Mathematics - Higher

SCQF Framework

SCQF Level: 6

SCQF Credit Points: 24

Skills Framework

Delivering Centre

Vale of Leven Academy

Purpose and Aims

Mathematics engages learners of all ages, interests and abilities. 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 important mathematical techniques which are critical to successful progression beyond 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 mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical situations
  • 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
  • allow candidates to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form, skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development
  • 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:

  • National 5 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

Higher Mathematics Course Specification

Higher Mathematics BBC Bitesize

Course Content

The 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 developing mathematical ideas through symbolic representation and diagrams. 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:

  • understand and use a range of complex mathematical concepts and relationships
  • select and apply operational skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics within mathematical contexts
  • select and apply skills in numeracy
  • use mathematical reasoning skills to extract and interpret information and to use complex mathematical models
  • use mathematical reasoning skills to think logically, provide justification or proof, and solve problems
  • communicate mathematical information with complex features

Course Assessment Structure

The course assessment meets the key 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:

  • develop mathematical operational skills
  • combine mathematical operational skills developed throughout the course
  • develop mathematical reasoning skills
  • apply skills, without the aid of a calculator, in order to demonstrate that they have an underlying grasp of mathematical concepts and processes