Mathematics and Numeracy

Maths is a core skill in everyday life and helps us understand the world around us. It is also a key component of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), a field that is rapidly developing in schools and beyond into further education, modern apprenticeships and the working world. We aim to ensure that all pupils have the best possible grounding in maths and numeracy and they are able to develop and use valuable mathematical skills with confidence.

We believe that the skills pupils learn in the Maths faculty contribute to an enhanced understanding of the world around us and we endeavour to instil the school’s values in our pupils, encouraging learners to be Ambitious, Responsible, Resilient and Compassionate.

Within the faculty, we offer a variety of approaches to learning and teaching to engage and motivate all pupils so they can be better prepared for life after their time at Kinross High School. Our expectations are high and active participation is strongly encouraged in the challenging tasks we set. The faculty aims to ensure all pupils, regardless of ability, consistently make progress and achieve a qualification in Maths. Pupils also have the opportunity to explore enrichment opportunities out with the curriculum to enhance their enjoyment of mathematics.

There is a suitable pathway for every pupil at Kinross High School regardless of their level of maths and numeracy.

S1-6 Pathways in Mathematics - Information for Parents

Maths and Applications of Maths University Entry Requirements Info

BGE Mathematics

All pupils will continue their study of mathematics in S3 and S4. Courses are based on the Experiences and Outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence at 3^rd and 4^th levels and lay the foundation for further study in S4.

Aims and Objectives

We aim to support pupils in their development of skills for life and work by:

building confidence in numeracy
improving problem solving skills and levels of logical thought
supporting lifelong learning through encouraging the development of skills in independent study
developing personal responsibility by raising awareness of personal finance issues
developing skills in working together through collaborative tasks and social goals
encouraging the appropriate use of ICT
encouraging clear, correct verbal and written communication

Course Content

Mathematics courses are divided into three broad areas of study:

Number, Money and Measure includes working with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages. We study negative numbers, multiples, factors, powers and roots. This section includes skills in personal finance, managing time and measure length, area and volume. The relationship between speed, distance and time is explored. We cover a variety of algebra skills including solving equations, working with expressions and using formulae.

Shape, Position and Movement covers the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, Pythagoras and Trigonometry, co-ordinates, scale drawings and navigation.
Information Handling includes collecting, interpreting and displaying data, analysing data and drawing conclusions and understanding probability.

Assessment

Pupil work will be continually assessed in a variety of ways and feedback on progress will be shared throughout S3 and S4.

Continuous assessment of classwork and results of Block assessments will be used by teachers to ensure pupils are embarking upon the correct level as they enter the Senior Phase in S4. At the end of S4, pupils will be involved in formal SQA assessments which may involve exams, project work, or a combination of both, depending upon the subject and level of study.

Progression

Pupils will progress from 3^rd and 4^th Level outcomes into National 5 Mathematics, National 4 Mathematics or Application of Mathematics at Nat 3 and 4 depending upon progress made throughout S3. They will then be formally presented at this level at the end of S4. Pupils may return to school into S5 and S6 where they can progress to National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.

Further information on the courses we offer at each level can be found using the links below:

S3 Block 7 Revision for Section 1 and 2

S3 Block 7 Revision for Sections 2 and 3

S3 Block 8 Revision for Sections 2 and 3

S3 Block 7 Assessment Topics

S3 Assessment Timetable

N4 Maths Course Overview

Subject Choice - N5 Maths or N5 Application of Maths

Maths National 5

N5 Maths Assessment Schedule

N5 Maths Course Overview

Senior Phase

Further information on the courses we offer at each level can be found using the links below:

Maths Higher

Higher Maths Course Outline

Higher Maths Assessment Schedule

Maths Advanced Higher Pathways

Advanced Higher Course Outline

Advanced Higher Maths Schedule

Application of Maths

The Applications of Mathematics Course enables learners to apply mathematical ideas and strategies. This provides learners with the knowledge and understanding to manage finances, statistics, geometry and measurements in real-life contexts. The video below, although recorded by a teacher in another school, provides clear information about the benefits of this course and also what skills are needed/learned along with information regarding assessment and achievement of the course: 

Further information on the courses we offer at each level can be found using the links below:

N4 Maths Apps Course Overview

Application of Maths National 5

Higher Apps of Maths in a Nutshell

Higher Applications Course Outline

Numeracy

A strong focus on numeracy is essential: all children and young people require numeracy skills to gain access to learning and to succeed in life. Confidence and competence in numeracy provide the foundations for lifelong learning. 

What is Numeracy?

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Why is it important?

Numeracy is about being able to understand and use numbers in a range of situations, for example, when solving problems or making decisions in situations involving numbers.

Kinross Numeracy Across Learning Policy

Numeracy Booklet