Mathematics

Pupil levels of mathematical ability will vary amongst peers and also in individual pupils from year to year. Some pupils will flourish in Maths from the beginning whereas others will take a little longer to understand and grasp new concepts. The Mathematics department will strive to push every pupil to aspire to the next level and continually improve their understanding Mathematics and Numeracy regardless their level of ability. By clicking on the links below you can find general information about the Mathematics courses studied by pupils at Lesmahagow High School. Furthermore, information about Numeracy at Lesmahagow High School can be obtained by viewing our NUMERACY BOOKLET. If you wish more detailed information please see the Education Scotland website (for CfE) and SQA website (for National qualifications).

CfE Second Level National 3 Lifeskills Mathematics Higher
CfE Third Level National 4 Mathematics Advanced Higher
CfE Fourth Level National 5 Mathematics  

LHS Maths Department Help site – we have created a user friendly site with information regarding homework and exam strategy. 

National Qualifications

National 3 Lifeskills Mathematics

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
Enables learners to: interpret real-life situations involving mathematics investigate the use of basic mathematical ideas and number processes in real-life contexts select and apply basic mathematical and numeracy skills in real-life contexts interpret and use the results of calculations, measurements and data to make informed decisions communicate mathematical information in an appropriate way. In addition, learners will have the opportunity to develop generic and transferable skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. These include numeracy, thinking skills, literacy and employability.

COURSE STRUCTURE
Pupils will follow three units throughout the course:

  • Manage Money and Data
  • Shape, Space and Measure
  • Numeracy

As it is a skills based course a variety of assessment strategies will be employed to afford learners the opportunity to show they have gained the skills required.

CONTENT OF UNITS
Manage Money and Data

  • Identifying factors affecting income and expenditure
  • Preparing a simple budget
  • Developing a simple savings plan
  • Making a decision based on the best deal

Shape, Space and Measure

  • Shape and space in basic real-life contexts
  • Measures in basic real-life contexts

Numeracy

  • Use numerical skills to solve simple, real-life problems involving money/time/measurement
  • Interpret graphical data and situations involving probability to solve simple, real-life problems involving money/time/measurement

 

ASSESSMENT
This course is completely internally assessed and moderated using SQA standards. Each of the three units must be successfully completed in order to gain an award.

PROGRESSION
Successful completion of this course will enable pupils to progress onto National 4 Mathematics.  

National 4/5 Mathematics

PURPOSE OF THE COURSES

Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. 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. The National 4 & 5 Mathematics courses aim to:

  • motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply straightforward 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
  • enable the use of numerical data and abstract terms and develop the idea of generalisation
  • develop skills in manipulation of abstract terms in order to solve problems to generalise (mainly National 5)
  • allow learners to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form; skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development
  • develop the learner’s skills in using mathematical language and to explore straightforward mathematical ideas
  •  develop skills relevant to learning, life and work in an engaging and enjoyable way

 

National 4 Mathematics

COURSE STRUCTURE

  • Expressions and Formulae (National 4)
  • Relationships (National 4)
  • Numeracy (National 4)
  • Added Value Unit – Mathematics Test (National 4)

CONTENT OF UNITS
Expressions and Formulae
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills linked to straightforward mathematical expressions and formulae. These include the manipulation of abstract terms, the simplification of expressions and the evaluation of formulae. The Outcomes cover aspects of algebra, geometry, statistics and reasoning.

Relationships
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills linked to straightforward mathematical relationships. These include solving equations, understanding graphs and working with trigonometric ratios. The Outcomes cover aspects of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and reasoning.

Numeracy
The general aim of this Unit is to develop learners’ numerical and information handling skills to solve straightforward, real-life problems involving number, money, time and measurement. As learners tackle real-life problems, they will decide what numeracy skills to use and how to apply these skills to an appropriate level of accuracy. Learners will also interpret graphical data and use their knowledge and understanding of probability to identify solutions to straightforward real-life problems involving money, time and measurement. Learners will use their solutions to make and explain decisions.

ASSESSMENT
In order to gain a successful award learners must do the following:

  • pass the first three units (Expressions and Formulae, Relationships and Numeracy)
  • successfully pass the Added Value Unit which contains elements of all three of the aforementioned units

Please note, the achievement of the first three Units only at National 4, (i.e. excluding the Added Value Unit) would provide fall back to a Course award in Lifeskills Mathematics at National 3 without the need for additional evidence. This course is completely internally assessed and moderated using SQA standards.

PROGRESSION
Successful completion of this course will enable pupils to progress onto National 5 Mathematics.

National 5 Mathematics

COURSE STRUCTURE

  • Expressions and Formulae (National 5)
  • Relationships (National 5)
  • Applications (National 5)
  • External course assessment (National 5)

CONTENT OF UNITS

Expressions and Formulae
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills linked to mathematical expressions and formulae. These include the manipulation of abstract terms, the simplification of expressions and the evaluation of formulae. The Outcomes cover aspects of number, algebra, geometry and reasoning.

Relationships
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills linked to mathematical relationships. These include solving and manipulating equations, working with graphs and carrying out calculations on the lengths and angles of shapes. The Outcomes cover aspects of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and reasoning.

Applications The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills linked to applications of mathematics. These include using trigonometry, geometry, number processes and statistics within real-life contexts. The Outcomes cover aspects of these skills and also skills in reasoning.  

ASSESSMENT In order to gain a successful award learners must do the following:

  • pass the first three units (Expressions and Formulae, Relationships and Applications)
  • successfully pass the final exam which is conducted by the SQA

Please note, the achievement of the first three Units only at National 5, (i.e. excluding the course assessment) would provide the potential for a fall back to Mathematics at National 4 provided the learner has shown they have the skills required for the Numeracy Unit as well as completing the Added Value Unit both at National 4 level.  

PROGRESSION Successful completion of this course will enable pupils to progress onto Higher Mathematics.

Higher Mathematics

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. 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. The Course aims to:

  • motivate and challenge learners 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 learners to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form; skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development
  • deepen the learner’s skills in using mathematical

COURSE STRUCTURE

  • Expressions and Functions
  • Relationships and Calculus
  • Applications
  • External course assessment

CONTENT OF UNITS

Expressions and Functions
 The general aim of this Unit is to develop knowledge and skills that involve the manipulation of expressions, the use of vectors and the study of mathematical functions. The Outcomes cover aspects of algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and also skills in mathematical reasoning and modelling.

Relationships and Calculus
 The general aim of this Unit is to develop knowledge and skills that involve solving equations and to introduce both differential calculus and integral calculus. The Outcomes cover aspects of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and also skills in mathematical reasoning and modelling.

Applications
The general aim of this Unit is to develop knowledge and skills that involve geometric applications, applications of sequences and applications of calculus. The Outcomes cover aspects of algebra, geometry, calculus, and also skills in mathematical reasoning and modelling. 

ASSESSMENT
To gain the award of the Course, the learner must pass all of the Units as well as the final exam. 

PROGRESSION
This Course or its components may provide progression to Advanced Higher Mathematics