Option Descriptors (new S4-S6)
Click on the links below to view the subject course descriptor:
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.