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Why study Mathematics?
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.
You will also get to develop skills in the areas of algebra, geometry and trigonometry as well as learn elementary calculus.
The skills you learn in this course are useful in many careers involving engineering, medicine, technology, business and the physical sciences.
What do I need to get in?
The school or college will decide on the entry requirements for the course. You would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
In this course you will build on your previous mathematical experience. You will learn and apply operational skills you need to develop mathematical ideas through symbolic representation and diagrams. You will select and apply mathematical techniques, and learn about the interdependencies within mathematics. You will develop your mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills. And you will get experienced in making informed decisions.
The course has three compulsory units. The units are similar to those for National 4 but you will be expected to produce a higher standard of work.
Mathematics: Expressions and Formulae (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop skills linked to mathematical expressions and formulae, such as manipulating abstract terms, simplifying expressions and evaluating formulae
- learn aspects of number, algebra, geometry and reasoning.
Mathematics: Relationships (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop skills linked to mathematical relationships, including solving and manipulating equations, working with graphs and carrying out calculations on the lengths and angles of shapes
- learn aspects of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and reasoning.
Mathematics: Applications (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop skills linked to applications of mathematics, including trigonometry, geometry, number processes and statistics within real life contexts
- learn aspects of trigonometry, geometry, number processes, statistics and reasoning.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
Units will be assessed internally by your teacher or lecturer as 'pass' or 'fail'. Your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- projects or investigations
- problem solving tasks and activities
- short or extended response tests.
Units do not contribute to your overall grade but to achieve the course qualification, you must pass all units plus a course assessment.
The course assessment for this course consists of two question papers totalling 90 marks:
- question paper 1: non calculator (40 marks)
- question paper 2 (50 marks).
The question papers will be set and marked externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The course assessment is graded A-D.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Mathematics (National 5)