For the courses offered in the maths department, detailed descriptions can be found below. More information is available from Education Scotland.

Mathematics S1-3 Broad General Education (BGE)

This subject aims to teach pupils to learn how to describe, tackle and solve problems which require the use of mathematical knowledge and techniques. Students are encouraged to see mathematics as arising out of problem solving, often in the real world. Emphasis is placed on the skills of checking and estimating and on the importance of appreciating the accuracy of a measurement or calculation. A practical and investigative approach is promoted wherever appropriate. Both calculator and mental calculation skills are essential components of this subject.
Mathematics courses are designed to ensure all pupils progress no matter their level of ability. Pupils are allocated a specific course based entirely on their level of ability demonstrated throughout first, second and third year.

National 3 Applications of Maths (formally Lifeskills)

The course is split up into 3 units: ·
• Shape, space and measure ·
• Manage money and data
• Numeracy
The National 3 Applications Course includes the study of number, money, shape, space and measurement in everyday life, enabling learners to interpret data and tackle real-life situations. The course prepares learners for applying the mathematical and numerical skills required for life long learning and the world of work.

Possible progression: National 4 Applications, Personal Finance Award

National 4 Applications of Maths

The course is split up into 3 units: –

• Numeracy (same unit as N4 Mathematics)
• Managing finance and statistics
• Geometry and measure

This course allows learners to acquire and develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work, as well as the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities. For example: success in mathematical learning leads to increased confidence as an individual in everyday situations; being numerically capable, especially in financial matters, helps towards becoming a responsible citizen; and being able to plan and organise will help in becoming an effective contributor. The skills, knowledge and understanding developed in this course support learning in other curriculum areas such as technology, health and wellbeing, science, and social studies.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: Level 3 of BGE or National 3 Applications

Possible Progression: National 5 Applications, Personal Finance Award

National 4 (Mathematics)

The course consists of three units. Each of the three component units are assessed internally by means of a unit test. There is no external examination. The unit headings are:
· Expressions and Formulae
· Relationships
· Numeracy
The National 4 Mathematics Course enables learners to select and apply straightforward mathematical skills in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations. Learners interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form. Understanding and applying straightforward mathematical skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics. The course encourages the development of analytical, deductive and logical reasoning skills.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: Level 3 of BGE or National 3 Applications

Possible progression: National 5, National 5 Applications

National 5 Applications of Maths

The course consists of three units. Each of the three component units are assessed internally by means of a unit test. There is also an external examination in May. The unit headings are:

• Numeracy
• Managing finance and statistics
• Geometry and measure

The purpose of the National 5 Applications Course is to motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to think through real-life situations involving mathematics and to form a plan of action based on logic. The Course develops confidence and independence in being able to handle mathematical processes and information in a range of real-life contexts. The Course also enables learners to draw conclusions, assess risk and make informed decisions based on data presented in a variety of forms. The mathematical skills within this Course are underpinned by numeracy, and are designed to develop learners’ mathematical reasoning skills relevant to learning, life and work in an engaging and enjoyable way.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: National 4 Mathematics or National 4 Applications

Possible progression: N/A

National 5 (Mathematics)

The course consists of three units. Each of the three component units are assessed internally by means of a unit test. There is also an external examination in May. The unit headings are:
· Expressions and Formulae
· Relationships
· Applications
The National 5 Mathematics Course enables learners to select and apply mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations. Learners interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form. Understanding and applying mathematical skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics. The course encourages the development of analytical, evaluative, abstract thinking and logical reasoning skills.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: A solid pass of all assessments on the first attempt at National 4 Mathematics

Possible progression: Higher

Higher

The course consists of three units. Each of the three component units are assessed internally by means of a unit test. There is also an external examination in May.
The unit headings are:
· Expressions and Functions
· Relationships and Calculus
· Applications
The Higher Mathematics Course motivates and challenges learners by enabling them to select and apply mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations, equipping them with the reasoning and operational skills needed to interpret and solve problems. It builds on the strength of the skills development and reasoning elements of National 5 Mathematics and introduces and develops new concepts, such as calculus and recurrence relations.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: Grade A or B at National 5 Mathematics

Possible progression: Advanced Higher

 

Higher Applications of Maths

This is a new course, which only ran for the first time in 2021/22.

The course consists of 4 units:

• Finance
• Statistics
• Mathematical Modelling
• Planning and Probability

There is an SQA examination in May, as well as a project that is sent away for external marking.

The aim of the course is to allow pupils to gain a wider range of mathematical skills, with the majority of the work being centred around the use of computers and appropriate software.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: National 5 Mathematics/Applications.

Possible progression: Advanced Higher

Advanced Higher

The course consists of three units. Each of the three component units are assessed internally by means of a unit test. There is also an external examination in May.
The unit headings are:

• Methods in algebra and calculus
• Applications of algebra and calculus
• Geometry, proof and systems of equations

Mathematics at Advanced Higher provides the foundation for many developments in the sciences and in technology as well as having its own intrinsic value. This Course is designed to enthuse, motivate, and challenge learners by enabling them to:  select and apply complex mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical situations, both practical and abstract  extend and apply skills in problem solving and logical thinking  extending skills in interpreting, analysing, communicating and managing information in mathematical form, while exploring more advanced techniques  clarify their thinking through the process of rigorous proof The Course develops and expands a range of mathematical skills. It allows the learner to develop further skills in calculus and algebra. Areas such as number theory (which helps keep the internet secure), complex numbers (the uses of which are ubiquitous, ranging from the solution of equations to the description of electronic circuits) and matrices (used in game theory and economics) are introduced. The learner’s mathematical thinking will also benefit from examples of rigorous proof.

Recommended minimum entry requirements: Grade A or B at Higher Mathematics