Curriculum
Broad General Education
The Broad General education maths curriculum enables the pupils to :
• Develop a secure understanding of the concepts, principles and processes of mathematics and apply these in different contexts, including the world of work
• Engage with more abstract mathematical concepts and develop important new kinds of thinking
• Understand the application of mathematics, its impact on our society past and present, and its potential for the future
• Develop essential numeracy skills which will allow me to participate fully in society
• Establish firm foundations for further specialist learning
• Understand that successful independent living requires financial awareness, effective money management, using schedules and other related skills
• Interpret numerical information appropriately and use it to draw conclusions, assess risk, and make reasoned evaluations and informed decisions
• Apply skills and understanding creatively and logically to solve problems, within a variety of contexts
• Appreciate how the imaginative and effective use of technologies can enhance the development of skills and concepts
Pupils will be given the opportunity to study all strands of Mathematics:
Number, Money and Measure
Shape, Position & Movement
Information Handling
In S1 an S2 pupils will attend maths classes and Numeracy classes. Numeracy classes focus on developing the Numeracy Skills required in school and in the world of life and work. Pupils engage practically to have a deeper understanding.
Work is differentiated and all pupils have the opportunity to access levels 2, 3 and 4. Pupils are assessed throughout the year both formally and informally. Our aim is for all pupils to achieve the highest level of Numeracy which is achievable for them.
Senior Phase
Pupils will study National 3, 4, 5 or Higher and may also have the opportunity to achieve National 3, 4 or 5 Numeracy
National 3
The National 3 Applications of Mathematics Course will help learners to become numerate, to make sense of the world around them and to function responsibly and independently in everyday life. The Course will motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply mathematical and numerical skills in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations. The course is made up of the following units which are all internally assessed:
Numeracy
Shape, Space and Measure
Manage Money Data
National 4
The National 4 Mathematics Course builds on the principles and practice and experiences and outcomes of mathematics and numeracy. This Mathematics Course allows learners to acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities. For example: success in mathematical learning and activity leads to increased confidence as an individual; being able to think logically helps towards being a responsible citizen; and being able to understand, use and communicate mathematical ideas will help in becoming an effective contributor. The course is made up of the following units which are all internally assessed:
Numeracy
Expressions & Formulae
Relationships
National 5
The National 5 course develops important mathematical techniques which are critical to successful progression beyond National 5 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. Pupils will develop the following skills:
- Numerical skills
- Algebraic skills
- Geometric skills
- Trigonometric skills
- Statistical skills
- Reasoning skills
Pupils will sit an external exam which consists of a Calculator Paper and a Non Calculator Paper
Higher
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. Pupils will develop the following skills:
- Algebraic skills
- Geometric skills
- Calculus skills
- Trigonometric skills
- Reasoning skills
Pupils will sit an external exam which consists of a Calculator Paper and a Non Calculator Paper
Learning Experiences
Digital learning – use apps/programs to develop mathematical skills.
Group work – working in teams to solve problems/calculations.
Visible learning – showing our working out and explaining how we got to our answers.
Life & Work
Learning mathematics gives young people access to the wider curriculum and the opportunity to pursue further studies which may lead to careers in fields including science, technology and engineering. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.
Mathematics is rich and stimulating and offers learners of all ages the opportunity to solve problems, develop logical reasoning and think creatively, skills which are not only sought after by employers in today’s global economy, but are also essential life skills.
Numeracy
Numeracy is a skill which permeates and supports all areas of learning, allowing young people access to the wider curriculum and develop key skills for life and work. In our everyday lives we will regularly be required to estimate, use number processes, work with fractions and percentages, manage money and time, make measurements and read information from charts and tables.
Being numerate helps us to function responsibly in everyday life and contribute effectively to society. It increases our opportunities within the world of work and establishes foundations which can be built upon through lifelong learning.
All careers will involve levels of numeracy but here are some specific careers for pupils who want to study maths further:
- Actuary
- Astronomer
- Accountant
- Engineer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Scientist
- Systems Developer
- Teacher/Lecturer
