Maths

Staff

Mrs K Rouse (Faculty Head)

Mr M Kane (Faculty Head of Data and Communication) 

Mr S Murray 

Mrs L Hyslop (Head of House Harris)

Miss S Findlay 

Mr M Freeman 

Mrs C Dolan 

Miss R Caskie

Mrs L Andrew

Mr S Crichton

Mr S Kershaw (Area Cover)

Mr C McDougall (Depute Head Teacher of House Harris)

Why Choose Mathematics?

Maths affects everything we do in our lives.  It forms the basis for many other subjects and is fascinating in its own right.  It also leads on to a variety of fulfilling careers.

You may not need to use algebra when you go shopping, but the architects who designed the shop did, and so did the builders who built it, and so did the engineers who designed the machines which made the goods you buy.

Obviously, if you want to be a mathematician you are going to have to study Maths. But you don't need to be a mathematician simply because you want to keep studying Maths! Physics, Chemistry and Biology all rely on Maths to some extent, and many subjects, such as Business, Computing Studies and Technical subjects will all be much easier if you have a good grasp of Maths.

Maths is a good "core" subject especially if you are not sure what you want to do after leaving school. If you're thinking of going straight from school into employment, then Maths is quite possibly the most important subject you can take, as the ability to understand and manipulate numbers and   mathematical concepts is extremely useful for almost any job. Employers rate Maths skills very highly: there is always a demand for employees who can think logically and process information accurately.

The Course will motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations. The Course develops confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards further study in mathematics. It develops skills in manipulation of abstract terms in order to solve problems and to generalise. The Course allows learners to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form, skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development.

This Course is designed to develop the learner’s skills in using mathematical language, to explore mathematical ideas, and to develop skills relevant to learning, life and work in an engaging and enjoyable way. It will build on prior learning and develop:

• operational skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics
• reasoning skills of investigation, problem solving, analysis and modeling
• some numeracy skills in number processes and information handling

S1/2

Click on the following links to 

 S3 

Course

In S3 all pupils will follow a maths course as part of a broad general education, covering level 3 and level 4 Numeracy and Mathematics outcomes and experiences.  During S3 pupils will also overtake some of the National 4 and National 5 mathematics outcomes in preparation for the Senior Phase.

Course Assessment

Continuous tracking of pupil performance is supported with formal assessments after each booklet, marked internally by the class teacher.
 

Course Progression

At the end of S3 pupils will progress to a course leading onto a qualification at National 4 Mathematics, National 5 Applications of Mathematics or National 5 Mathematics.

At the end of S4 pupils could choose from the following progression routes:
 

• A pupil achieving National 4 Mathematics may progress to National 4/5 Applications of Mathematics.
• A pupil achieving National 5 Applications of Mathematics may progress to Higher Applications of Mathematics.
• A pupil achieving National 5 Mathematics may progress to Higher Mathematics.

 

Deadlines

Pupils will be given regular deadlines to meet.  These deadlines will be partly completed in class but also require a significant amount of work carried out at home.  Pupils are expected to mark all of the work covered in a deadline and learn from any mistakes.  The extent to which a pupil is meeting deadlines is regularly assessed by the class teacher.

 

Equipment

Each pupil is expected to bring with them on a daily basis:

• any materials the teacher has issued to assist with their learning i.e. a textbook and jotters
• stationary such as pencils and a ruler
• a scientific calculator

S4

In Mathematics, learners can follow one of the following courses. Click on each link for further information: 

 

National 3 Applications of Maths and National 4 Maths

 

 National 4 Maths and National 5 Applications of Maths

 

National 5 Maths

 

Progression routes in Mathematics 

In S5 and S6 there are a number of courses on offer to develop your mathematics skills and understanding.  These courses are designed for both your present needs and for the future demands.

You will continue your progression in Mathematics to either

1.         Personal Finance at SCQF Level 4 or Level 5

2.         National 5 Mathematics

3.         National 5 Applications of Mathematics

4.         Higher Mathematics

5.         Higher Applications of Mathematics

6.        Advanced Higher Mathematics

Personal Finance  (SCQF Level 5)

The Personal Finance Awards at SCQF level 5 aims to:

• develop knowledge and skills to cope confidently and effectively with the types of financial matters individuals are likely to encounter
• prepare learners for financial decision making and managing personal finances throughout their lives from student loans to pensions.
  
  

Pupils will be required to complete two mandatory units:

1.Money Management

This Unit focuses on managing your money. Learners will:

• Compare household costs and methods of cost reduction explaining a range of mental health issues
• Investigate cost, risk and payback periods for different forms of borrowing
• Investigate insurance, pensions and tax free saving schemes
• Investigate costs associated with buying and selling

 

2. Understanding Money 

This unit focuses on opportunities to explore real world financial encounters. Learners will:

• Investigate financial risk and security
• Investigate standard deductions from earned income
• Investigate bank accounts and credit cards
• Set and maintain a household budget
• Investigate the effect of fluctuations in rates

 

To achieve this award, learners must complete a number of unit tasks and pass two end-of-unit e-assessment tests using SOLAR (the SQA e-assessment system).