Option Descriptors (new S4-S6)
Click on the links below to view the subject course descriptor:
Mathematics
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Watch the Maths Promo Video
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Learning MATHEMATICS develops logical reasoning, analysis, problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to think in abstract ways. It uses a universal language of numbers and symbols, which allows us to communicate ideas in a concise, unambiguous and rigorous way. Mathematics is both rich and stimulating, engaging learners of all ages, interests and abilities.
Mathematics equips us with many of the skills required for life, learning and work. Understanding the part that mathematics plays in almost all aspects of life is crucial.
Using mathematics enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.
Mathematics equips us with many of the skills required for life, learning and work. Understanding the part that mathematics plays in almost all aspects of life is crucial.
Using mathematics enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.
Learners will be involved in the following types of tasks:-
The department offers the following courses:
National 4 Mathematics, National 5 Mathematics, National 5 Applications of Mathematics (further info below),
National 5 Numeracy, Higher Mathematics & Advanced Higher Mathematics.
More information on these courses can be found at
https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45750.html
Career Paths in Mathematics
For those who have a head for figures, pursuing a job related to mathematics is a choice that can add up to a rewarding and lucrative career. Whether they are using maths to solve business problems or make investments, students who love maths can use their skills in a variety of ways.
The demand for mathematics experts has grown exponentially in a number of careers. In fact, mathematician, actuary, and statistician jobs are among the most promising career paths based on their income levels and growth outlook.
For further advice on career paths visit the following pages:
http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/careers-in-mathematics/
- Collaborative and independent.
- Problem solving and critical thinking.
- Explaining thinking and presenting strategies and solutions.
- Questioning and discussion.
- Using technology where appropriate to extend experience and confidence.
- Making links across the curriculum to encourage transferable skills.
The department offers the following courses:
National 4 Mathematics, National 5 Mathematics, National 5 Applications of Mathematics (further info below),
National 5 Numeracy, Higher Mathematics & Advanced Higher Mathematics.
More information on these courses can be found at
https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45750.html
Career Paths in Mathematics
For those who have a head for figures, pursuing a job related to mathematics is a choice that can add up to a rewarding and lucrative career. Whether they are using maths to solve business problems or make investments, students who love maths can use their skills in a variety of ways.
The demand for mathematics experts has grown exponentially in a number of careers. In fact, mathematician, actuary, and statistician jobs are among the most promising career paths based on their income levels and growth outlook.
For further advice on career paths visit the following pages:
http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/careers-in-mathematics/
National 5 Applications of Mathematics
The National 5 Applications Mathematics Course enables learners to apply mathematical ideas and strategies to managing finance, statistics, geometry and measurement in real-life contexts.
The mathematical skills within this Course are underpinned by numeracy and are designed to develop learners’ skills in mathematical reasoning relevant to learning, life and work.
The Courses aim to:
For more info see https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/81281.html
The National 5 Applications Mathematics Course enables learners to apply mathematical ideas and strategies to managing finance, statistics, geometry and measurement in real-life contexts.
The mathematical skills within this Course are underpinned by numeracy and are designed to develop learners’ skills in mathematical reasoning relevant to learning, life and work.
The Courses aim to:
- motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply mathematical skills to tackle a range of real-life problems or situations
- develop the ability to interpret/analyse real-life problems or situations involving often complex mathematics
- develop the ability to use a range of mathematical skills to analyse, interpret and present a range of information
- develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards the use of mathematics in real-life situations
- develop the ability to select, apply, combine and adapt mathematical operational skills to new and unfamiliar situations in life and work to an appropriate degree of accuracy
- use mathematical reasoning skills to generalise, assess risk, build arguments, draw logical conclusions and explain decisions
- communicate mathematical information in an appropriate way
- develop the ability to think creatively and in more abstract ways
For more info see https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/81281.html
National 4 Mathematics - Barista training
As part of National 4 Mathematics some students will be given the opportunity to take part in our Barista skills course, this course allows students the opportunity to gain a City and Guilds unit qualification in one of the following areas - ‘Non-alcoholic Beverages’, ‘Customer Service Skills’ or ‘Introduction to Events’.
During Barista skills classes students gain experience working in a modern barista environment – using high quality resources and professional barista equipment to create the full range of beverages you would expect to find in any well-known coffee house. Students also use the barista area, known as the ‘Creation Station’, to practice their customer service provision, dealing with a variety of customer service situations including serving students, teachers, school visitors and many other stakeholders from the local community.
As part of National 4 Mathematics some students will be given the opportunity to take part in our Barista skills course, this course allows students the opportunity to gain a City and Guilds unit qualification in one of the following areas - ‘Non-alcoholic Beverages’, ‘Customer Service Skills’ or ‘Introduction to Events’.
During Barista skills classes students gain experience working in a modern barista environment – using high quality resources and professional barista equipment to create the full range of beverages you would expect to find in any well-known coffee house. Students also use the barista area, known as the ‘Creation Station’, to practice their customer service provision, dealing with a variety of customer service situations including serving students, teachers, school visitors and many other stakeholders from the local community.
Higher Applications of Mathematics
The Higher Applications of Mathematics course focuses on developing the mathematical and analytical skills required in society and for the future workforce. The course develops candidates quantitative and mathematical literacy, problem solving skills and reasoning skills as they apply in real-life contexts.
The course aims to:
Assessment Arrangements
The course consists of an external SQA calculator assessment that is worth 80 marks and lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
There is also a project-based assessment undertaken at a time appropriate to the candidates needs and it is worth 30 marks.
This is submitted to the SQA for external marking.
The whole course is worth 110 marks.
The Higher Applications of Mathematics course focuses on developing the mathematical and analytical skills required in society and for the future workforce. The course develops candidates quantitative and mathematical literacy, problem solving skills and reasoning skills as they apply in real-life contexts.
The course aims to:
- equip candidates with the mathematical and statistical literacy skills they need for life, work and further study in a wide range of curricular studies
- develop candidates financial literacy in real-life contexts
- show candidates how they can use appropriate digital technology to manipulate and model mathematical, statistical and financial information
- develop candidates reasoning skills in order to make informed decisions in familiar and unfamiliar situations
- develop candidates range of mathematical skills so that they can analyse, interpret and present data and numerical information
- provide candidates with the skills to appraise quantitative information critically, considering modelling or statistical assumptions.
Assessment Arrangements
The course consists of an external SQA calculator assessment that is worth 80 marks and lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
There is also a project-based assessment undertaken at a time appropriate to the candidates needs and it is worth 30 marks.
This is submitted to the SQA for external marking.
The whole course is worth 110 marks.
