Mathematics
The study of mathematics teaches pupils to: calculate mentally, using manual techniques in addition to calculators and computers; investigate, make generalisations and solve problems; and understand the practical nature of mathematics and the importance of mathematics in modern life.
Transitus
The Mathematics course extends all number and measurements topics covered in Junior School. Geometry covers coordinates, angle properties and symmetry. The Algebra section includes introduction to equations, basic expressions and formulae. Pupils are introduced to scales, scale drawing and number patterns. Mental arithmetic and estimating skills are encouraged and developed throughout the course. These provide a foundation for all future courses.
SI
Number topics covered include volume and weight, fractions, percentages, whole numbers, decimals plus time, distance, speed calculations. The algebra section covers letters, numbers and sequences, algebraic notation, expression and formulae. Geometry covers the triangle and other 2-D shapes, 3 dimensions and angles. Information handling summarises and compares data. Calculators are introduced early in the year but mental agility and non-calculator skills are still encouraged and developed. These provide a foundation for all future courses. Both Knowledge and Understanding and Reasoning and Enquiry skills are tested in all assessments.
SII
Second year Mathematics builds on many of the topics covered in SI, with algebra becoming a more prominent feature of the course, and problem solving questions considered at a more advanced level. The calculator is more widely used than in SI, but there is still a strong emphasis on mental agility. The topics covered are:
- Number - working with distances, sequences, ratio and proportion, fractions and percentages, information handling
- Algebra - solving equations and inequations, factorising, Pythagoras theorem, area formulae
- Geometry - the triangle, quadrilaterals, the circle, rotational and transformational symmetry, 2 and 3 dimensional shapes
SIII–SIV Standard Grade
The Mathematics course continues to develop the pupil’s problem solving skills while building on their knowledge and understanding of the subject. By the end of SIII pupils will have completed the General course and will be working on their Credit course which includes the development of trigonometry, geometry and algebraic skills and further statistics. The overall grade for Mathematics is based on an equal weighting of both elements.
SV/SVI Higher
The Higher Mathematics course expands and develops the knowledge and skills gained in the Standard Grade course. Particular emphasis is given to furthering the student's knowledge and ability in algebra, coordinate geometry and trigonometry. Calculus, logarithmic and exponential functions and vectors in two and three dimensions are also introduced.
SVI Advanced Higher
Advanced Higher Mathematics builds on many topics covered at Higher. Topics included are:
- Extension work on differentiation
- Matrices
- Complex numbers
- Sequences and series
- Elementary number theory
- Vectors in three dimensions
- Differential equations
- Direct methods of proof