Mathematics
The essential aim of mathematical education is to pursue the school aims and to help pupils learn how to describe, tackle and ultimately solve problems, which require the use of mathematical knowledge and techniques. This essential aim is not peculiar to a particular section of the school population and, consequently, it is recommended that the main approach to teaching and learning mathematics should be firmly based on problem solving.
Mathematics courses at all stages and all levels should seek to:
- Contribute to pupils' personal development and overall education.
- Enable pupils to develop, to the limit of their capability, the mathematical skills and understanding required for their present need both in and out of school, and for future demands of adult life, employment, further study and training.
- Develop an appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics and an awareness of its importance in society and in the development of technology.
These broad aims are most likely to be fulfilled by a course which is designed to encourage pupil participation, which illustrates the need for what is being learned and which sees mathematics as arising out of real or realistic contexts and those arousing curiosity, which pupils can appreciate.
In Transitus and S1, pupils work from class lessons and exercises in the Maths in Action textbooks and sit the 5-14 National Tests in Mathematics. In S2 and S3 pupils study the Standard Grade syllabus from the TeeJay textbooks for Credit and General or the Higher Still Access 3 course. In S4 and S5 they may follow Higher, Intermediate 2 or Intermediate 1 courses. In S6 the Advanced Higher course is an excellent preparation for Mathematics at University or College level.
Each Mathematics room is equipped with computers and digital projectors and much use is made of ICT in teaching lessons and in Mental Arithmetic revision.