Mathematics - Advanced Higher

SCQF Framework

SCQF Level: 7

SCQF Credit Points: 32

Skills Framework

Delivering Centre

Vale of Leven Academy

Purpose and Aims

Learning mathematics develops logical reasoning, analysis, problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to think in abstract ways. It uses a universal language of numbers and symbols, which allows us to communicate ideas in a concise, unambiguous, and rigorous way.

The 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.

Mathematics is important in everyday life. It helps us to make sense of the world we live in and to manage our lives. Using mathematics enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions.

It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.

The course aims to:

  • motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to select and apply complex mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical situations
  • extend candidates’ skills in problem solving and logical thinking
  • clarify candidates’ thinking through the process of rigorous proof
  • allow candidates 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 candidates’ skills in using mathematical language and exploring advanced mathematical ideas

Recommended Entry

Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills and knowledge required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

  • Higher Mathematics Course or relevant component Units


Progression

This Course or its Units may provide progression to:

  • other qualifications in Mathematics or related areas
  • further study, employment or training

Career Options

Further Information

Mathematics Advanced Higher Course Specification

Course Content

The Advanced Higher Mathematics course develops, deepens and extends the mathematical skills necessary at this level and beyond. Throughout this course, candidates acquire and apply operational skills necessary for exploring complex mathematical ideas.

They select and apply mathematical techniques and develop their understanding of the interdependencies within mathematics. Candidates develop mathematical reasoning skills and gain experience in making informed decisions.

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • using mathematical reasoning skills to think logically, provide justification, and solve problems
  • knowledge and understanding of a range of complex concepts
  • selecting and applying complex operational skills
  • using reasoning skills to interpret information and complex mathematical models
  • effectively communicating solutions in a variety of contexts
  • explaining and justifying concepts through the idea of rigorous proof
  • thinking creatively

Course Assessment Structure

The course assessment meets the purposes and aims of the course by addressing:

  • breadth — drawing on knowledge and skills from across the course
  • challenge — requiring greater depth or extension of knowledge and/or skills
  • application — requiring application of knowledge and/or skills in practical or theoretical contexts as appropriate This enables candidates to:
  • use mathematical reasoning skills to think logically, provide justification, and solve problems
  • use a range of complex concepts
  • select and apply complex operational skills
  • use reasoning skills to interpret information and use complex mathematical models
  • effectively communicate solutions in a variety of mathematical contexts
  • explain and justify concepts through the idea of rigorous proof
  • think creatively

Question paper 1 (non-calculator) 35 marks

This question paper allows candidates to demonstrate the application of mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding from across the course. Candidates must not use a calculator.

This question paper gives candidates an opportunity to apply numerical, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, calculus, and reasoning skills specified in the ‘Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course assessment’ section.

This question paper has 35 marks out of a total of 115 marks for the course assessment. It consists of short-answer and extended-response questions. Setting, conducting and marking the question paper This question paper is set and marked by SQA, and conducted in centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.

Candidates have 1 hour to complete this question paper.

Question paper 2 (Calculator) 80 marks

This question paper gives candidates an opportunity to apply numerical, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, calculus, and reasoning skills specified in the ‘Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course assessment’ section. Using a calculator can facilitate these skills and allow more opportunity for application and reasoning. When solving problems, candidates typically use calculators to perform calculations that are more complex.

This question paper has 80 marks out of a total of 115 marks for the course assessment. It consists of short-answer and extended-response questions. Setting, conducting and marking the question paper This question paper is set and marked by SQA, and conducted in centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.

Candidates have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete this question paper. Specimen question papers for Advanced Higher courses are published on SQA’s website. These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers. The specimen papers also include marking instructions.