Staff

Ms J Rocks (Principal Teacher)

        Mr K Boyle                                Ms A Bruce                              Mr K Drummond

 Mr K Edwards                             Ms G Higgins                                  Ms M Lees

Ms L McDines                              Mr J Watson                                    Ms A Watt

Website

Pupils should visit www.sahsmathematics.wikispaces.com to access class materials and revision booklets.

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/nl/standrewsmaths/ – Under Construction

Introduction

Mathematics differs from nearly every other subject in that, as well as the obvious need to memorise a recognised set of basic facts, it is a logical science. Although, our students in later life may never consciously use much of the actual content of school mathematics, it will train them to tackle and reason a problem using a logical argument.

Mathematics is also a generic tool utilised by most other subject departments in the school.

We, the Mathematical Departmental Team, have two main aims in our teaching of Mathematics:

(a) To teach skills that will help our students meet the challenges and problems of the real world. This means we encourage the use of maths as a tool for solving the contextual problems the students will meet when they enter adult life, the world of work & leisure and when they themselves become part of a family unit.

(b) The development and delivery of a quality curriculum that will enable students to have the best possible chance of success in National Examinations. Educational success continues to be the most important criteria for entry to the world of work for most people. To achieve success in assessments and examinations, students have to demonstrate what they have learned, discovered or simply been told, when, throughout secondary school they are required to sit recognised externally assessed examinations.

We believe that our teaching should be a balance of mathematical knowledge, reasoning and enquiry, in which basic mathematical skills are developed both by discovery and by the use of direct teaching.

An important aspect the Department Team’s role is the preparation of students for internal BGE (S1-3) assessments, National 3, National 4, National 5 as well as CfE Higher and Advanced Higher Levels. Each of these examinations is supported by a unique curriculum and associated teaching skills. Additionally, there is a pressure from the students, their parents and future employers to ensure examination success and provide a rounded mathematical education.

The Mathematical skills learned are progressive and it is therefore important that each is consolidated by means of revision, and if need be, assessment, both diagnostic and summative.

The Mathematical Departmental Team believes that assessment throughout S1 to S6 makes students aware of the need to memorise, revise and review their classwork work.

The value of homework to support the teaching and learning process is well known to all adults. The way in which homework operates within the Mathematics Department is detailed in the department’s Homework Policy.