Applications of Mathematics
National 5
Course Overview
The purpose of the National 5 Applications of Mathematics course is to motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to think through real-life situations involving mathematics . This course is challenging and learners will be expected to use interpretation skills to solve demanding problems.
Learners will develop their subject skills and knowledge and understanding through the following:
identifying valid mathematical operational skills to tackle real-life situations or problems
selecting and applying numeracy skills, skills in finance, statistics, measurement, geometry, graphical data and probability,
using mathematical reasoning skills to draw conclusions or justify decisions
communicating mathematical information in an appropriate way
The course has three units which are:
Mathematics: Numeracy (National 5)
This unit develops numeracy skills which will be used throughout this course. These include selecting and using appropriate numerical notation and units, selecting and carrying out calculations, recording and interpreting measurements and justifying decisions using the results of measurements and calculations.
Applications of Mathematics: Finance and Statistics (National 5)
This unit develops skills linked to finance and statistics.
The finance component includes using budget information, analysing and interpreting factors affecting income, determining the best deal, converting between several currencies and investigating the impact of interest rates on savings and borrowing. The statistics component includes working with risk and probability, constructing and interpreting data from different statistical diagrams and using data to analyse and compare data sets.
Applications of Mathematics: Geometry and Measure (National 5)
This unit develops skills linked to geometry and measure.
The geometry component includes investigating gradients, solving problems involving composite 2D and 3D shapes and using Pythagoras’ Theorem. The measure component includes constructing scale drawings, planning a navigation course, carrying out efficient container packing , using precedence tables and problem solving involving time management.
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mrs J Smith
Assessment Methods
End of year examination papers : Paper 1 ( Non -Calculator) Paper 2 (Calculator) . National 5 courses are externally assessed by the SQA and are graded A-D.
Learning and Teaching Approaches
A range of learning and teaching approaches will be used including: Teacher exposition; group work; discussion; individualised learning and self evaluation. Homework may include: completing day to day work; completing online homework and further consolidation and practice of skills.