M athematics
Why choose a course in Mathematics?
Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.
For many Further Education courses this is a compulsory subject for entry and employers very often require job applications to have a qualification in mathematics.
Which Course should I choose? - Mathematics or Lifeskills Mathematics
It should be noted that both Mathematics and Lifeskills Mathematics at National 4 and Mathematics and Lifeskills Mathematics at National 5 are at the same SCQF levels and therefore should be considered of equal difficulty.
Mathematics Courses at National 4 and National 5 will develop the skills that are required for progression to Mathematics Higher, Mathematics Advanced Higher and beyond.
N ational 3 Mathematics is not offered by SQA
National 4 Mathematics
This course is made up of four Units.
Expressions and Formula
In this unit you will develop the knowledge and skills to use, simplify and solve algebraic formulae. This will includes aspects of algebra, statistics and geometry in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Relationships
Within this unit you will work with algebraic straight line, graphical representation and solutions. You will work within 2-dimensions with respect to Pythagoras’ rule, scale factors, angle properties, trigonometry and statistics. You will develop your skills in solving equations, analysing graphs, making reasoned deductions and predictions all within the context of life and work.
Numeracy
This unit focuses on numerical skills in number processes and information handling in order to solve problems and to make informed decisions. These skills will be developed in contexts including appropriate units, reading scales, interpreting graphs and probability with respect to money, time and measurement.
Added Value Unit
This unit develops mathematical skills acquired from across the other three units of the course for use in unfamiliar applications.
All Units will be internally assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.
National 5 Mathematics
This course is made up of three Units followed by a Course Assessment:
1. Expressions and Formulae
This unit involves the representation of ideas in symbolic form. This will include simplification of expressions and evaluation of formula covering aspects of algebra and geometry. You will then apply these skills in contexts from life and work.
2. Relationships
Within this unit you will work with relationships in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics. You will develop your skills in solving equations, analysing graphs, making reasoned deductions and predictions all within the context of life and work.
3. Applications
In this unit you will develop the ability to interpret information, use diagrams and select appropriate techniques to produce a solution to real-life problems.
All Units will be internally assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. To gain an award, you must pass all units as well as achieving a grade in the course assessment.
Course Assessment
This will be externally assessed and graded A-D. Both papers will consist of short answer and extended response questions. A total of 90 marks will be available across two papers.
Paper 1 – question paper - non-calculator 40 marks
Paper 2 – question paper 50 marks
Lifeskills Mathematics
C ourses at National 3, National 4 and National 5 will develop the Operational skills that are immediately useful for life and work.
National 3 and National 4 Lifeskills Mathematics
These courses are each made up of three Units:
Managing Money and Data
As the title suggests, within this unit you will develop knowledge and skills that focus on the use of financial skills and strategies that can be applied to organise and plan personal life. You will develop reasoning skills to explore aspects of money management, household budgeting, income and expenditure, deciding on the best deals available, foreign exchange, bank accounts, time management and basic statistics.
Shape, Space and Measures
This unit allows you to develop knowledge and skills within the area of geometry. You will develop reasoning skills to explore aspects of shape using such skills as scale drawing and Pythagoras’ rule.
Numeracy
This unit focuses on numerical skills in number processes and information handling in order to solve problems and to make informed decisions. These skills will be developed in contexts including appropriate units, reading scales, interpreting graphs and probability with respect to money, time and measurement.
All Units will be internally assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.
National 5 Lifeskills Mathematics
T his course is made up of two Units followed by a Course Assessment:
Managing Finance and Statistics
This unit focuses on the use of mathematical ideas and strategies that can be applied to 2organising and planning personal life. You will develop reasoning skills to explore money management and also work on statistics in the context of life and work.
Geometry and Measures
This unit allows you to develop knowledge and skills within the area of geometry. You will develop reasoning skills to explore aspects of shape using such skills as scale drawing, bearings and Pythagoras’ rule.
Both Units will be internally assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.To gain an award, you must pass all units as well as achieving a grade in the course assessment.
Course Assessment
This will be externally assessed and graded A-D. Both papers will consist of short answer and extended response questions. A total of 90 marks will be available across two papers.
Paper 1 – question paper - non-calculator 35 marks
Paper 2 – question paper – case studies 55 marks
Higher Mathematics
Course Description
The syllabus is designed to build upon prior learning in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics and to introduce students to elementary calculus.
It is extremely important to have a good grasp of the skills learned at National 5 in order to make satisfactory progress at this level. The course is fairly demanding but very rewarding and forms the basis of preparation for many courses at college or university, particularly in the areas of commerce, engineering and science. To gain an overall qualification, students must pass all 3 unit assessments, as well as the external examination which will comprise of 2 papers. Paper 1is a non-calculator paper lasting 70 mins and worth 60 marks. Paper 2 lasts 90mins and is worth 70 marks. Students are allowed the use of a calculator in Paper 2.
Advanced Higher Mathematics
Course Description
The course comprises 3 units covering Methods and Applications in Algebra and Calculus, Geometry, Proof and Systems of Equations. The Advanced Higher course is designed to meet the needs of those going into a wide variety of courses as well as preparing students for further study in Mathematics. The units are progressive and continue the development of algebra and calculus from Higher level.
Assessment is by means of a 3 hour written examination worth 100 marks, in addition to 3 unit assessments. The course is an excellent preparation for those intending to follow a Higher Education course with a mathematical content.
Careers Information
Numeracy and problem solving skills are essential for everyday life. Many problems in industry, business, engineering, science and practically every other working environment are solved by using mathematical techniques. Most courses at university/college insist on a National 5 or Higher pass as part of their entry requirements – particularly so in science, engineering, management and finance. For virtually every career, there is a large demand amongst employers for persons with the core skills of numeracy and problem solving.
Modern Languages
French, Gaelic Learners, Spanish
Why should you choose to continue to study Languages?
A knowledge of both Gaelic or another European language has become a real asset in the workplace nowadays. Gaelic has become highly desirable in many jobs in Scotland today. It is a real advantage for young people entering the workplace. Very many opportunities exist for people who have learned the language to a high level, from cultural activities like Mòds and Fèisean, to career opportunities in teaching, media, the arts and local government.
75% of the world’s population doesn’t speak any English at all. Languages aren’t just useful if you want to work abroad or become an interpreter. They can lead to more exciting opportunities and better pay,right here in the UK. A report issued in November 2012 by the British Council claims that a lack of foreign language skills is damaging to Scottish businesses.
Aside from the obvious career benefits, the simple satisfaction of being able to understand and be understood in language other than English offers a real sense of accomplishment, whilst helping understand Scottish culture more deeply, and being able to appreciate other ways of life. Languages raise awareness of cultural diversity and promote tolerance of different lifestyles.
What skills will you learn?
You will continue to develop your skills of talking, reading, writing and listening. By studying a language in the senior phase, you will be learning key skills that employers look for: an analytical mind, good thought process, amazing memory capacity, cultural awareness, good communication and team working skills. By studying a language in the senior phase, your self-confidence and literacy skills will improve and you will develop the ability to build new relationships, by becoming fully equipped to travel and communicate with native speakers of the language you are learning.
What themes or topics will you study?
You will learn not just to talk or write about various subjects, but to express an opinion about them. The themes studied in the senior phase at all levels include Society, Culture, Learning and Employability.
Topics at National 4 /National 5 include the use of technology, relationships, healthy living, jobs, education systems and future plans.
At Higher the topics include media, global citizenship and language learning, and also looking in more detail at cultural background, including reviews of films. There is an emphasis on being able to express yourself fluently at this stage.
Assessment
At all levels in the Senior Phase you will have assessments in Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening.
It is strongly advised that you study the language that you have studied in S3.
What careers are available?
It is worth noting that there are plans for every primary pupil in Scotland to learn 2 languages in addition to English. It will be of great benefit if you have studied a language in the Senior phase and are thinking of going into primary or secondary teaching.
Modern Languages open up many doors for future careers. As a result of increased activity in international business, there is a growing need for individuals who possess language skills. In short, job prospects will be very much enhanced by having the ability to communicate in another language. As well as jobs more commonly associated with language learning, like teaching and translating, languages can be helpful in a wide range of jobs, where contact with people from other countries might be necessary. Just some examples of careers where a language is useful are finance, travel & tourism, law, sales & marketing, publishing, banking, politics, advertising, management, journalism, engineering, pharmaceuticals, technology. Language skills are increasingly important in a globalised economy.
Remember 75% of the world’s population do not speak any English, so learning an additional language is a unique selling point!
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