S1/S2 Course
Aims
- To help pupils understand the nature and purpose of Mathematics.
- To help them acquire skills in Mathematical thinking with a supporting network of concepts, facts and techniques.
- To develop confidence in using and applying Mathematics and to learn to enjoy its challenges and aesthetic satisfactions.
Course outline and method
Pupils will follow a course covering the outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence level 3. Extension and consolidation materials will be added whenever they are deemed appropriate by their teacher. Classes will be broadly set so that the pace and challenge is suited to pupils' needs. Wherever possible pupils will be provided with their own copies of Heinemann textbooks to assist with home study. From Christmas in S2 pupils will begin to study level 4 skills that will be needed in S3 and S4.
Assessment
Pupils will be assessed twice in S1 with a cumulative test before Christmas in S2. Most pupils will also sit a further test at the end of S2.
Homework
Pupils may be asked to finish exercises not completed in class. At appropriate stages pupils will be assigned formal homework that may cover one or two topics. Homework should not take more than 30 minutes per week on average.
Equipment
All pupils are expected to arrive at their Maths classes with a pencil, ruler and any other appropriate equipment. Pupils are also recommended to bring their own calculators to their Maths classes. In September all pupils will be given the opportunity to purchase a reliable scientific calculator at a reduced price.
UKMT JUNIOR CHALLENGE
Select pupils in S1 and S2 will be given the opportunity to take part in the UKMT Individual Maths Challenge. The challenges are lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in maths in large numbers of pupils. The three levels cover the secondary school range 11-18 and together they attract over 600,000 entries from over 4000 schools and colleges. Sample questions and solutions can be found by following this link: http://www.ukmt-resources.org.uk/index-tr.html
http://www.mathcomp.leeds.ac.uk/individual-competitions/junior-challenge/