MATHS

Course: Applications of Mathematics National 3/4 AND MATHS FOR SCIENCE 

ABOUT THE COURSE

The aims of this course are to further develop the skills in number, patterns, relationships and measure studied in S1 - 3 which will allow a student to develop mathematical and problem solving skills relevant to learning, life and work.  It also develops the numeracy skills used in Science (and other subjects).

Being run on four periods a week, this course is taught by both the Numeracy and Science faculties and is particularly well-suited to pupils who would like to achieve a breadth of qualifications across a wider number of subjects. 

Pupils will be encouraged to achieve at National 4 level wherever possible, and may combine units at National 3 and National 4 to achieve an overall National 3 qualification.   In additional they will achieve a level 4 (SCQF4) qualification in Mathematics for Science 1.

Course Content

The Application of Mathematics course consists of three units:

• Nat 3 or Nat 4 Numeracy

• Nat 3 or Nat 4 Managing Finance & Statistics

• Nat 3 or Nat 4 Geometry & Measure

The Mathematics for Science unit consists of three outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Understanding and performing basic calculations (averages, percentages, etc.)

• Outcome 2: Performing basic algebraic operations (using and rearranging formulae, etc.)

• Outcome 3: Read and construct statistical graphs and calculate statistical measures (plotting and reading graphs).

Course: Mathematics National 4 + National 5 Numeracy

Entry requirements: Successful completion of National 3 + the National 4 Numeracy Unit + teacher recommendation.

ABOUT THE Course

The aims of this course are to further develop the skills in number, patterns, relationships and measure studied in S1 - 3 which will allow a student to develop mathematical and problem solving skills relevant to learning, life and work.

Course Content

The course consists of three units:

• Nat 4 Expressions & Formulae

• Nat 4 Relationships

• Nat 5 Numeracy 

Course: LEVEL 5 UNITS

Entry requirements:  Successful completion of National 4 Maths or Applications of Maths + teacher recommendation.

ABOUT the Course

This course aims to develop students’ mathematical knowledge and skills at National 5 level, either as a progression route on to the National 5 exam, or as an end-point qualification.  The focus is on those areas of National 5 which are most directly relevant to learning, life and work.   On successful completion of this course, students can choose to progress to National 5 Maths (6 periods a week) or National 5 Applications of Maths (4 periods a week).

This course is particularly suited to pupils who would like to progress to the National 5 exam in the following year.  It also serves as a good end-point for those pupils who would like to progress their National 4 qualification, but who do not want to continue to the National 5 exam.

Course Content

The course consists of three units:

• Nat 5 Numeracy 

• Nat 5 Finance & Statistics (Applications of Maths)

• Nat 5 Geometry & Measure (Applications of Maths)

Course: Mathematics National 5 

Entry requirements:  Successful completion of National 4 Maths + National 5 Numeracy + National 5 Expressions & Formulae + teacher recommendation.  Students who have completed the Level 5 Units course must opt for the 6-period National 5 Maths course.  

ABOUT the Course

This course will build on prior learning and develop:

● Operational skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics

● Reasoning skills of investigation, problem solving, analysis and application

● Numeracy skills in number processes and information handling

This course is particularly suited to pupils who would like to progress to Higher Maths.  It also serves as a good end-point qualification.  The course is run as a 4-period a week option for eligible pupils in S4, and as a 6-period a week option for eligible pupils in S5 and S6.  Pupils in S5/6 may join the 4-period course if they are re-sitting National 5 Maths.

Course Assessment

Each unit will be assessed with a unit assessment (NAB).  In addition, there will be a final external SQA exam (graded A to D) at the end of the course.

Course: Applications of Mathematics National 5 

Entry requirements:  Successful completion of National 4 Maths + National 5 Numeracy + teacher recommendation, or successful completion of the Level 5 Units course (as above) + teacher recommendation.

ABOUT THE Course

The purpose of the Applications of Mathematics National 5 course is to allow learners to develop advanced problem solving skills using mathematics concepts as a tool.  Learners develop the skills to think through solutions and develop appropriate pathways which illustrate their thinking.  The course uses real life contexts to develop these skills.

This course is particularly suited to pupils who would like to progress from the Level 5 Units course to the full Applications of Maths National 5 qualification.  The course is run as a 4-period a week option.

Course Assessment

Each unit will be assessed with a unit assessment (NAB).  In addition, there will be a final external SQA exam (graded A to D) at the end of the course.

Course: Mathematics Higher 

Entry requirements: National 5 Maths at Grade A or B.

ABOUT the Course

The Higher Mathematics course develops, deepens and extends the mathematical skills necessary at this level and beyond.  Throughout this course, students acquire and apply operational skills necessary for developing mathematical ideas through symbolic representation and diagrams.  They select and apply mathematical techniques and develop their understanding of the interdependencies within mathematics.  Students develop mathematical reasoning skills and gain experience in making informed decisions. 

Higher Mathematics has the particular objective of meeting the needs of students at a stage of their education where career aspirations are particularly important.   The course has obvious relevance for students with interests in fields such as commerce, engineering, sciences and technologies where the mathematics learned will be put to direct use.  For other students, the course can be an important component of an entry requirement to a Higher Education institution.  All students taking the Higher Mathematics course, whatever their career aspirations, should acquire an enhanced awareness of the importance of mathematics to technology and society in general.

Course Assessment

Each unit will be assessed with a unit assessment (NAB).  In addition, there will be a final external SQA exam (graded A to D) at the end of the course.

Course: APPLICATIONS OF Maths Higher 

Entry requirements: National 5 Applications of Maths at Grade A or B, or National 5 Maths at Grade A or B.

ABOUT the Course

Higher Applications of Maths is a new course, developed by the SQA to meet identified skills shortages in Finance and Statistics.

The course enhances candidates’ critical and logical thinking so that they can interpret, analyse, and critically appraise statistical and mathematical information; simplify and solve problems; assess risk; and make informed decisions. 

The course aims to: 

♦ equip candidates with the mathematical and statistical literacy skills they need for life, work and further study in a wide range of curricular areas 

♦ develop candidates’ financial literacy in real-life contexts 

♦ show candidates how they can use appropriate digital technology to manipulate and model mathematical, statistical and financial information 

♦ develop candidates’ mathematical reasoning skills so that they can generalise, build arguments, draw logical conclusions, assess risk, and make informed decisions in familiar and unfamiliar situations 

♦ develop candidates’ range of mathematical skills so that they can analyse, interpret and present data and numerical information 

♦ provide candidates with the skills to appraise quantitative information critically, considering modelling or statistical assumptions 

Course Assessment

The course is assessed through project coursework (27%) and a final external SQA exam (73%) and is graded A to D.

Subject: Post-Higher Provision: Advanced Higher Mathematics

Entry requirements: Higher Maths at Grade A or B.

ABOUT the Course

This course develops existing knowledge and introduces advanced mathematical techniques, which are critical to successful progression beyond Advanced Higher level in Mathematics and many other curriculum areas.  The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course also support learning in technology, health and wellbeing, science, and social studies.

The course aims to: 

• motivate and challenge students by enabling them to select and apply complex mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical situations 

• extend students’ skills in problem solving and logical thinking 

• clarify students’ thinking through the process of rigorous proof 

• allow students to interpret, communicate, and manage information in mathematical form, skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development 

• develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards further study in mathematics and the use of mathematics in employment 

• deliver in-depth study of mathematical concepts and the ways in which mathematics describes our world 

• deepen students’ skills in using mathematical language and exploring advanced mathematical ideas

This course is very valuable for any student considering a degree course with a mathematical base such as engineering, science or computer science, as well as Mathematics itself.  In addition, the course achieves relevance to many other areas, including biological and social sciences, medicine, business and management.

Course Content

The course consists of three units:

• Applications of Algebra & Calculus

• Geometry, Proof & Systems of Equations

• Methods in Algebra & Calculus

Course Assessment

Each unit will be assessed with a unit assessment (NAB).  In addition, there will be a final external SQA course assessment (graded A to D) at the end of the course.