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IB Maths AI SL scheme of work

A complete plan for IB Maths AI SL: 64 weeks, 256 lessons, with a quick check most weeks and a test at the end of each unit. Here is the whole plan at a glance and one lesson in full.

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A sample lesson, in full

Week 2 · Lesson 4 · Unit 1 · Number & Algebra

Approximation 2: Upper & Lower Bounds and Percentage Error

By the end of the lesson students can: Find upper and lower bounds of rounded values and calculate percentage error, such as the error when 3.14 is used for π.
Syllabus reference: SL Topic 1
Quick check FA2: Standard form, approximation and bounds
Misconceptions to watch for: Giving bounds as [value − 0.5×unit, value + 0.5×unit] with the wrong unit of accuracy; confusing percentage error with absolute error.
Then the unit test SA1 (week 6): Unit 1 Test: Number & Algebra · Paper 1 style · calculator allowed · 45 mins
In the full plan, every lesson also has: The starter for the week, practice and homework on the topic in one click, and a tick to mark it taught for your class.

The course at a glance

FA = a short formative check in that week; SA = an end-of-unit test.

Year 1 (DP1)

32 weeks · 128 lessons · 21 quick checks (FA) · 5 unit tests (SA)

Week	Lessons	Checks
Unit 0 · Prior Knowledge Bridge
1	PK Diagnostic: Number Skills, Rounding & Standard Form · PK Refresher: Linear Equations, Graphs & Basic Algebra · PK Refresher: Basic Trigonometry, Ratio & Percentages · PK Refresher: Data Handling & Using the GDC/Spreadsheets	FA1
Unit 1 · Number & Algebra
2	Standard Form 1: Converting & Interpreting Standard Form · Standard Form 2: Operations, Laws of Exponents (Integer Exponents), Calculator Notation & Estimation · Approximation 1: Decimal Places & Significant Figures · Approximation 2: Upper & Lower Bounds and Percentage Error	FA2
3	Sequences 1: Arithmetic Sequences (nth Term) · Sequences 2: Arithmetic Series (Sum Formula & Sigma Notation) · Sequences 3: Geometric Sequences (nth Term) · Sequences 4: Geometric Series (Sum Formula) & Growth Models	FA3
4	Financial Maths 1: Simple & Compound Interest · Financial Maths 2: Depreciation, Inflation & Currency Conversion · Financial Maths 3: Loans, Amortization & the GDC Finance Solver · Financial Maths 4: Annuities & Modelling Investments with Spreadsheets	FA4
5	Systems of Linear Equations 1: Two Variables — Elimination, Substitution & GDC · Systems of Linear Equations 2: Three Variables with the GDC · Systems of Linear Equations 3: Modelling Real-World Problems · Polynomial Equations: Solving Polynomial Equations with the GDC & Interpreting Roots	FA5
6	Unit 1 Revision: Number & Algebra · Unit 1 Revision: Exam-Style GDC Problem Solving · Unit 1 Revision: Common Misconceptions Clinic · Summative Assessment 1 (SA1)	SA1
Unit 2 · Functions
7	Functions 1: Function Notation, Domain & Range · Straight Lines 1: Gradient, Intercepts & Equation of a Line · Straight Lines 2: Parallel & Perpendicular Lines · Quadratic Models 1: Factorised & Vertex Form	FA6
8	Quadratic Models 2: Solving Quadratics — Zeros, Axis of Symmetry & Vertex (GDC and Formula) · Quadratic Models 3: Graphing Parabolas with the GDC · Quadratic Models 4: Modelling Projectile Motion & Optimisation Contexts · Exponential Models 1: Exponential Growth & Decay	FA7
	Linear Models 2: Piecewise Linear Models · Functions 3: Domain & Range of a Model in Context · Quadratic Models 5: Fitting a Quadratic to Data · Exponential Growth & Decay in Context: Reading the Parameters
9	Exponential Models 2: The Number e & Continuous Growth · Exponential Models 3: Finding Parameters of Exponential Models from Data Points & Context · Logarithms 1: log₁₀ & ln — Evaluating with Technology & Solving aˣ = b · Exponential Models 4: Solving for Time or Rate with Logarithms & the GDC	FA8
10	Straight Lines 3: Linear Models — Cost, Revenue & Break-Even · Further Models 1: Direct & Inverse Variation and Cubic Models · Further Models 2: Sinusoidal Models — a sin(bx) + d and a cos(bx) + d (Degrees) · Functions 2: Inverse Functions, Key Features of Graphs & the Modelling Cycle	FA9
	Further Models 3: Direct & Inverse Variation · Further Models 4: Cubic Models in Context · Further Models 5: Sinusoidal Models from Data · Choosing a Model: Comparing Linear, Quadratic & Exponential Fits
11	Unit 2 Revision: Functions · Unit 2 Revision: Exam-Style Problem Solving · Unit 2 Revision: Common Misconceptions Clinic · Summative Assessment 2 (SA2)	SA2
Unit 3 · Geometry & Trigonometry
12	3D Geometry 1: Distances & Midpoints in 3D · 3D Geometry 2: Volume & Surface Area of 3D Solids · Right-Angle Trig 1: SOHCAHTOA & the GDC · 3D Geometry 3: Angles Between Two Lines and Between a Line and a Plane	FA10
13	Right-Angle Trig 2: Angles of Elevation & Depression · Right-Angle Trig 3: Bearings & Right-Angle Problems in 3D · Non-Right-Angle Trig 1: The Sine Rule · Circle Geometry 1: Arc Length & Sector Area (Degrees)	FA11
14	Non-Right-Angle Trig 2: The Cosine Rule · Non-Right-Angle Trig 3: Area of a Triangle (½ab sin C) · Voronoi Diagrams 1: Perpendicular Bisectors & Constructing Cells · Voronoi Diagrams 2: Completing a Voronoi Diagram for Multiple Sites	FA12
15	Voronoi Diagrams 3: Nearest-Neighbour Interpolation in Context · Voronoi Diagrams 4: Adding a New Site & the Toxic Waste Dump Problem · Consolidation: Geometry & Trigonometry Problem Solving · Consolidation: Voronoi Diagrams & Real-World Applications	FA13
16	Unit 3 Revision: Geometry & Trigonometry · Unit 3 Revision: Exam-Style Problem Solving · Unit 3 Revision: Common Misconceptions Clinic · Summative Assessment 3 (SA3)	SA3
Unit 4 · Statistics & Probability
17	Statistics 1: Populations, Samples, Sampling Techniques & Bias · Central Tendency 1: Frequency Tables & Histograms; Mean, Median & Mode · Spread: Variance & Standard Deviation · Statistics 2: Cumulative Frequency, Quartiles, Box Plots & Outliers	FA14
18	Correlation 1: Scatter Diagrams & Pearson's Correlation Coefficient · Correlation 2: Line of Best Fit & Linear Regression · Correlation 3: Spearman's Rank Correlation, Causation & Limitations · Probability 1: Basic Probability, Venn Diagrams & Sample Spaces	FA15
	Statistics 3: Grouped Data — Estimating the Mean & Standard Deviation · Statistics 4: Comparing Data Sets with Box Plots · Correlation 4: Interpreting r and the Regression Line · Correlation 5: When to Use Spearman's Rank
19	Probability 2: Tree Diagrams & Combined Events · Probability 3: Conditional Probability & Independence · Discrete Distributions 1: Discrete Random Variables & E(X) · Discrete Distributions 2: The Binomial Distribution	FA16
	Probability 4: Sample Spaces & Expected Numbers of Outcomes · Probability 5: Two-Way Tables & Conditional Probability · Discrete Distributions 3: Expected Value & Fair Games · Discrete Distributions 4: Binomial Probabilities with Technology
20	Continuous Distributions 1: The Normal Distribution · Continuous Distributions 2: Normal Probabilities & Inverse Normal with the GDC · Chi-Squared 1: Contingency Tables & Expected Frequencies · Chi-Squared 2: H₀/H₁, Significance Level, Test Statistic, df, p-values/Critical Values & Conclusions	FA17
	Continuous Distributions 3: Normal Probabilities in Context · Continuous Distributions 4: Inverse Normal — Finding Boundaries · χ² Test for Independence: A Full Test from a Contingency Table · Hypothesis Testing Language: p-Values, Critical Values & Conclusions
21	Unit 4 Revision: Statistics & Probability · Unit 4 Revision: Exam-Style Problem Solving · Unit 4 Revision: Common Misconceptions Clinic · Summative Assessment 4 (SA4)	SA4
Unit 5 · Calculus
22	Rates of Change 1: Average Rate of Change & Gradients of Chords · Rates of Change 2: Instantaneous Rate of Change & the Gradient of a Curve · Differentiation 1: Differentiating Powers of x · Differentiation 2: Differentiating Sums & Constant Multiples	FA18
23	Differentiation 3: Negative Integer Powers, Rewriting Expressions & Gradient at a Point · Differentiation 4: Interpreting f′(x) — Increasing/Decreasing & Sketching Gradient Graphs · Tangents & Normals: Finding Equations at a Point · Optimisation 1: Stationary Points — Solving f′(x) = 0 (Algebraically & with the GDC)	FA19
24	Optimisation 2: Classifying Maxima & Minima Using the Sign of f′(x) & the GDC · Optimisation 3: Optimisation Problems in Context (Area, Volume, Cost) · Integration 1: Reversing Differentiation (Indefinite Integrals) & Finding c from a Boundary Condition · Integration 2: Definite Integrals with the GDC & Area Under a Curve	FA20
25	Integration 3: Areas Using the GDC & Integration in Context · Trapezium Rule 1: Estimating Area Under a Curve · Trapezium Rule 2: Accuracy & Comparing with Integration · Consolidation: Calculus	FA21
	Differentiation 5: Gradient Functions in Context · Tangents & Normals 2: Where the Gradient Takes a Given Value · Optimisation 4: Setting Up Area, Volume & Cost Problems · Integration 4: Areas Under Curves in Context
26	Full Course Revision: Number, Algebra & Functions · Full Course Revision: Geometry, Statistics & Calculus · Full Course Revision: Exam Technique & GDC Efficiency · Summative Assessment 5 (SA5): End-of-Year 1 Mock Exam	SA5

Year 2 (DP2): show the plan

Year 2 (DP2)

32 weeks · 128 lessons · 18 quick checks (FA) · 6 unit tests (SA)

Week	Lessons	Checks
Unit 4 · Statistics & Probability
1	Hypothesis Testing Review: H₀, H₁, Significance Levels & p-values · Chi-Squared 3: The χ² Goodness-of-Fit Test · IA Workshop 1: The Exploration — Criteria A–E, Strong Explorations & Choosing a Topic · Chi-Squared 4: Goodness of Fit — Degrees of Freedom & Conclusions in Context	FA1
2	t-Tests 1: Comparing Two Means with the t-Test · IA Workshop 2: Aim, Plan & the Level of Mathematics — Topic Approval · t-Tests 2: One-Tailed & Two-Tailed Tests with Technology · Choosing a Test: χ² Independence, χ² Goodness of Fit or t-Test?	FA2
	Chi-Squared 5: Goodness of Fit to Uniform & Given-Ratio Distributions · t-Tests 3: The Pooled Two-Sample t-Test & Its Assumptions · t-Tests 4: Reading Technology Output & Writing the Decision · Choosing a Test 2: Exam-Style Mixed Questions
3	Data Collection Revisited: Sampling Techniques, Bias & Reliability of Data · Bivariate Data: Interpreting Regression Parameters & the Dangers of Extrapolation · Probability in Context: Harder Venn Diagram & Conditional Problems · Consolidation: Statistics & Probability Long-Response Questions	FA3
	Sampling 2: Choosing a Sampling Technique · Bivariate Data 2: Regression with Technology & Interpreting a and b · Probability in Context 2: Expected Value in Games & Decisions · Binomial & Normal in Context: Multi-Step Problems
4	Unit 4 Revision: Statistical Tests · Unit 4 Revision: Exam-Style Problem Solving · IA Workshop 3: Writing Up — Communication & Mathematical Presentation (Criteria A & B) · Summative Assessment 1 (SA1)	SA1
Unit 2 · Functions (Modelling)
5	The Modelling Cycle: Choosing a Model from Data & Context · Exponential Models Revisited: Fitting with Technology & Interpreting Parameters · Sinusoidal Models Revisited: Amplitude, Period & Principal Axis from Data · Cubic & Variation Models in Context	FA4
	Exponential Models in Context: Half-Life & Doubling Time · Sinusoidal Models 2: Writing the Model from a Description · Variation Models 2: Fitting y = axⁿ with Technology · Evaluating a Model: Testing Predictions & Reasonable Domains
Unit 1 · Number & Algebra (Applications)
6	Financial Maths 5: Amortisation Tables & Comparing Loans · Financial Maths 6: Annuities, Inflation & Real Value · Sequences in Context: Arithmetic vs Geometric Models · Approximation & Error in Measured Data	FA5
Unit 3 · Geometry & Trigonometry (Applications)
7	Voronoi Diagrams 5: Interpreting Regions & Toxic-Waste-Dump Problems in Context · 3D Problems: Angles, Distances & Surface Area in Context · IA Workshop 4: Personal Engagement, Reflection & Use of Mathematics (Criteria C, D & E) · Bearings & Navigation Problems	FA6
Unit 5 · Calculus (Applications)
8	Rates of Change in Context: Interpreting dy/dx with Units · Optimisation Revisited: Cost, Profit & Volume Problems · Integration in Context: Areas & Accumulated Change · Calculus Long-Response Questions	FA7
	Rates of Change 3: Increasing & Decreasing Intervals · Optimisation 5: Profit & Cost Models · Trapezium Rule 3: Estimating Areas from Tables of Data · Integration in Context 2: Accumulated Change
Unit 2 · Functions (Modelling)
9	Linear Models & Break-Even Revisited · Quadratic Models & Optimising with Technology · Solving Equations with Technology: Intersections & Zeros · Functions Long-Response Questions	FA8
Unit 1 · Number & Algebra (Revision)
10	IA Draft Deadline: Complete Draft In — Final Self-Check Against Criteria A–E · Review: Standard Form, Approximation & Error · Review: Arithmetic & Geometric Sequences and Series · Review: Financial Mathematics & the Finance Solver	FA9 IA-D
Unit 2 · Functions (Revision)
11	Review: Functions — Domain, Range & Inverses · Review: Graphing with Technology — Key Features · Review: Logarithms & Exponential Equations · Review: Choosing & Fitting Models	FA10
Unit 3 · Geometry & Trigonometry (Revision)
12	Review: Coordinate Geometry & Perpendicular Bisectors · Review: Right-Angled & Non-Right-Angled Trigonometry · Review: Arcs, Sectors, Volume & Surface Area · Review: Voronoi Diagrams	FA11
Unit 4 · Statistics & Probability (Revision)
13	IA Workshop 5: Acting on Draft Feedback & Finalising the Exploration · Review: Descriptive Statistics & Box Plots · Review: Probability & Tree Diagrams · Review: Binomial & Normal Distributions	FA12
Unit 5 · Calculus (Revision)
14	Review: Derivatives & Rates of Change · Review: Tangents & Normals · Review: Stationary Points & Optimisation · Review: Integration & the Trapezium Rule	FA13
Full Course Revision · End of Term 1
15	Full Course Revision: Paper 1 (Calculator, Short Response) Technique · Full Course Revision: Paper 2 (Calculator, Extended Response) Technique & GDC Efficiency · Full Course Revision: Mixed Past-Paper Questions · Summative Assessment 2 (SA2): End-of-Term Test	SA2
Mock Examinations · Preparation
16	Pre-Mock Revision: Number, Algebra & Functions · Pre-Mock Revision: Geometry & Trigonometry · Pre-Mock Revision: Statistics & Probability · Pre-Mock Revision: Calculus
Mock Examinations
17	Mock Exam: Paper 1 (Calculator, Short Response, 90 mins) · Mock Exam: Paper 2 (Calculator, Extended Response, 90 mins) · Post-Mock Review: Paper 1 — Mark Scheme Walk-Through & Corrections · Post-Mock Review: Paper 2 — Error Analysis & a Personal Revision Plan	SA3
Unit 4 · Statistics & Probability (Targeted Revision)
18	Targeted Revision: Hypothesis Tests & χ² · Targeted Revision: t-Tests · IA Workshop 6: Final Checks — Referencing, Academic Integrity & Presentation · Targeted Revision: Correlation & Regression	FA14
Unit 2 · Functions (Targeted Revision)
19	IA Final Submission: Exploration Handed In with the Academic-Integrity Declaration · Targeted Revision: Exponential Models · Targeted Revision: Sinusoidal Models · Targeted Revision: Quadratic & Cubic Models	FA15 IA-F
Unit 1 · Number & Algebra (Targeted Revision)
20	Targeted Revision: Loans & Annuities · Targeted Revision: Geometric Sequences & Growth · Targeted Revision: Systems of Equations with the GDC · Targeted Revision: Percentage Error & Bounds	FA16
Unit 3 · Geometry & Trigonometry (Targeted Revision)
21	Targeted Revision: Voronoi Diagrams & Perpendicular Bisectors · Targeted Revision: 3D Geometry · Targeted Revision: Sine & Cosine Rules · Targeted Revision: Arcs & Sectors	FA17
Unit 5 · Calculus (Targeted Revision)
22	Targeted Revision: Differentiation · Targeted Revision: Tangents & Normals · Targeted Revision: Optimisation · Targeted Revision: Integration & the Trapezium Rule	FA18
Exam Practice · Paper 1 (Calculator, Short Response)
23	Paper 1 Practice: Short-Response Questions by Topic · Paper 1 Practice: Mixed Short-Response Questions · GDC Skills: Solvers, Graphs, Statistics & Finance Apps Under Time Pressure · Paper 1 Practice: A Timed Half Paper
Exam Practice · Paper 2 (Calculator, Extended Response)
24	Paper 2 Practice: Extended-Response Questions with the GDC · Paper 2 Practice: Interpreting & Communicating Results in Context · Command Terms & Mark Schemes: Show That, Hence, Justify & Accuracy (3 s.f.) · Paper 2 Practice: A Timed Half Paper
Exam Practice · Timed Papers
25	Summative Assessment 4 (SA4): Timed Paper 1 · Summative Assessment 4 (SA4): Timed Paper 2 · SA4 Review: Corrections on Both Papers · Final Revision Priorities: Choosing Your Weakest Topics	SA4
Final Revision · Weak-Topic Clinics
26	Weak-Topic Clinic: Number, Algebra & Functions · Weak-Topic Clinic: Geometry & Trigonometry · Weak-Topic Clinic: Statistics & Probability · Weak-Topic Clinic: Calculus
Final Revision · Past Papers
27	Past-Paper Walk-Through: Paper 1 · Past-Paper Walk-Through: Paper 2 · Past-Paper Practice: Mixed Long-Response Questions · Past-Paper Practice: Questions Students Choose
Final Revision · Exam Readiness
28	Exam Readiness: Formula Booklet Fluency & What Is Not in It · Exam Readiness: Time Management, Marks per Minute & Checking · Exam Readiness: Last Questions & Personal Revision Plans · Exam Leave Begins: Revision Timetable Check-In

The full plan: every lesson with its objective, starters, practice and homework links, your own order and dates, and a tick to mark each lesson taught.

Get the full editable scheme of work — free for teachers

What the course covers

Every syllabus point in plain English, with practice for each: IB Maths AI SL syllabus checklist.