Teaching and Learning at SJI International

The teaching and learning at SJII is aimed at producing curious, independent and confident learners from Grade 7 right through to Grade 12; principles that underpin the IB learner profile.

The most important principle within the school’s educational philosophy is that of active learning This is based upon the fact the students learn and, above all, understand best when information and concepts are processed. This processing best takes place through varying sorts of activities. It is even more powerful when students first discover for themselves the information or concept and then process it.

Crucially active learning is about students doing. This involves a wide range of activities, which will vary according to the subject: research, role plays, simulations, thinking exercises, decision making exercises, debates, presentations and so on. This provides a very stimulating educational environment and one which is intellectually more challenging for the students.

With a greater emphasis on the students’ learning there also comes greater demand for participation from the students. It is not a matter of putting questions to the teacher, but of the students expressing their own opinions; being able to debate, defend, challenge, deduce, analyse and synthesize.

This type of learning is facilitated by smaller more interactive classes which rely on a blend of teacher led activities, group work and class activities which may well be led by students. This means that lecture or lecture- style lessons are an extremely rare method of delivery at SJII

Mathematics

What is the nature of Mathematics at IGCSE level?

IGCSE Mathematics at SJII is a curriculum that challenges students at all levels. Our goals include preparing students for whatever mathematics subject they choose in the IB and to give students the opportunity to extend themselves in developing a deeper appreciation of the discipline. Some of the more able students are also introduced to Additional Mathematics, a course that prepares them well for the rigours of higher-level Mathematics at IB level.

What is the approach to learning?

Learning is student-centered. Students will learn through different teaching methods and styles, including pair and group work, activities which promote thinking skills and creativity and IT-based lessons.

The emphasis is on building skills in mathematics based on a thorough understanding of mathematical principles and their application. Students will also be encouraged to undertake their own mathematical investigations under the guidance of their teacher, devise their own strategies for problem-solving and to raise questions relating to mathematical concepts and methods.

What is the subject content?

The following content will be used as a basis to help students achieve the outcomes described above. In this way, although students will become familiar with traditional topics in mathematics, these are seen as a vehicle for promoting mathematical thinking rather than being laboured over for their own sake.

Extended Mathematics (International Mathematics)

Area Topics

Number decimals, fractions, ratio, rounding, exponents, surds; Patterns

Algebra expansion, factorisation, algebraic fractions, linear & quadratic equations & inequalities, simultaneous equations

Functions notation, composite, inverse, modulus,; graphs of functions

Geometry lines, angles, polygons, symmetry, circle geometry, Pythagoras

Transformations transformation of graphs and geometric figures

Mensuration perimeter, area, volume, surface area

Coordinate Geometry equation of a straight line, graphs of linear inequalities

Statistics and Probability

Set Theory notation and set operations; Venn Diagrams discrete, continuous and grouped data; measures of central tendency; measures of spread; nrobability - simple and compound events; Listing procedures

Trigonometry solution of triangles; Bearings; trigonometric ratios; trigonometric graphs; trigonometric equations

Vectors graphical representations of vectors; basic mathematical operations with vectors; physical applications of vectors