Topics covered in Senior Phase:
In the Senior phase different paths can be followed.
In the Mathematics path, pupils will build on the skills developed in the BGE phase and also learn new topics such as Trigonometry, standard deviation, scientific notation etc. . Their algebra will be extended to include simultaneous equations, pairs of brackets and factorising polynomials. The relationship between functions is considered in the manipulation of graphs and an ability to predict the behaviour of certain functions.
These topics are extended at Higher when Calculus is introduced and pupils are able to find maxima and minima. Their ability to study the behaviour of functions is extended by the inclusion of the formula for circles. Pupils will consider Composite functions and recurrence relations. The Higher course begins with deepening the skills learnt from the formula of a Straight Line.
The department also offers Advanced Higher, two thirds of which is an extension of the Calculus skills learnt at Higher. Alongside these skills, pupils are introduced to Complex Numbers, Matrices and Proofs
Application of Mathematics
The other path is the Application of Mathematics. This also builds on the skills learnt during the BGE phase with a greater emphasis on solving problems in context, both familiar and unfamiliar. Pythagoras and other Geometrical skills are applied to the world of construction and decorating etc. Scale Drawing is used not only for navigation, but also for design and calculating gradient etc. Effective Packaging and how to pack as well as time management skills are practiced. Financial skills, including wages and calculating Tax are part of this course. The application of statistics and the ability to interpret data is deepened. These are then developed further during the Higher Applications course which includes a statistical project. Whilst the Applications course does not include the more abstract topics such as algebra, pupils are still expected to be able to interpret instructions/ formula given in sentences. The context can often be comparing different estimates from a variety of trades and deciding the best deal. Proportion in a variety of contexts is a significant skill in this course. As the emphasis is on context, questions tend to be longer and involve several steps.
Pathways in Mathematics at Dalkeith HS:Successful completion of the level 3, 4 and Numeracy qualifications provide students with the essential numeracy qualifications most employers seek.
National 5 Mathematics or National 5 Applications of Mathematics are qualifications sought by some college and university courses.
Most modern apprenticeships will look for National qualifications in Mathematics, Applications of Mathematics or Numeracy.
Higher Mathematics is a qualification highly sought by universities and is helpful to first-year study in engineering, science, computing science, economics, finance and business as well as, of course, mathematics.
Higher Application of Mathematics is valuable for anyone entering Higher Education, but, it is not suitable for anyone intending to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) course/career: Higher Mathematics is required for this.
Advanced Higher Mathematics should be studied by any pupil who intends to study a course at university with a mathematical component eg all engineering, maths, physics.