Mathematics
Download Brochure‘The essence of math is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple’
Stan Gudder
S1 and S2
Classes are given a broad general education in Mathematics based on the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. There is a strong emphasis on developing Numeracy Skills with pupils engaged with work
on fractions, decimals, percentages, statistics, shape and algebra.
Classes are in mixed groups and are continuously assessed throughout the year both formally and informally.
Senior Phase
National 5 Mathematics
The course develops important Mathematical techniques which are critical to successful progression beyond National 5 in Mathematics and many other curriculum areas. The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course also support learning in Technology, Health and Wellbeing, Science, and Social Studies.
The course aims to:
Motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to select and apply Mathematical techniques in a variety of Mathematical and real-life situations
Develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards further study in Mathematics
Allow candidates to interpret, communicate and manage information in Mathematical form: skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development
Develop candidates’ skills in using mathematical language and in exploring Mathematical ideas
Develop skills relevant to learning, life and work in an engaging and enjoyable way.
National 5 Application of Mathematics
The National 5 Applications of Mathematics course explores the Applications of Mathematical techniques and skills in everyday situations, including Financial Matters, Statistics, and Measurement. The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course also support learning in other curriculum areas, such as Technology, Health and Wellbeing, Science, and Social Studies.
The course aims to:
Develop the ability to analyse real-life problems or situations with some complex features involving Mathematics
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
Develop the ability to use Mathematical reasoning skills to generalise, build arguments, draw logical conclusions, assess risk, and make informed decisions
Develop the ability to use a range of Mathematical skills to analyse, interpret and present a range of information
Develop the ability to communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms
Able pupils will have the opportunity for dual SQA presentation for N5 Mathematics and N5 Application of Mathematics.
Higher Mathematics
The new Higher Mathematics course enables learners to select and apply Mathematical techniques in a variety of Mathematical situations. Learners interpret, communicate and manage information
in mathematical form. The course extends some of the content covered in National 5 and introduces further skills in Algebra, Geometry and Calculus.
The course aims to:
Motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to select and apply Mathematical techniques in a variety of Mathematical situations.
Develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards further study in Mathematics and the use of Mathematics in employment.
Deliver in-depth study of Mathematical concepts and the ways in which Mathematics describes our world.
Allow candidates to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form, skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development.
Deepen candidates’ skills in using Mathematical language and exploring advanced Mathematical ideas.
Advanced Higher Mathematics
Advanced Higher is the SQA’s highest level of National Course. It is very demanding. Advanced Higher extends students’ knowledge and skills beyond Higher. Students will face new academic and personal challenges, requiring them to develop their knowledge and abilities, and to think and work independently.
The course aims to:
Motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to select and apply complex Mathematical techniques in a variety of Mathematical situations
Extend candidates’ skills in problem solving and logical thinking.
Clarify candidates’ thinking through the process of rigorous proof.
Allow candidates to interpret, communicate, and manage information in Mathematical form, skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development.
Develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards further study in Mathematics and the use of Mathematics in employment.
Deliver in-depth study of Mathematical concepts and the ways in which Mathematics describes our world.
Deepen candidates’ skills in using Mathematical language and exploring advanced Mathematical ideas.
There are many enriching activities that take place within the Mathematics Department, below are a just a few:
UKMT – Senior Maths Challenge
Fernhill Maths Challenge – A combination of both individual challenges and also team competitions.
Maths Week Scotland – Annual event to engage all pupils in everything Mathematical.
Co-Curricular—Thread craft club, Maths Hub and Mastery classes for SQA exam preparation.
Trips — S1 and S2 attend a Maths trip with a focus on STEM.
