IB MYP Maths Tutor Online | Standard, Extended, Criteria A to D

What is IB MYP maths?

IB MYP mathematics is the mathematics course of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, for students aged 11 to 16. The IB's subject brief says its framework "outlines four branches of mathematical study": number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and statistics and probability, and that schools can offer it at two levels of challenge, standard and extended. Students are assessed against four equally weighted criteria, A to D, each with eight achievement levels, and in MYP year 5 may sit an on-screen examination of three 40-mark tasks. Modern Age Coders teaches MYP maths live online, in a group or 1-on-1, through our lower secondary maths mastery course.

Where to start

Three courses for an MYP maths student

The first fits MYP years 1 to 3; the second carries an MYP 4 or 5 student towards extended content; the third looks ahead to the Diploma. Each card opens a syllabus.

Middle School Mathematics Mastery course thumbnail

MYP / 01

Lower secondary maths mastery

Number, pre-algebra, geometry and data for MYP years 1 to 3, with written explanation in every lesson.

Open the syllabus →

MYP / 02

Core and extended secondary maths

Quadratics, trigonometry, functions and probability at the depth an extended MYP 4 or 5 course reaches.

Open the syllabus →

MYP / 03

IB Diploma maths, AA and AI

For an MYP 5 student who wants to see the Diploma courses before choosing between them.

Open the syllabus →

The framework

What is in the IB MYP maths syllabus?

There is no single fixed syllabus. The IB sets a framework of four branches, key and related concepts and global contexts, and each school chooses its content within it. The brief says the framework "offers schools flexibility to determine engaging, relevant, challenging and significant content that meets local and national curriculum requirements."

MYP mathematics at a glance, from the IB subject brief (from 2014)
Element	What the brief lists
Branches	Number; algebra; geometry and trigonometry; statistics and probability
Levels of challenge	Standard and extended
Key concepts that frame the MYP	Form, logic and relationships, among others
Related concepts in maths (examples)	Equivalence, measurement, quantity and justification
Global contexts	Identities and relationships; orientation in space and time; personal and cultural expression; scientific and technical innovation; globalization and sustainability; fairness and development
Teaching time	At least 50 hours per subject in each year; 70 hours of guided learning recommended in MYP years 4 and 5 for eAssessment students
Assessment	Four equally weighted criteria, A to D, each with eight achievement levels in four bands

Source: International Baccalaureate, Middle Years Programme Subject Brief, Mathematics, from 2014 (an unaltered copy hosted by an IB school; ibo.org refused our requests). The IB revises its programmes; your school's current guide is the final word. Modern Age Coders has no affiliation with the IB.

What this means for a family

Two MYP schools can teach different topics in the same year. A student moving school, or a family comparing notes, should ask for the unit plan rather than assume. The four branches are fixed; the order and examples are not.

That flexibility is why a tutor who only knows one country's exam syllabus can be unhelpful. We start from the school's unit and the criterion being assessed, then teach the maths underneath.

The concept-led style

The brief says the MYP "promotes sustained inquiry in mathematics by developing conceptual understanding within global contexts". In practice a unit on linear functions might sit inside a context such as fairness and development, and the summative task will ask students to apply the maths there.

Students who are fluent with procedures but have never had to explain why a method works can find this uncomfortable at first. That is the gap we work on.

Two levels

What is the difference between MYP standard and extended maths?

The brief answers in two sentences: "Standard mathematics aims to provide a sound knowledge of basic mathematical principles. Extended mathematics supplements the standard curriculum with additional topics and skills, providing greater breadth and depth of study."

What the brief does and does not say

It says schools "can develop courses at two level of challenge", so extended is an addition to standard, not a separate subject. On-screen examinations, it says, "are available in mathematics and extended mathematics".

It does not give a list of extended-only topics in the copy we read, and we will not invent one. Your school's scope and sequence shows which topics it treats as extended.

How we decide which to teach

We ask which level the school has placed the student in, and look at the last unit's task. A student in extended maths who is struggling usually has a gap in algebraic fluency from an earlier year; we repair that first.

A standard student who is secure and curious can be taught extended topics alongside, without pressure to change sets. The decision about sets belongs to the school.

Our planning view of standard and extended in MYP 4 and 5 (ours, not the IB's list)
Branch	Typical standard work (ours)	Where extended work often goes further (ours)
Number	Fractions, percentages, standard form, ratio	Surds and rational exponents handled confidently
Algebra	Linear equations and graphs, simple quadratics	Quadratic functions, inequalities and simultaneous non-linear equations
Geometry and trigonometry	Pythagoras, right-angled trigonometry, area and volume	Non-right-angled triangles, circle geometry, vectors
Statistics and probability	Averages, charts, simple probability	Conditional probability and comparing distributions

The table above is our own planning tool: the order in which we teach these topics to MYP 4 and 5 students. It is not an IB document, it is not a claim about any school's course, and your school may draw the line between standard and extended differently. Check the school's unit plans.

How work is judged

What are the MYP maths criteria A, B, C and D?

Four equally weighted criteria. The brief says each "has eight possible achievement levels (1 to 8), divided into four bands with unique descriptors that teachers use to make judgments about students' work."

The four MYP mathematics criteria, as the IB subject brief describes them
Criterion	Name	What the brief says students do
A	Knowing and understanding	Select and apply mathematics to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar situations, across the four branches
B	Investigating patterns	Work through investigations to become risk-takers, inquirers and critical thinkers
C	Communicating	Use appropriate mathematical language and different forms of representation, orally and in writing
D	Applying mathematics in real-life contexts	Transfer theoretical knowledge to real situations, apply problem-solving strategies, draw valid conclusions and reflect on results

Not a percentage

A test can score 6 out of 8 on Criterion A and 3 out of 8 on C. The second number is often the more useful one for a student to hear about.

Bands, not ticks

Each criterion's eight levels sit in four bands, each with its own descriptor. Moving up a band usually needs a different kind of work, not more of the same.

Teacher judgement

Teachers match work to descriptors. We never grade a school task or predict a level; we teach the skills the descriptors name.

Criterion C is where marks hide

Students who get right answers but write only the answers often sit low on communicating. The brief asks for appropriate mathematical language and different forms of representation. In our lessons that means: say what you are finding, show the method in order, and state the result with units.

It is a habit, so we practise it on ordinary exercises, not only on assessed tasks.

Criterion D needs a judgement

Applying maths to a real situation ends with a question the maths cannot answer alone: is this result reasonable here? The brief asks students to "draw valid conclusions and reflect upon their results".

We teach students to finish every applied problem with one sentence on whether the answer makes sense in context, and one on what the model leaves out.

MYP year 5

How does the MYP maths on-screen exam work?

It is optional for a school and its students. The brief says students "seeking IB MYP course results or the IB MYP Certificate" complete "an end-of-course on-screen examination", which in mathematics comprises three tasks.

MYP mathematics on-screen examination, as the IB subject brief describes it
Task	Criteria assessed	Marks
Knowing and understanding	A and C	40
Investigating patterns	B and C	40
Applying mathematics in real-life contexts	C and D	40

What else the brief says

On-screen examinations "address all four branches of mathematical study and may include any topics or skills in the MYP mathematics framework." They are available at both levels, mathematics and extended mathematics.

For the MYP certificate the brief lists two-hour on-screen examinations in language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and interdisciplinary learning, an ePortfolio, a moderated personal project, and service as action.

What we could not check

Session dates, grade boundaries and any changes since this brief was published sit on IB pages that refused our requests. Your school's MYP coordinator has them.

We do not reproduce IB examination tasks. Our lessons use problems we write, at the level and in the style of the criteria, and we point students to the practice materials their school provides.

Notice that Criterion C appears in all three tasks. Clear communication is assessed every time the student writes maths in the exam, which is one more reason we build it into ordinary lessons from MYP 1.

Our lesson family

How do you investigate a pattern for MYP Criterion B?

Move from a few cases, to a table, to a general rule, to a check, to a reason why. The investigation below is ours, written for this page; it is not an IB task.

Ask a question. Our example: how many diagonals does a polygon with n sides have?
Try small cases carefully. A triangle has 0 diagonals, a quadrilateral 2, a pentagon 5, a hexagon 9. Draw them; count twice.
Tabulate. Sides 3, 4, 5, 6 give diagonals 0, 2, 5, 9. The differences are 2, 3, 4, so the pattern is not linear.
Conjecture a rule. From each vertex you can draw a diagonal to every other vertex except itself and its two neighbours: n minus 3 diagonals. With n vertices that is n(n minus 3), but each diagonal has been counted from both ends, so the conjecture is n(n minus 3) divided by 2.
Test it on a new case. For an octagon the rule gives 8 x 5 / 2 = 20. Draw an octagon and count: 20.
Justify. Explain in words why the rule must hold for every n, which the vertex argument above already does. A rule that fits the table is a conjecture; a reason makes it a result.

Our checklist for an investigation, mapped to the criteria the brief names
Step	What to show (ours)	Criterion it serves
Cases and table	Organised data, not scattered sums	B
Rule	A general statement in words and in algebra	B and C
Test	A new case not used to find the rule	B
Reason	Why the rule works, not only that it does	B and C
Presentation	Labelled diagrams, correct notation, a clear conclusion	C

Our practice tasks. Investigate each one through all six steps. (1) Add the first n odd numbers: 1, 1 + 3, 1 + 3 + 5 and so on. What do you notice, and why? (2) How many handshakes happen when n people each shake hands once with everyone else? Compare with the diagonals rule. (3) How many squares of any size are on an n by n grid? Our hints: (1) the totals are square numbers, and an L-shaped layer of dots shows why; (2) n(n minus 1) divided by 2, because each person shakes n minus 1 hands and each handshake is counted twice; (3) the totals 1, 5, 14, 30 are sums of square numbers.

Why this lesson family

Investigating patterns is one of the four criteria and one of the three exam tasks, and it rewards a skill that school timetables rarely leave time to practise slowly: going from examples to a reason.

It also builds the algebra extended maths needs. Writing n(n minus 3) divided by 2 from a counting argument is algebra used for something.

Where we stop

If a student brings a school investigation that will be assessed, we do not work on that task with them. We teach the method on a different problem, like the ones here, and the student applies it alone.

That keeps the assessed work the student's own, which is the point of assessing it.

MYP 1 to 5

A route through the five MYP years

The brief requires at least 50 hours of maths teaching each year, and recommends 70 hours of guided learning in years 4 and 5 for students sitting the on-screen exam.

Our view of what to secure in each MYP year (ours, not an IB sequence)
MYP year	Usual age	Maths to secure (ours)
1	11 to 12	Fractions, decimals, negative numbers, writing a method in sentences
2	12 to 13	Ratio, simple equations, angles and area, organising data
3	13 to 14	Linear graphs, Pythagoras, probability, first full investigations
4	14 to 15	Quadratics, trigonometry, statistics; standard or extended set
5	15 to 16	Consolidation across all four branches; the on-screen exam if the school enters it

After MYP 5

Most MYP students go on to the IB Diploma, where maths splits into analysis and approaches or applications and interpretation; see our IB maths tuition page.

Some move to other sixth-form routes; our A level maths page covers that path.

Moving into or out of MYP

A student arriving from a national curriculum is often ahead on procedures and behind on written reasoning. A student leaving MYP for IGCSE or GCSE is the reverse.

Either way, a short diagnostic lesson tells us where to begin.

All related courses

Maths and coding courses for MYP students

By stage. Each card opens its syllabus.

I

MYP 1 to 3

Ages 11 to 14

UK / IM / 01

Lower secondary maths mastery

The middle years maths that every later topic leans on.

Open the syllabus

UK / IM / 02

Algebra foundations

Expressions, equations and graphs built step by step.

Open the syllabus

UK / IM / 03

Competition maths

Problems that train the investigating habit.

Open the syllabus

II

MYP 4 and 5

Ages 14 to 16

UK / IM / 04

Core and extended secondary maths

Quadratics, trigonometry and functions in depth.

Open the syllabus

UK / IM / 05

Statistics and probability

One of the four MYP branches, taught fully.

Open the syllabus

III

Towards the Diploma

Ages 15 and up

UK / IM / 06

IB Diploma maths

Analysis and approaches, applications and interpretation.

Open the syllabus

UK / IM / 07

Maths through coding

Test a pattern on a thousand cases in Python.

Open the syllabus

How lessons run

Live online, for MYP students anywhere

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Teachers work from India, which keeps a single time zone all year; for UK families India time is four and a half hours ahead in summer and five and a half in winter, and we schedule in your own local time if you are elsewhere.

After school

An hour in the early evening, UK time.

Weekend morning

For students with packed weekday activities.

Before a unit test

A short run of lessons on the unit's maths.

Unit by unit

We follow the school's current unit, not a fixed national scheme.

Criteria in mind

Every lesson practises one of A to D on purpose.

Group or 1-on-1

A group of 15 to 20 at one level, or a single student with a teacher.

Our own problems

Practice is written by us; we do not reproduce IB tasks.

Assessed work stays theirs

We teach the method on other problems and never touch a school task.

No predicted levels

Achievement levels are the school's judgement, never ours.

Student work

What our students go on to make

Projects by students in our classes, from maths models to games. More on student labs.

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Fees

Fees for MYP maths lessons

A monthly fee, shown in the currency we use for your region, paid month by month without a long contract. The first lesson is free.

Free first class

USD 0

no card required

A diagnostic lesson on your child's current unit
A plain account of strengths and gaps
No card needed to book

Book it

Group batch

USD 100

a month, billed in US dollars

15 to 20 students at one level
One teacher through the year
Written work marked for clarity as well as answers
A certificate at the end

Start here

One to one

USD 150

a month, billed in US dollars

One student, one teacher
Planned around the school's unit and criterion
Suits extended students and students new to the MYP

Enquire

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MYP maths questions

What families ask about IB MYP maths

What topics are in the IB MYP maths syllabus?

The IB framework has four branches: number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and statistics and probability. Each school chooses the content and order within that framework, so ask your school for its unit plans.

What is the difference between MYP standard and extended maths?

The IB brief says standard maths gives a sound knowledge of basic principles, while extended maths adds topics and skills for greater breadth and depth. Extended builds on standard rather than replacing it.

How is MYP maths graded?

Against four equally weighted criteria: knowing and understanding, investigating patterns, communicating, and applying mathematics in real-life contexts. Each criterion has eight achievement levels in four bands.

Is there an MYP maths exam?

Schools may enter MYP year 5 students for an on-screen examination, available in mathematics and extended mathematics. The IB brief describes three tasks of 40 marks each.

Are there MYP maths past papers?

We do not reproduce IB examination material. Your school's MYP coordinator can tell you which IB practice materials the school uses; our lessons use problems we write ourselves.

How many hours of maths does MYP require?

The IB brief says at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject in each year, and recommends 70 hours of guided learning a year in MYP years 4 and 5 for students in eAssessment.

Can a tutor help with an MYP maths investigation?

We teach the method of investigating on different problems and never work on an assessed school task. The student then applies the method alone, so the assessed work stays their own.

My child is moving from GCSE or a national curriculum into MYP. Where do we start?

Usually with written reasoning and investigation, which national courses practise less. A free diagnostic lesson shows whether the maths content itself also needs work.

Does MYP maths prepare students for the IB Diploma?

The IB brief says MYP mathematics on-screen examinations are aligned with understanding and skills that prepare students for IB Diploma Programme maths courses. Most MYP students go on to one of the two Diploma maths courses.

When are your lessons?

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. UK families book in UK time; families elsewhere book in their own time zone.

Related pages

More for IB families

The Diploma, other secondary courses, and our UK hub.

IB maths tuition

Analysis and approaches, applications and interpretation.

IB computer science

The Diploma computing course.

IGCSE maths tuition

For students switching to IGCSE.

GCSE maths tuition

For students moving into a UK school.

IB maths in the UAE

For IB families in the Gulf.

Coding classes in the UK

All our UK pages.

Related pages in this guide

Part of the guide: UK maths exam boards and specification codes

International Baccalaureate

GCSE maths

International GCSE and Cambridge International

A level maths and further maths

Scotland

More guides: UK maths year by year, Reception to Year 11 · UK selective school maths tests: 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ · UK university admissions: maths tests and computing applications · UK maths enrichment, competitions and able pupils

Start here

Book a free MYP maths lesson

Tell us the MYP year, standard or extended, and the current unit. We will teach part of that unit in the first lesson and show you where the gaps are.

Reading first? Every course page lists its syllabus, and how we teach describes a lesson from start to finish.

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Three courses for an MYP maths student

Lower secondary maths mastery

Core and extended secondary maths

IB Diploma maths, AA and AI

What is in the IB MYP maths syllabus?

What this means for a family

The concept-led style

What is the difference between MYP standard and extended maths?

What the brief does and does not say

How we decide which to teach

What are the MYP maths criteria A, B, C and D?

Not a percentage

Bands, not ticks

Teacher judgement

Criterion C is where marks hide

Criterion D needs a judgement

How does the MYP maths on-screen exam work?

What else the brief says

What we could not check

How do you investigate a pattern for MYP Criterion B?

Why this lesson family

Where we stop

A route through the five MYP years

After MYP 5

Moving into or out of MYP

Maths and coding courses for MYP students

MYP 1 to 3

Lower secondary maths mastery

Algebra foundations

Competition maths

MYP 4 and 5

Core and extended secondary maths

Statistics and probability

Towards the Diploma

IB Diploma maths

Maths through coding

Live online, for MYP students anywhere

Unit by unit

Criteria in mind

Group or 1-on-1

Our own problems

Assessed work stays theirs

No predicted levels

What our students go on to make

NutriLife

Misti

GuardianX

SkyCast

Fees for MYP maths lessons

Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews

What families ask about IB MYP maths

What topics are in the IB MYP maths syllabus?

What is the difference between MYP standard and extended maths?

How is MYP maths graded?

Is there an MYP maths exam?

Are there MYP maths past papers?

How many hours of maths does MYP require?

Can a tutor help with an MYP maths investigation?

My child is moving from GCSE or a national curriculum into MYP. Where do we start?

Does MYP maths prepare students for the IB Diploma?

When are your lessons?

More for IB families

IB maths tuition

IB computer science

IGCSE maths tuition

GCSE maths tuition

IB maths in the UAE

Coding classes in the UK

Related pages in this guide

International Baccalaureate

GCSE maths

International GCSE and Cambridge International

A level maths and further maths

Scotland

Book a free MYP maths lesson

Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo

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