IB Math AA vs AI: a Guide for Bilingual Families
AA or AI, SL or HL, Paper 3 and the Exploration: here is how IB Mathematics actually works. And why a Russian speaking IB math tutor who explains each topic in your child's first language can make English-language exams feel manageable.
IB Math AA vs AI: which course fits your child?
In the IB Diploma Programme every student takes exactly one mathematics course, at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). There are two courses to choose from:
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) leans towards algebra, functions, calculus and proof. It suits students heading for engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or quantitative economics.
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) focuses on modelling, statistics and working with data and technology. It is a natural fit for biology, psychology, social sciences, business and design.
Both courses share five topic areas: number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and calculus. What differs is the emphasis. SL is 150 teaching hours, HL is 240. Before choosing, check the entry requirements of the universities your child is considering, since some programmes specifically ask for AA HL.
How IB Math is assessed
The final grade combines external exams (80%) with the internally assessed Mathematical Exploration (20%).
| Course | Exam papers | Calculator | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA SL | Paper 1 and Paper 2, 1.5 hours each | Paper 1 no calculator, Paper 2 graphic display calculator | 40% + 40%, Exploration 20% |
| AA HL | Paper 1 and Paper 2, 2 hours each; Paper 3, 1 hour | Paper 1 no calculator, Papers 2 and 3 with calculator | 30% + 30% + 20%, Exploration 20% |
| AI SL | Paper 1 and Paper 2, 1.5 hours each | Calculator on both | 40% + 40%, Exploration 20% |
| AI HL | Paper 1 and Paper 2, 2 hours each; Paper 3, 1 hour | Calculator on all papers | 30% + 30% + 20%, Exploration 20% |
The HL Paper 3 consists of extended problems set in unfamiliar situations, where students have to investigate, generalise and justify. It rewards real understanding rather than memorised methods.
The Exploration (Internal Assessment)
The Exploration is a written piece of 12-20 pages in which the student applies course mathematics to a topic they genuinely care about. It is marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB. Under the current guide it is assessed on presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, reflection and use of mathematics.
For a student working in a second language, this is often harder than the exams: the maths has to be explained clearly in academic English, with correct notation and terminology. Good support means working on understanding and clarity of explanation. The writing itself must, of course, be the student's own, as IB rules require.
The 1-7 scale and MYP Mathematics
Every IB subject is graded from 1 to 7, with 7 the highest. Six subjects plus the core make up the diploma total of up to 45 points. Grade boundaries are set separately for each exam session, so there is no fixed percentage that guarantees a 7.
In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), mathematics is also reported on a 1-7 scale, built from four criteria: knowing and understanding, investigating patterns, communicating, and applying mathematics in real-life contexts. Many bilingual students lose marks on communication rather than on calculation. A solid MYP foundation makes the move into AA or AI much smoother.
Where bilingual students struggle
A common pattern: the child is good at maths, yet their grades do not reflect it. Usually it comes down to a few things:
- Long worded problems, where a misread detail leads to solving the wrong question.
- Command terms such as "show that", "hence", "justify" and "sketch", each expecting a specific kind of answer.
- Gaps left by moving countries and switching school systems.
- Calculator fluency for AI and Paper 2, and confident mental algebra for AA Paper 1.
- Written reasoning in English for the Exploration and Paper 3.
If this sounds familiar, our free diagnostic session takes 30 minutes to pin down what is really holding your child back: the maths, the language, or both.
A preparation timeline
- MYP years 4-5: close gaps in algebra and functions, build English terminology, decide on course and level.
- DP year 1: keep up with current topics, master the calculator, choose an Exploration topic.
- DP year 2, autumn: draft and refine the Exploration to the school's deadlines, start structured revision.
- Final 3-4 months: timed past papers in exam conditions, with dedicated Paper 3 practice for HL.
A Russian speaking IB math tutor with a clear method
Genius Math School is an online school for Russian-speaking children at international and foreign schools. We teach IB MYP, Math AA SL/HL and Math AI SL/HL using our Bridge method, which moves in four steps:
- The topic is explained in Russian, so the mathematics truly lands.
- English terminology is introduced step by step.
- The student solves problems in English.
- Lessons move fully into English, exactly as in the exam.
Every lesson is one-to-one, online, 60 minutes on an interactive whiteboard, with homework afterwards. A curator builds the plan, tracks progress and sends parents a monthly report in Russian. Most of our teachers graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics at Saint Petersburg State University, and many live abroad and use English every day. Lessons start from $52 on semester plans.
In the free diagnostic session, the teacher identifies the programme and your family's goals, checks your child's maths level and understanding of English-language problems, determines their Bridge stage and shows you a concrete plan. Preparing for other exams too? See our guides to IGCSE and GCSE Math and SAT Math.
Not sure where your child stands in IB Math right now? Book a free 30-minute diagnostic and we will look at it together calmly and suggest a plan that makes sense.
Free 30-minute diagnostic session
A teacher checks your child's math level and how well they understand problems in the school language, finds their Bridge stage and shows a concrete study plan. It is free, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is IB Math AA harder than IB Math AI?
Not necessarily harder, but different. AA demands more algebra, calculus and formal proof, while AI emphasises modelling, statistics and technology. At HL both are demanding, so the better choice depends on your child's strengths and university plans.
What is the difference between IB Math SL and HL?
SL is 150 teaching hours and HL is 240, with extra topics and an additional Paper 3 exam at HL. The Exploration counts for 20% of the final grade at both levels.
Can my child have IB math tutoring online in Russian?
Yes. With the Bridge method, topics are first explained in Russian, then English terminology is introduced and lessons gradually move fully into English, so your child is ready for the exam language.
When should we start preparing for IB Math exams?
Ideally from the first year of the Diploma Programme, or even during MYP, closing gaps gradually. Intensive past paper practice usually fills the last 3-4 months before exams.