Scroll down to find out about the different courses on offer in the Maths and Computing Department.

If you have questions about any of the Maths courses or about which one might be right for you, then please speak to your current maths teacher in the first instance.

Any questions about the Computing courses should be directed to Miss Petley or Mr Strachan.

Applications of Maths is an option that you can select in S5/6 provided you have already achieved National 4 Maths.

Applications of Maths is only available as a 5th option in S4 to pupils who will be studying National 5 Maths in S4. This is because it is only being delivered over two periods a week.

We offer two different Higher courses in the Maths department.  The "traditional" Higher Maths, and the brand new Higher Applications of Maths.  It is important to recognise that both courses are at the same level, however they are designed for very different purposes.

What is each course about?

The Higher Maths course follows on from the National 5 Maths course, and will be necessary for anyone hoping to study  STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) in further education.  By studying this course you will further develop your skills in algebra and trigonometry, as well as being introduced to the topic of calculus.  The recommended entry requirement for the Higher Maths course is an A or a B at National 5 Maths.

The Higher Applications of Mathematics course focuses on developing the mathematical and analytical skills required in society and for the future workforce.  Studying this course will help to develop your mathematical and statistical literacy, problem-solving, and reasoning skills as you apply mathematics in real-life contexts.  The course makes significant use of computer software (specifically Microsoft Excel and a program called R-Studio), so you will need to be confident in using computers.  The recommended entry requirements for the Higher Applications of Maths course are an A or a B at either National 5 Maths or National 5 Applications of Maths.  You may also wish to study this course alongside Higher or Advanced Higher Maths.

Who is each course for?

Listed below are some of the fields/career pathways that these courses might lead to.

We offer two Advanced Higher courses in the Maths department at Mackie Academy.

It is possible to study both of these courses at the same time.  There is some overlap between both courses, and the AH Maths of Mechanics course also has some overlap with the Physics and Engineering Science courses.

If you are only choosing one of these courses, then our recommendation is that you choose the Advanced Higher Maths course.

What is the course about?

The Personal Finance Awards at SCQF Level 4 & 5 will develop knowledge and skills to cope confidently and effectively with the types of financial matters individuals are likely to encounter. From student loans to pensions, the awards will prepare learners for financial decision making and managing personal finances throughout their lives.

The courses cover a range of topics, including: calculating and comparing costs; household budgeting; different forms of borrowing; tax and National Insurance; credit cards; bank accounts; exchange rates, interest and inflation rates.

Who is the course for?

Ideally it is for those pupils moving into S5/6 who have achieved National 4 Maths or National 4 Applications of Maths, but who do not wish to take on a National 5 Maths qualification. The course would be delivered over just two periods a week (compared to the four or five periods a week for our National 5 courses).

How is the course assessed?

There is no final exam for either the Level 4 or Level 5 Personal Finance Award. Instead, pupils are continually assessed throughout the year using the SQA's online assessment portal (Solar). These assessments would be carried out by pupils during their normal lessons.

If you have any questions about the Computing Science options then please speak to Mr Duff or Mr Strachan.

It is our strong recommendation that if you want to study N5 Computing Science in S4, that you have studied Computing Science as one of your subject options in S3.