This forms the first part of a 2 year DP course, and has an emphasis on applications of mathematics.  It is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of mathematics in students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities, who are considering a future career in the social sciences, humanities, languages or the arts.  It offers students opportunities to learn important concepts and techniques, and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of interconnected mathematical topics.  It prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of real-world settings, to develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning, and to enhance their critical thinking.  Students likely to need mathematics for the achievement of further qualifications should be advised to consider an alternative math course.