Welcome to the Mathematics Faculty
Mathematics is used everywhere. You'll use it in your job when you leave school, you'll use it when you go shopping or want to work out a budget to organise your finances. Maybe one day you will use mathematics to help build a bridge or develop a new scientific theory ... the sky is your limit!
This section of the website contains information about the department and the courses we have on offer from S1/S6 as well as information on Career Pathways, and information to support remote learning. For detailed information on all Senior Phase courses please visit the SQA website or alternatively you can view the National Parent Forum in a Nutshell publications below.
Members of the Faculty
BGE Mathematics
S1 Course Outline
In S1 pupils will continue to develop their mathematical skills in areas including Whole Number and Decimals, Rounding, BODMAS, Angles, Algebra, Shapes, Perimeter and Area, Special Numbers, Integers, Fractions, Symmetry and Ratio and Proportion.
The course uses a variety of resources including worksheets and active learning tasks in addition to textbooks.
Pupils will be expected to complete homework tasks throughout the year and these tasks will be communicated to the pupils by their class teacher. For most homework’s there is a choice of three levels:
· Extension – aimed at the upper end of Third Level
· Core – core 3rd Level questions
· Consolidate – securing 2nd Level understanding and moving into 3rd Level
Pupils will be expected to choose the level of homework, with guidance from their teacher, that is best suited to allow them to show what they have learned in class.
S1 PARENTAL SUPPORT EVENING
/docs/2024_parental_support_evening_new__2___1_.pptx
2024 parental support evening new 2 .pptx
S2 Course Outline
In S2 pupils will continue to develop their mathematical skills in areas including Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Algebra, Construction 2D Shapes, Area of Compound Shapes, Patterns & Sequences, Money, Tolerance, Handling Data, Circles, Speed, Distance, Time and Probability.
The course uses a variety of resources including worksheets and active learning tasks in addition to textbooks.
Pupils will be expected to complete homework tasks throughout the year and these tasks will be communicated to the pupils by their class teacher. For each homework there is a choice of three levels:
· Extension – aimed at the upper end of Third Level
· Core – core 3rd Level questions
· Consoldiate – securing 2nd Level understanding and moving into 3rd Level
Pupils will be expected to choose the level of homework, with guidance from their teacher, that is best suited to them to allow them to show what they have learned in class.
S2 PARENTAL SUPPORT EVENING
s2 2023 parental support evening.pdf
S3 Course Outline
Maths
In S3 pupils will follow a Third or Fourth level course that will allow them to build on their learning in S1 and S2 while preparing to study a National Qualification in S4.
Pupils following the Third Level course in S3 will study topics including Money calculations (including wages), Percentages, Fractions, Angles and Bearings, Decimals, Handling Data, Averages, Perimeter, Area, Volume, Scale Drawing, Using Formulae, Speed, Distance, Time, Pie Charts, Probability, Symmetry, Coordinates, Solving Equations and Negative Numbers.
The progression route for pupils following this course is likely to be National 4 Applications of Maths or National 4 Maths, however this will of course depend on how each individual pupil copes with the work.
Pupils following the Fourth Level course in S3 will study topics including Area of complex 2D shapes, Speed, Distance, Time Calculations (including Travel Graphs), Working with Decimals, Transformations, Wages and Money, Algebra, Graphs and Charts, Fraction Calculations, Pythagoras, Trigonometry, Proportion, Standard Form, Percentages, Vectors, Gradient and Straight Line and Comparing Distributions.
The progression route for pupils following this course is likely to be National 4 Maths or National 5 Maths, however this will of course depend on how each individual pupil copes with the work.
Both courses use a variety of resources including worksheets and active learning tasks in addition to textbooks.
Computing Science
The S3 Computing Science course allows learners to broaden their understanding of computer programming and experience different languages, which will enable learners to strengthen their programming and problem solving abilities. Learners will gain experience planning, designing and creating Information Systems including use of web authoring software to create webpages, and an introduction to database management.
Pupils will develop their skills by engaging with practical projects using a range of different software applications. Progression from Broad General Education in Computing Science will be to an appropriate S4 course in Computing Science at National 4 or 5.
Senior Phase Mathematics
Application of Mathematics
National 4
What skills will my child develop?
- the ability to select and apply mathematical skills to straightforward real-life problems or situations
- the ability to interpret straightforward real-life situations and problems involving mathematics
- identify and apply appropriate mathematical operational skills to tackle straightforward real-life situations or problems
- confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards the use of mathematics in straightforward real-life situations
- use mathematical operational skills to an appropriate degree of accuracy
- use mathematical reasoning skills to assess risk, draw conclusions or explain decisions
- communicate mathematical information in an appropriate way
Assessment
To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units
- Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
- Assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) may be gathered through class work, tests, oral evidence, computer-generated class work, photographs. Learners may use these to build a portfolio to show their progress through the Units
- The Added Value Unit (the Test) is in two parts (non calculator and calculator).
National 5
Mathematics
National 4
What skills will my child develop?
- understanding and applying straightforward mathematical skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics
- using mathematical techniques and reasoning skills to solve mathematical problems
- a positive attitude to mathematics based on an understanding of its use in real-life situations
- skills in using mathematical language and exploring mathematical ideas
- resilience and confidence in problem-solving
- analytical skills
- understanding the importance of accuracy
- interpreting, communicating and managing information in mathematical form
- logical reasoning skills
- communicating solutions, using presentation skills
- decision-making
- creativity and deduction
- leadership and teamwork skills in group activities
Assessment
To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units including the Added Value Unit (test)
- Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
- Assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) may be gathered through class work, tests, oral evidence, computer-generated class work, photographs. Learners may use these to build a portfolio to show their progress through the Units
- The Added Value Unit (the Test) is in two parts (non calculator and calculator).
National 5
What skills will my child develop?
- Understanding and applying mathematical skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics
- Simplifying and solving problems
- Selecting and applying mathematical techniques to real-life contexts
- Making connections and informed predictions• Using mathematical language and exploring mathematical ideas
- Resilience and confidence in problem-solving
- Analytical and evaluative skills
- Interpreting, communicating and managing information in mathematical form
- Logical reasoning skills
- Assessing risk and making informed decisions
- Creativity and the ability to think in abstract ways
- The manipulation of abstract terms to solve problems and generalise
Assessment
- The course will be assessed through two question papers (exams), which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D.
- Question paper 1 (non-calculator) is worth 50 marks and makes up 45% of the total assessment mark. Learners answer a series of questions that demonstrate their mathematical skills and their understanding of mathematical processes. They must show their working in their answers.
- Question paper 2 is worth 60 marks and makes up 55% of the total assessment mark. Learners answer a series of questions that assess their mathematical skills and they are allowed to use a calculator.
Higher
Advanced Higher
Statistics
Advanced Higher
Senior Phase Computing Science
Computing Science
National 4
What skills will my child develop?
- understanding the technologies that underpin the digital world
- essential skills for everyday life
- understanding and applying computational processes and thinking across straightforward contexts
- knowledge and understanding of key facts and ideas in computing science
- analysing, designing, modelling, implementing and testing digital solutions to straightforward problems
- programming skills
- communicating basic computing concepts
- planning, researching, organising and problem-solving
- understanding the impact of computing science on our society
- understanding the relationship between software, hardware and system performance
- understanding information representation and transfer
Assessment
To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units
- Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
- Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) could be written evidence, tests, oral evidence, computer-generated class work.
National 5
What skills will my child develop?
- Understanding of the technologies that underpin the digital world
- Essential skills for everyday life
- Understanding and applying computational processes and thinking
- Knowledge and understanding of key facts and ideas in computing science
- Analysing, designing, modelling, implementing, testing and evaluating digital solutions (including computer programs) to problems
- Reading and interpreting code
- Computational thinking
- Programming skills and software and information system design
- Communicating computing concepts and computational behaviour
- Planning, researching, organising and problem-solving with complex features
- Understanding the impact of computing science on our society
- Understanding the legal and environmental implications of IT
- Understanding information representation and transfer
Assessment
The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D
- The question paper is worth 110 marks and makes up 69% of the total assessment mark. Learners will answer questions on all four areas of study: Software Design and Development, Database Design and Development, Web Design and Development and Computer Systems
- The assignment is worth 50 marks and makes up 31% of the total assessment mark. Candidates carry out three short practical tasks, which assess the skills of analysis, design, implementation (including writing code), testing and evaluation
Higher
Skills
Learners will be able to:
develop and apply aspects of computational thinking in a range of contemporary contexts
understand advanced concepts and processes in computing science
analyse, design, implement and evaluate a range of digital solutions with some complex aspects
communicate advanced computing concepts and explain computational behaviour clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology
develop awareness of current trends in computing technologies and their impact in transforming and influencing our environment and society
Opportunities for Learners
Learners will be able to:
understand the central role of computing professionals as creative problem-solvers and designers, able to design, implement and operate hardware and software systems
understand the far-reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society
develop and strengthen skills in analysis and problem-solving, software and information system design, development, implementation, testing and evaluation
Assessment
The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D
The question paper is worth 110 marks and makes up 69% of the total assessment mark.
The assignment (50 marks) makes up 31% of the total assessment mark. There are three distinct development tasks: software design, database design and web design. Learners gain marks for skills including: analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation.
Question Paper
Section 1: Short answer questions (25 marks)
Section 2: Context-based questions requiring the application of knowledge and understanding (85 marks)
Career Pathways
This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study.
It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on their intended destination.
Celebrating Success
Remote Learning - Links
Bell Baxter Resources
Maths and Numeracy on Twitter
Follow the Maths faculty for all the latest information on what is happening in and around the school related to Mathematics, Numeracy, and Computing. Here we will post updates to events, projects and achievements by all pupils and staff. We will also fun puzzles and riddles from time to time. A great way to stay up to date with everything that is happening. Use the link or @BBHS_Maths
Bell Baxter YouTube
Join us for updates on everything that is happening around the school. From pupil productions to updates on events and activities, we hope to keep you updated as best we can. You'll also find helpful guides and tutorials for pupils and adults on how to use programmes such as Glow, Teams and much more.
Welcome to Sumdog
Sumdog is used by millions of children worldwide. It adapts to each individual, using engaging game-based learning to motivate and build confidence. Meanwhile, our learning engine reports progress to their teachers and parents, and frees educators to target their interventions. Sumdog provides engaging learning and practice in numeracy for children aged 5-14, and literacy for children aged 5-11.
Maths Workout
Maths Workout features an unlimited number of questions available on most tasks and instant feedback so students can work without needing your intervention. Perfect for revision and consolidation and packed full of ideas for independent study.
External Resources
BBC Bitesize
What is Bitesize?
BBC Bitesize is a free online study support resource designed to help with learning, revision and homework! It provides support for learners aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects. It also supports children and young people’s wellbeing and career choices. It is suitable for all ages and subjects across the curriculum.
National Parent Forum of Scotland
The Forum works in partnership with national and local government and other organisations involved in education and child wellbeing issues to ensure that parents play a full and equal role in education. The overall aim is to help every child to maximise their potential through their school life. The Forum also offers the handy Nationals in a Nutshell documents, which break down courses into understandable facts and information.
Apps
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is how teachers will communicate with pupils outwith of school. Each teacher will set up their classes through Teams and issue homework, handouts, and assignments in this manner. Teams is available as an app on most devices, as well as through Glow. We recommend that pupils use the app to access their work.
Click on this link to access information on how to MANAGE TEAMS.
Click on this link to access information on how to CHECK NOTEBOOK FOR WORK.
Click on this link to access information on how to HAND IN WORK WITH ASSIGNMENTS.
Office Lens
Office Lens is a handy app hat turns your smart device into a scanner. This can be used for scanning work from the whiteboard in school or any assignments completed at home. It is part of the Microsoft suite so it has Teams integration, making submitting work easier. It is also helpful for maintaining and organising notes from jotters and loose leaf paper.
