HIGHER MATHEMATICS
AIMS OF THE COURSE
ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED
COURSE CONTENT
Units are statements of standards for assessment and not programmes of learning and teaching.
They can be delivered in a number of ways.
Units may be delivered in parallel or in sequence.
Mathematics: Expressions and Functions (Higher)
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.
Mathematics: Relationships and Calculus (Higher)
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.
Mathematics: Applications (Higher)
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.
SKILLS
This Course will develop learners’ ability to:
To gain the award of the Course, the learner must pass all of the Units as well as the Course assessment.
Course assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the Course award.
Unit assessment
Mathematics: Expressions and Functions (Higher)
Learners who complete the Unit will be able to:
Mathematics: Relationships and Calculus (Higher)
Learners who complete the Unit will be able to:
Mathematics: Applications (Higher)
Learners who complete the Unit will be able to:
Course assessment
At Higher the added value will be assessed in the Course assessment.
The added value for the Course will address the key purposes and aims of the Course, as defined in the Course rationale.
In the Higher Mathematics Course, added value will focus on:
This will be assessed within a question paper, requiring demonstration of the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired from across the Units of the Course, sometimes in integrated ways.
As an aid to meeting these aims, skills in using a calculator will be developed and a calculator will be permitted in part of the question paper.
HOMEWORK
Pupils will be issued with short nightly homework and fortnightly formal homework to develop their skills.
This homework will be used to monitor and track the pupil's performance in Higher.
HOW CAN PARENTS / CARERS HELP?
Doing the following will help your child to become a more skilled mathematician:
PROGRESSION
- 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 language and exploring advanced mathematical ideas
ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED
- Pass at National 5
COURSE CONTENT
- This Course will develop, deepen and extend the mathematical skills necessary at this level and beyond.
- Learners will acquire and apply operational skills necessary for exploring mathematical ideas through symbolic representation and diagrams.
- In addition, learners will develop mathematical reasoning skills and will gain experience in making informed decisions.
Units are statements of standards for assessment and not programmes of learning and teaching.
They can be delivered in a number of ways.
Units may be delivered in parallel or in sequence.
Mathematics: Expressions and Functions (Higher)
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.
Mathematics: Relationships and Calculus (Higher)
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.
Mathematics: Applications (Higher)
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.
SKILLS
This Course will develop learners’ ability to:
- understand and use a range of complex mathematical concepts and relationships
- select and apply operational skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics within mathematical contexts
- select and apply skills in numeracy
- use mathematical reasoning skills to extract and interpret information and to use complex mathematical models
- use mathematical reasoning skills to think logically, provide justification or proof and solve problems
- communicate mathematical information with complex features
To gain the award of the Course, the learner must pass all of the Units as well as the Course assessment.
Course assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the Course award.
Unit assessment
- All Units are internally assessed against the requirements shown in the Unit Specification.
- They can be assessed on a Unit-by-Unit basis or by combined assessment.
- They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within centres.
- The assessment of the Units in this Course will be as follows.
Mathematics: Expressions and Functions (Higher)
Learners who complete the Unit will be able to:
- use mathematical operational skills linked to expressions and functions
- use mathematical reasoning skills linked to expressions and functions
Mathematics: Relationships and Calculus (Higher)
Learners who complete the Unit will be able to:
- use mathematical operational skills linked to relationships and calculus
- use mathematical reasoning skills linked to relationships and calculus
Mathematics: Applications (Higher)
Learners who complete the Unit will be able to:
- use mathematical operational skills linked to applications
- use mathematical reasoning skills linked to applications
Course assessment
At Higher the added value will be assessed in the Course assessment.
The added value for the Course will address the key purposes and aims of the Course, as defined in the Course rationale.
In the Higher Mathematics Course, added value will focus on:
- breadth
- challenge
- application
This will be assessed within a question paper, requiring demonstration of the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired from across the Units of the Course, sometimes in integrated ways.
As an aid to meeting these aims, skills in using a calculator will be developed and a calculator will be permitted in part of the question paper.
HOMEWORK
Pupils will be issued with short nightly homework and fortnightly formal homework to develop their skills.
This homework will be used to monitor and track the pupil's performance in Higher.
HOW CAN PARENTS / CARERS HELP?
Doing the following will help your child to become a more skilled mathematician:
- Ensure that your child's notes are kept up to date each week and make sure they are neat and well presented.
- Ask questions about the work your child has covered in class each week.
- Encourage your child to relate their mathematics to everyday situations.
- Encourage your child to practise problem solving skills needed to complete homework and assessments
PROGRESSION
- Advanced Higher Mathematics
- Higher or Further Education, HNC/D and Degree courses in mathematics, engineering or science