IB Course

What’s the Difference Between AI SL, AI HL, AA SL and AA HL?

Mathematics is one of the most demanding subjects in the IB Diploma Programme, and choosing the right Mathematics pathway is critical for both final IB results and university admission.

Under the current IB curriculum, Mathematics is divided into four distinct courses:

  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) SL

  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) HL

  • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) SL

  • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) HL

Each course differs significantly in content focus, difficulty level, assessment style, and university recognition. Selecting the wrong option can make it much harder to achieve a high IB score.

AA vs AI: Core Differences

Course Type Focus Best Suited For
AA (Analysis & Approaches) Algebra, calculus, functions, mathematical proofs Students strong in abstract thinking; science, engineering, medicine pathways
AI (Applications & Interpretation) Statistics, data analysis, modelling, real-world applications Students interested in business, economics, social sciences

Detailed Comparison of IB Maths Courses

🔹 IB Maths AI SL

(Applications & Interpretation – Standard Level)

Key Features:

  • Emphasis on statistics, data handling and real-world applications

  • Extensive use of GDC calculators

  • Less algebraic and theoretical content

Suitable for students who:

  • Do not intend to pursue maths-heavy degrees

  • Plan to study business, social sciences, psychology, design

  • Aim for stable and achievable IB results

 

🔹 IB Maths AI HL

(Applications & Interpretation – Higher Level)

Key Features:

  • Advanced statistics, probability and mathematical modelling

  • Long, data-heavy exam questions

  • High analytical demand despite fewer abstract proofs

Suitable for students who:

  • Have solid mathematical ability

  • Aim for economics, business, data-related university programmes

  • Need a higher-level maths qualification but prefer applied contexts

🔹 IB Maths AA SL

(Analysis & Approaches – Standard Level)

Key Features:

  • Traditional mathematics structure

  • Algebra, functions, differentiation and integration

  • Balanced approach between theory and application

Suitable for students who:

  • Have a good mathematical foundation

  • Are considering science or engineering pathways (without HL requirement)

  • Prefer structured, logic-based mathematics

🔹 IB Maths AA HL

(Analysis & Approaches – Higher Level)

Key Features:

  • The most challenging IB mathematics course

  • Advanced calculus, functions, sequences, proofs

  • High level of abstraction and time pressure in exams

Suitable for students who:

  • Excel in mathematics

  • Aim for medicine, engineering, physics, mathematics or top universities

  • Target Grade 6–7 and strong university applications

Common IB Maths Mistakes

  • ❌ Underestimating the difficulty of AI HL

  • ❌ Choosing AA HL without sufficient foundation

  • ❌ Ignoring university subject requirements

  • ❌ Lack of guidance for Internal Assessment (IA)

Many students begin struggling in Year 1, and by Year 2 it becomes difficult to recover without targeted support.

How Knowledge Convergence Tutorial Centre Helps Students Improve IB Maths

Knowledge Convergence Tutorial Centre (學匯補習中心) has been established since 2001 and specialises in international curricula.
We offer focused IB Maths tutoring for AI and AA at both SL and HL levels.

How our IB Maths tuition improves results:

✅ 1. Course-Specific Teaching (AI / AA / SL / HL)

  • Clear breakdown of exam structure and assessment weighting

  • Targeted practice aligned with IB exam trends

✅ 2. Markscheme-Focused Exam Training

  • Teach students how to write answers that earn marks

  • Eliminate common exam mistakes

✅ 3. GDC Calculator Mastery

  • Practical training for real exam conditions

  • Improve speed and accuracy

✅ 4. IA (Internal Assessment) Support

  • Topic selection guidance

  • Mathematical modelling and data analysis

  • Structure, explanation and presentation improvement

✅ 5. Small Group & One-to-One Tuition

  • Immediate feedback and concept correction

  • Personalised strategies to raise grades from 5 → 6 → 7

Proven Results

Many of our students:

  • Improve by 1–2 IB grades within 6–12 months

  • Gain confidence in tackling exam-style questions

  • Strengthen applications to UK, Australian and Canadian universities

February Timetable (Prince Edward)

4 sessions 5 hours 20 mins
Each Subject Fee $2000

Course Subject Date Time
KS5BI01(Year1) Bio 4/2, 11/2, 25/2, 4/3 Wed
4:10pm~5:30pm
KS5CH02(Year1) Chem 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 28/2 Sat
4:30pm~5:50pm
KS5MS03(Year1) Maths 2/2, 9/2, 23/2, 2/3 Mon
5:35pm~6:55pm
KS5MS04(Year1) Maths 6/2, 13/2, 27/2, 6/3 Fri
5:35pm~6:55pm
KS5MS05(Year1) Maths 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 28/2 Sat
1:30pm~2:50pm
KS5PH06(Year1) Phys 3/2, 10/2, 24/2, 3/3 Tue
4:10pm~5:30pm
KS5PH07(Year1) Phys 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 28/2 Sat
6:00pm~7:20pm
KS6BI01(Year2) Bio 3/2, 10/2, 24/2, 3/3 Tue
4:10pm~5:30pm
KS6CH02(Year2) Chem 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 28/2 Sat
3:00pm~4:20pm
KS6MS03(Year2) Maths 6/2, 13/2, 27/2, 6/3 Fri
5:35pm~6:55pm
KS6PH04(Year2) Phys 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 28/2 Sat
3:00pm~4:20pm

February Timetable (Wan Chai)

4 sessions 5 hours 20 mins
Each Subject Fee $2000

Course Subject Date Time
HS5BI01(Year1) Bio 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 28/2 Sat
10:00am~11:20am
HS5CH02(Year1) Chem 6/2, 13/2, 27/2, 6/3 Fri
5:35pm~6:55pm
HS5MS03(Year1) Maths 3/2, 10/2, 24/2, 3/3 Tue
5:35pm~6:55pm
HS5PH04(Year1) Phys 4/2, 11/2, 25/2, 4/3 Wed
5:35pm~6:55pm
HS6BI01(Year2) Bio 4/2, 11/2, 25/2, 4/3 Wed
4:10pm~5:30pm
HS6CH02(Year2) Chem 6/2, 13/2, 27/2, 6/3 Fri
4:10pm~5:30pm
HS6MS03(Year2) Maths 3/2, 10/2, 24/2, 3/3 Tue
5:35pm~6:55pm
HS6PH04(Year2) Phys 5/2, 12/2, 26/2, 5/3 Thu
5:35pm~6:55pm

**Make your payment by cash or cheque at Knowledge Convergence Tutorial Centre. The cheque should be crossed and made payable to “K & C EDUCATION LIMITED”