — domain, range, intercepts, graphing
Simultaneous equations — substitution and elimination methods
Sequences — arithmetic and geometric, nth term, sum formulas
Exponential functions and their real-world applications
Logarithms — laws, solving logarithmic equations (MYP Year 5)

Geometry, Statistics & Probability

Coordinate geometry — distance, midpoint, gradient, equation of a line
Trigonometry — right-angled triangles, sine and cosine rules, angles of elevation/depression
Circle theorems and arc/sector calculations
Mensuration — area and volume of 2D and 3D shapes, composite shapes
Transformation geometry — reflection, rotation, translation, enlargement
Descriptive statistics — mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation
Data representation — histograms, box plots, cumulative frequency curves
Probability — single events, combined events, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams
Bivariate statistics — scatter graphs, lines of best fit, correlation (MYP Year 5)
Statistical investigation cycle — formulating questions, collecting data, analysing, concluding

MYP Assessment Criteria in Detail

Criterion A: Knowing & Understanding — applying mathematical knowledge to solve problems with and without a calculator; selecting appropriate methods; showing complete and correct working
Criterion B: Investigating Patterns — selecting and applying strategies to identify mathematical patterns; generalising rules using mathematical language; justifying and proving generalisations
Criterion C: Communicating — using mathematical language, notation, diagrams, and representations correctly; organising information logically; presenting clear and coherent mathematical arguments
Criterion D: Applying in Real-Life Contexts — identifying the relevant mathematics in a real-world problem; applying mathematics to find a valid solution; justifying the degree of accuracy; reflecting on the reasonableness of results

ASSESSMENT

Assessment Structure

We support criteria-based success with clear expectations, task planning, and consistent feedback aligned to MYP objectives.

Internal

Criteria A–D (0–8 each)

Each criterion marked 0–8 by the classroom teacher
Internal assessments include investigations, problem-solving tasks, and real-life application tasks
Schools submit samples to IB for external moderation to ensure consistency

eAssessment

Year 5 On-Screen Examination

2 on-screen papers — Paper 1 (no GDC), Paper 2 (GDC allowed) — externally moderated by IB
eAssessment counts as 80% of the final grade for Year 5 students who sit it
IA portfolio counts for remaining 20%

Criteria

What Each Criterion Tests

A: Knowing & Understanding — applying knowledge, selecting methods, showing complete working
B: Investigating Patterns — identifying patterns, generalising rules, justifying conclusions
C: Communicating — correct notation, logical organisation, clear mathematical arguments
D: Applying in Real-Life Contexts — identifying relevant maths, finding valid solutions, reflecting on reasonableness

EXAM BOARDS

Assessment Framework

MYP Criteria

Inquiry Cycles

Not sure which board your child is on? We'll check at your free assessment.

TEACHING APPROACH

Our MYP Mathematics Teaching Approach

01

Criterion-Targeted Practice

Every session is mapped to one or more MYP criteria. Students practice the exact task types that appear in school assessments — investigations for Criterion B, real-life problems for Criterion D — so marks are never lost to unfamiliarity with the format.

02

Mathematical Investigation Coaching

We train students to select strategies, identify patterns, form generalisations, and justify conclusions — the specific skills Criterion B rewards that most traditional tutoring ignores.

03

eAssessment Preparation

For MYP Year 4 and 5 students, we run timed eAssessment-style mock papers under exam conditions with detailed feedback aligned to IB grade boundaries.

04

Communication & Notation

We require students to use correct mathematical notation and present working clearly in every session — directly building the Criterion C marks that students consistently underperform in.

WHY CHOOSE US