Maths
Mathematics is seen as a key component of a rounded education; it is made up of several elements of which numeracy is a crucial life skill. Confidence in being numerate helps people deal with a whole host of challenges presented by modern life from basic budgeting and avoiding debt to dealing with bills and everyday finance for instance understanding compound interest which benefits savings but can make major outlays significantly more expensive.
The Maths department’s role is to help pupils develop the confidence which builds on the skills learned in Primary. It is acknowledged that different pupils have varying aptitudes regarding Maths and the department seeks to make sure all pupils are helped to maximise their potential in the subject.
A recent development of the Maths curriculum is the introduction of the Applications of Maths course which can be done to N5 level. This course concentrates on more realistic uses of Maths regarding income, pensions, tax, finance, statistics and practical problems involving measure, area, volume etc. There is no Algebra or Trigonometry in this course but it still demands an N5 level of difficulty. For pupils seeking to achieve a Higher Maths then N5 Maths is required to provide the necessary foundation.
Whilst Mathematics has a life skills component, it is a subject with a rich tradition of challenge in a pure form. It facilitates many professions including engineering and the sciences. As a department we appreciate the opportunity to encourage young people to engage and succeed with the subject.
Staff
Mr S Bryce - Part-time
Mr I Carlton
Mrs J Sutherland
Courses taught (BGE and Senior phase)
S1/S2: Pupils will study outcomes at the relevant level - Level 2 or 3 or 4 as part of their Broad General Education.
S3/S4: Pupils can study National 5 Maths or National 4 or 5 Applications of Maths, depending on their progress in S1 and S2.
S5/S6: Pupils can study National 5 Maths or Applications of Maths or, if they have achieved an A or a B at National 5, they can study Higher Maths.
We hope to offer Higher Applications of Maths in session 25-26
Advanced Higher maths is available online via Scholar for pupils in S6.
Homework Requirements
S1/S2: Pupils will usually be issued homework on each topic studied. This may take the form of a written piece of homework, or online using Dr Frost. If a written homework is issued, pupils are expected to show their working as well as their numerical answers in order to obtain full marks.
National 5: Pupils will be issued homework on each topic studied. This will usually take the form of a written piece of homework, and fully worked solutions are required.
National 4: Pupils will be issued homework prior to any unit tests to ensure the best chance of success. Numeracy homework will also be issued to enable pupils practise these skills.
Higher: Pupils will be issued a written homework exercise on each topic they have worked on.
Assessment Details
S1/S2 : Assessments are at the end of each term on the topics covered that term. A larger overall S1 test is given in May/June. Some pupils in S2 will sit the assessment for the end of Level 3 midway through S2.
National 5: Assessments are given regularly as time allows. Usually September, February and a larger exam at the end of S3. Prelims in S4 are in November/December.
National 4: Three Unit tests and a final Added Value assessment are given and must be passed before a course award can be given. Unit tests can be split into smaller tests.
Higher: As time permits. Usually a short test in June, September and November. Main prelim in January.
Family learning/useful resources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/zy4qn39
https://www.national5maths.co.uk/free-national-5-maths-2/
https://www.national5maths.co.uk/n5-lifeskills-maths/
https://www.national5maths.co.uk/free-national-4-maths/
https://www.highermathematics.co.uk/higher-maths-whole-course/
