| Article Index |
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| Mathematics |
| Objectives |
| Standard Grade |
| Higher Still |
| Homework Policy |
| Supported Study |
| Downloads |
| All Pages |
Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at Dalziel High School.
"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas"
Albert Einstein
"Number rules the universe and Number is the ruler of forms and ideas"
Pythagoras
Mathematics Staff
- Mr Ian McLaren (Principal Teacher)
- Mrs Liz Kelly (Depute Head Teacher)
- Mrs Pauline Allison (Depute Head Teacher)
- Mrs Pat Mitchell
- Mr Kenny MacLellan
- Mr Douglas Hay
- Mrs Jackie Donnachie
- Mr Jonathan Black
- Mr Gary Withey
- Miss Ann Marie Smillie (Maths & Physics)
- Mr Brian Butler (Principal Teacher - Pupil Support)
Mathematics has a vital role to play in the school curriculum. It is a rich and most stimulating subject with the capacity to fascinate and engage our young people. The skills we teach are relevant to many other subjects as well as being vital to people in their everyday lives. Today maths is needed in many jobs and professions including business, science, and engineering. The trades also have a need for mathematical skills and knowledge, particularly in construction.
The study of Mathematics develops logical reasoning, analysis, problem-solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways, as well as offering opportunities for creativity. Mathematics is an ever expanding body of knowledge, skills, concepts and techniques essential in the efficient handling of information and the solution of problems.
Mathematics has always been regarded as an essential qualification for many job requirements and courses and opens a gateway to many careers. This is because it is a subject which demonstrates very clearly the ability to:
- Think logically
- Apply numeracy and mathematical skills
- Problem solve
- Communicate effectively
- Make informed decisions
Objectives
Every effort will be made to encourage pupils of all ages and all abilities to develop the skills and techniques involved in mathematics. The teaching approaches and the level of competence required will vary according to year group and ability level. The main aims of the maths department are detailed below.
- To teach, revise and consolidate mathematical ideas and concepts.
- To encourage pupils to present their work in a legible and orderly way, demonstrating all working whenever possible.
- To enable pupils to tackle both routine and non-routine problems.
- To encourage and develop pupils’ mental calculation skills, restricting calculator use to appropriate situations.
- To enable pupils to develop to the limit of their capabilities in mathematics and to teach them the mathematical and numeracy skills required for their future needs in life beyond school.
- To encourage pupils to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics.
- To contribute to the personal development and overall education of our pupils.
Standard Grade
All pupils study Mathematics from S1 to S4.
Our policy is to place all classes into groups based on previous performances in maths so they can work at their own level.
Courses build on the knowledge they have gained so far and teaches them to describe, tackle and solve problems using mathematical knowledge and techniques.
All courses must sit external exams some of which include a non-calculator paper.
Entry to Higher Still
Pupils must gain an appropriate Standard Grade result to gain entry to 4th, 5th & 6th year courses.
- Intermediate 1- passes at Standard Grade 5 or 6
- Intermediate 2-passes at Standard Grade 3 or 4 (or Intermediate 1)
- Higher - passes at Standard Grade 1 or 2 (or Intermediate 2)
- Advanced Higher - passes at Higher A-B required
Assessment
We have in place, a continual assessment programme which requires pupils to be assessed on a regular basis. The diagnostic nature of the tests tells us how each pupil is performing and can determine which course they are to follow.
Topics of Study
Topics include: Algebra, Geometry, Numeracy, Trigonometry, Calculator and Non-calculator skills, Calculus (higher and advanced higher only).
Mathematics Homework Policy
We recognise homework as having an important role in the academic achievement of our students. The amount and frequency of homework issued follows the school policy guidelines. The amount of homework issued will obviously vary for each year group, but approximate guidelines are given below:
- S1 - 30 Minutes Per Week
- S2 - 60 Minutes Per Week
- S3 - 75 Minutes Per Week
- S4 - 100 Minutes Per Week
- S5/6 - 120 Minutes Per Week
Class teachers are expected to exercise their professional judgement when issuing homework. It is important to ensure that pupils are given sufficient homework to consolidate the work covered in class.
S1
All pupils in S1 should be issued with the appropriate 5-14 level of homework booklet (B, C or D/E) at the start of the session. As an exercise is completed in class, the corresponding homework exercise should be issued for the next maths lesson. Homework will mainly be from this booklet although other resources (board questions, worksheets) should be used if and when necessary. All homework should be signed by a parent/guardian.
S2 & S3
All Standard Grade homework is given on a more ad hoc basis, mainly completion of certain questions from the textbook each evening. In addition to daily homework, formal ink exercises should be completed after each topic. Pupils should be given a week to complete these and are encouraged to seek assistance when experiencing difficulties with particular questions. Blank spaces are unacceptable and pupils should be made aware of this. The reasons for issuing the ink exercises are as follows:
- The problems are more involved, often exam-type questions and requiring problem solving skills.
- The exercises are longer, revising the full chapter.
Pupils working at Foundation level should be given regular, achievable homework.
Pupils working at General level should be issued with a TJ homework booklet, with homework being issued each evening. Formal ink exercises should also be given after each topic.
Pupils working at Credit level may receive harder problems. Daily homework will be issued from the textbook and ink exercises will be given after each topic.
S4 - S6
The majority of pupils will be completing a two year course at either, Higher, Intermediate 2 or Intermediate 1. All pupils should be given homework each day for the next day in class, particularly those in attempting Higher. In addition, formal ink exercises will be issued at the end of each chapter.
Advanced Higher pupils will be given homework in the same way.
All classes will be expected to complete exam-type questions, particularly in the run up to prelims and external exam.
Mathematics Supported Study
Supported study is offered in the Mathematics Department at the following times:
- Wednesday - 4:00PM-4:45PM - Credit
- Thursday - 12:15PM-12:45PM - Higher
All members of the Department are happy to assist with Mathematics related problems at any time.
Mathematics Downloads
 Download Mathematics - Homework Calendar | ||||
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| Download Mathematics Course Timeline 2010-11 | ||||
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| Download Mathematics - S2 Credit - Post Assessment 2 Revision | ||||
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