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Lochgelly High School

Maths 

Why Choose Maths?

Mathematics isn't always obvious, it hides in plain sight and underpins most of the modern world and technologies we all take for granted. It enables scientists to create vaccines and cure diseases. It enables engineers to create wind turbines and tidal generators. It enables software developers to create the apps like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok that you use every single day. Total honesty, for some, not everything you learn in Mathematics will be used directly during your lifetime, but the ability to solve problems, persevere in the face of challenge and construct convincing arguments using your statistical and numerical skills will make you, persuasive, powerful and influential in whatever you choose to do.

Take charge of your future!

Being a Mathematical Ninja will guarantee that you avoid being mislead in life by spotting a good deal versus a bad deal and making sure your pay is accurate. You'll also be empowered with the skills to go after what you do want, from running your own business, deciding if you can afford that nice sunshine holiday or planning your savings/earnings strategy so you can build up a deposit for that 4 bedroom dream home you've always wanted. 

Whatever you decide to do with your future a strong Maths qualification is very likely to be a requirement for entry, but Maths is also a subject that builds upon itself, year after year so consistent hard work and commitment are essential. The good news is that being self-disciplined and hard working are incredible life skills, and if we're honest we all want to be described as "hardworking and determined," as opposed to someone who "takes the easy option and runs away from challenge." For some Maths will come easy, for some it will be a little bit more difficult, whichever of these categories you fall into you be welcomed into the Faculty of Mathematics and Numeracy. Be prepared to be challenged, be prepared to work hard and know that you will be well supported to achieve your absolute best.

What courses do we offer in S3?

 Maths

Mathematics enables scientists to create vaccines and cure diseases. It enables engineers to create wind turbines, tidal generators and solar-powered vehicles. It helps architects to design beautiful, intricate buildings: from offices to schools to private homes. Maths is the subject that underpins it all. In S3, you will learn to analyse information and make decisions, to solve problems in a systematic way through mathematical modelling, and then to justify your conclusions with sound numerical reasoning. 

Actuary, Scientist, Engineer, Architect, Teacher 

Applications of Mathematics

Mathematics is a part of everyone’s life and the Applications of Maths course seeks to explore how we can use our numerical skills in lots of different ways. In this course, you will learn how to persuade people with sound, numerical arguments. You will develop your financial skills by exploring topics including Income, Taxation, Savings, Profit/Loss, and Foreign Exchange. You will also learn how to apply Mathematics to geometric problems including Scale Drawing and Pythagoras Theorem. 

Business Manager, Events Manager, Bank Manager 

 

What courses do we offer in S5/6?

 Maths

Mathematics enables scientists to create vaccines and cure diseases. It enables engineers to create wind turbines, tidal generators and solar powered vehicles. It helps architects to design beautiful, intricate buildings from offices to schools to private homes. Maths is the subject that underpins it all.  You will learn to analyse information, assess risk and make intelligence-led decisions, solve problems in a systematic way through mathematical modelling, and then justify your conclusions with sound numerical reasoning.   

Mathematics qualifications are highly valued by employers, colleges and universities. Part of the reason for that is because it takes self-discipline and hard work to achieve them. Both the Higher and National 5 courses require a commitment to regular additional study outside of class time.   

Actuary, Scientist, Engineer, Architect, Teacher, Doctor, Nurse, Programmer, Software Engineer 

Applications of Mathematics

Mathematics is a part of everyone’s life and the Applications of Maths (AoM) course seeks to explore how we can use our numerical skills in lots of different ways. The course contains very little algebra, instead you will develop your financial skills by exploring topics including income, taxation, savings, profit/loss, and foreign exchange. You will learn to analyse, interpret and present statistics, so you can both challenge inaccurate information and present data to influence others. You will also learn how to apply Mathematics to real world geometric problems including scale drawing, Pythagoras Theorem and space optimisation. 

Applications of Mathematics (AoM) qualifications are highly valued by employers, colleges and universities. Part of the reason for that is because it takes self-discipline and hard work to achieve them. Both the Higher and National 5 courses require a commitment to regular additional study outside of class time. 

 

We are delighted to be offering SCQF Level 6 (Higher) Applications of Mathematics in the coming session. This course aims to prepare students for the workplace or future study by developing skills in numerical analysis, problem solving, preparing and in evaluating statistics alongside mathematical modelling. The course contains both written and IT based units and assessments and is accessible to students who have studied either N5 Mathematics or N5 Applications of Mathematics. 

Business/Retail/Events Manager, Salesperson, Financial Adviser, Business Analyst. 

 

Personal Finance with Prince’s Trust Achieve (S4,5,6) 

This course offers you not only the opportunity to gain a Prince’s Trust qualification, but also to gain vital skills for life after school with a Personal Finance qualification. This course gives you skills to cope confidently and effectively with the types of financial matters you are likely to encounter. From student loans, to pensions, the awards will prepare you for financial decision making.   

Our Achieve programme provides an opportunity for you to try out new activities, boost your confidence and gain a recognised Prince's Trust qualification. It encourages you to develop a variety of different skills as you accomplish challenges throughout the year.    

This course is developed around you and your class mates. Want to work on your fitness? Let's hit the gym! Want to learn construction skills? Get your hammer ready.  In this course you will also get the ‘feel-good factor’ by working with others to make a difference in your local community.   

If you have studied Alternative Skills Development in S3/4, this course would also be good progression for you.   

Events Management, Hospitality, Public Relations