Advanced Programme Mathematics (APM)
APM is intended as the National Senior Certificate replacement of the subject 'Additional Mathematics' from the old Senior Certificate. The syllabus has been revised, retaining much of the old compulsory Calculus and optional Algebra, Finance and Statistics sections and introducing Mathematical Modelling, Graph Theory and Matrices as additional options.
The IEB registered unit standards with SAQA for APM in 2007. In addition, a curriculum statement and a subject assessment guideline have been produced in the language of the NSC subjects. Currently, this subject is examined by the IEB and is offered to all learners, from the State and the private sector, as a subject in addition to the requirements of the NSC. The qualification is assessed by means of one 3 hour written paper and a portfolio of school-based assessment, in the ratio 75 : 25. Umalusi accredit the examination and approved the results in 2008, deeming the 'pass' level to be Level 3 (40%).
Structure of the Paper
There are 300 marks available in the paper and the duration is 3 hours.
| Calculus & Algebra (Compulsory) | 200 marks |
| Finance & Modelling (Optional) | 100 marks |
| Statistics (Optional) | 100 marks |
| Graph Theory and Matrices (Optional) | 100 marks |
Candidates are expected to choose one of the three optional sections.
A formula sheet is included.
Statistical Data from 2008
APM was written by a total of 754 learners in 2008, 331 learners being from 61 State run schools and 423 from 47 IEB schools. The results may be summarised as follows:
IEB % in each level category |
State % in each level category |
Overall |
|
| Level 7 | 28 |
21 |
25 |
| Level 6 | 17 |
19 |
18 |
| Level 5 | 18 |
16 |
17 |
| Level 4 | 15 |
16 |
15 |
| Level 3 | 12 |
12 |
12 |
| Level 2 | 6 |
8 |
7 |
| Level 1 | 4 |
8 |
6 |
| Average Mark | 67% |
65% |
66% |
The APM curriculum is based very closely on that of Additional Mathematics which was a recognised subject in the old Senior Certificate. The purpose of the two subjects, old and new, has not changed.
In comparison, Mathematics Paper 3 is really part and parcel of the Mathematics curriculum and is certainly attainable by the majority of candidates. The IEB encourages all its schools to offer Paper 3 to their students. However, Maths Paper 3 is not really an extension course. In terms of depth and difficulty it is not challenging the top mathematicians as Additional Mathematics used to and APM now does.
Whilst APM requires specialist knowledge on the part of the educator, it is not the intention that this course becomes exclusive to independent education or to the better resourced schools in the State sector. On the contrary, in an effort to make the subject accessible to a range of schools, the IEB sought, and gained, financial assistance from the Rand Merchant Bank who covered the costs of the examination and text books for numerous State schools across the country.
Further to the funding gained in 2008 for the examination fees and text books for State schools, the IEB is organising development workshops in 2009 for Mathematics educators to top-up their skills so they can offer AP Mathematics at their schools. There will be no charge for these workshops as any expenses incurred will be covered by external funding.
To enter candidates to write the examination, the following documents may be downloaded and sent back to the IEB either by fax or e-mail.
Advanced Programme Mathematics Learner Application Form
Advanced Programme Mathematics School Information Form
