National 5 Mathematics
About the Course:
The course builds on the skills and practice that have been worked on during the Broad General Education in S1,2,3 or during the National 5 Applications of Mathematics course. The course will:
1. motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply straight forward mathematical skills
2. develop confidence in the subject
3. enable learners to use numerical data
4. allow learners to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form.
5. develop learners skills in using mathematical language
Entry Requirements:
Teachers will recommend learners for levels and courses during S3. If you have any queries please speak to Mr Giffney (Faculty Head).
A pass at National 5 Applications of Maths for progressing into S5/6
Course Content:
The course is split into key areas:
Numerical Skills - Working with surds and indices, carrying out calculations involving percentages and fractions and rounding to a degree of accuracy,
Algebraic Skills - Working with algebraic skills involving removing brackets, factorising expressions, completing the square, working with algebraic expressions.
Determining the equation of a line, solving linear equations, solving systems of equations, changing the subject of a formula.
Determining the equation of a quadratic function, sketching the graph of a quadratic, solving a quadratic equation and determining the nature of a quadratic function.
Geometric Skills - Calculating the length or arcs and area of sectors, using Pythagoras in 2D and 3D, calculating the volume of 3D objects, working similarity for length, area and volume and working with vectors.
Trigonometric Skills - Working with graphs of trigonometric functions, solving trigonometric equations and proving trigonometric identities. Using trigonometry to find the area of a triangle and find missing sides/angles in triangles.
Statistical Skills - Comparing data sets and forming linear models.
Assessment:
The National 5 course is assessed externally in the form of a final examination that is worth 100% of the final award.
There are two papers:
Paper 1 (50 marks) - 1 hour 15 minutes
Paper 2 (60 marks) - 1 hour 50 minutes
Passing this course will also give candidates an SCQF Level 5 award in Numeracy.
As part of the course learners will complete various class assessments throughout the year and complete the National 5 Numeracy unit. To demonstrate that candidates have the skills required to pass this course it is vital that they work to ensure a pass in the Numeracy unit.
Progression:
After completing this course candidates can progress on the following pathways:
1. Higher Mathematics - recommended with only an A or B at this level
2. Higher Applications of Mathematics
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