Standard Grade Mathematics
All pupils in 2nd and 3rd year are provided with the
opportunity to study Standard Grade Mathematics at
General/Foundation or Credit/General level.
Near the end of 2nd year, the mathematics department will
confirm which level of study each pupil in S3 is to follow.
There are a number of recommendations possible here:




Credit Mathematics
Credit/General Mathematics
General/Foundation Mathematics
Foundation Mathematics
The department feels it is vital to give all pupils every
opportunity to achieve their full potential in Mathematics.
Equally, however, the department is careful not to create a
situation where a pupil may feel pressurised due to having
unrealistic expectations made of them.
Courses Followed :


The Credit course is recommended for those pupils who
will potentially sit Highers in 4th and 5th year. In
particular it is aimed at pupils whose problem solving
abilitities in mathematics is very strong enabling them to
handle the Reasoning and Enquiry element of the course.
Assessment of the course is based on two external
examinations and that focus on two elements of
assesment. These are the Knowledge and Understanding
element and as previously mentioned the Reasoning and
Enquiry element.
The Credit/General course is recommended for pupils who
could potentially sit Highers in a two year course over 4th
and 5th year but have difficulties handling the Reasoning
and Enquiry element of the course. The course is assesed
at the end of the 2 years by sitting two levels of


examinations of examination, both Credit and General
level, these marks are combined to gain the best
possible award.
The General/Foundation course is recommended for
pupils who could potentially sit Intermediate 2
Mathematics in 2 year course over 4th and 5th year but
who may have difficulties in handling the Reasoning and
Enquiry element of the General/Credit course.The course
is assessed at the end of 2 year course by sitting two
levels of examination, both General and Foundation,
these marks are combined to gain the best possible
award.
The Foundation course is recommended for those
pupils who may have experienced significant difficulties
with certain aspects of their mathematics education.
Once completed these pupils will go on to an
Intermediate 1 course. They will complete NAB's over
one year within S4, then go on to re-enforce and
strengthen their mathematical understanding for an end
of course assessment in S5.
Course Structure and Assessment
All courses in the Standard Grade structure are divided into
two main areas of study. These two elements are:


Knowledge and Understanding (KU) : This involves the
development of mathematical knowledge by building up a
toolbox of skills.
Reasoning and Enquiry (RE) : This involves the
development of problem solving skills, which will use
many of the mathematical skills acquired in the
Knowlwedge and Understanding part of the course.
All Standard Grade courses are assessed externally by two
examinations:
Paper 1: Non-Calculator Paper
Paper 2 : Calculator Paper
Both papers have a mixture of KU and RE questions.
In Higher Still courses a pass is awarded for overall
performance in both elements. The non-calculator requirement
of paper 1 reflects the importance placed on mental arithmetic
throughout the syllabus.
Calculators:
Use is made of calculators for paper 2 work at Foundation,
General and Credit levels and various aspects of the Access
course. The department recommends that all pupils should
purchase their own calculator and would suggest that the
following calculators are appropriate for the courses taught:
Access 2 & 3 and Foundation Level : Basic calculator with the
functions +,-, ÷, x, %.
General Level: Scientific calculators with the functions cos, sin
and tan available.
Credit level : Scientific calculators or possibly a graphics
calculator which can enhance the pupils understanding of the
subject.
It is hoped that all pupils will take full advantage ofthe regular
offers provided by the department, which allow them to
purchase calculators at a very competitive prices.
Access 2 & 3
This course concentrates on applying mathematics at a basic
level to everyday situations in the home, at work, at the shops
etc.
The course covers:
Calculations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and
percentages; averages; interpreting and drawing graphs;
social arithmetic(money); and statisitics. Measurement and
calculations of length, area, volume, weight and time; Scale
drawings, angle, shapes, formula and equations.
Foundation Level
This course concentrates on reinforcing and extending the
application of mathematics to everyday situations in the home,
at work, at the shops etc.
The course extends the use of:
Calculations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and
percentages, averages, interpreting and drawing graphs, social
arithmetic(money), and statistics. Measurement and
calculation of length, area, volume,weight and time, scale
drawng, angle, shapes, formulas and equations.
General Level
This course contains all the Foundation Level content, together
with much more algebra, geometry and theoretical work.
The course covers:
Negative numbers, squares and square roots, triangles and
other shapes, geometry of solids, Pythagoras' Theorem, direct
proportion, coordinates, trigonometry, Speed Distance and
Time, algebraic expressions, formulae and graphs.
Credit Course
This course covers all the General and Foundation Level course
content in addition to the following:
Surds and indices, trigonometry formulae, direct and indirect
proportion, Quadratics, systems of equations, similar shapes,
Trigonometry and Pythagoras in 3D, exponential functions,
compound interest and variation.
Intermediate and Higher Mathematics
All pupils in 4th, 5th and 6th year, who have passed a
standard grade mathematics course, are provided with the
opportunity to continue to study mathematics following either
an Intermediate or Higher Mathematics course.
The mathematics department will recommend which level of
study each pupil should follow.
There are a number of recommendations possible here:



Higher
Intermediate 2
Intermediate 1
The department feels it is vital to give all pupils every possible
opportunity to achieve their full potential in Mathematics.
Equally, however, the department is careful not to create a
situation where a pupil may feel pressurised due to having
unrealistic expectations made of them.
Courses Followed:


The Higher course is recommended for pupils
continuing to study Mathematics in the upper school.
They can progress onto the Advanced Higher course or
alternatively a Higher Mathematics is an entry
qualification for most mathematics, engineering or
science HNC/D or degree courses innhigher or further
education.
The Intermediate 2 course is the equivalent of the
Standard Grade Credit course. The course is
recommended for pupils who could potentially sit Higher
in 6th year but who may have difficulty handling the
Reasoning and Enquiry element of the Credit course. The
course is assessed on three internal tests throughout 4th
and 5th year with an external exam at the end of 5th
year.

The intermediate 1 course is the equivalent of the
Standard Grade General course. The course is assessed
on three internal tests throughout 4th and 5th year with
an external exam at the end of 5th year.
Course structure and assessment:
All Intermediate and Higher Mathematics courses are divided
into 3 units. At the end of each unit all pupils are tested. To
gain an overall pass each pupil must pass the end of unit tests
and the externally assessed exam.
All courses are assess externally by two examination papers:
Paper 1: Non-Calculator
Paper 2 : Calculator
The non-calculator requirement of paper 1 reflect the
importance placed on mental arithmetic throughout the
syllabus.
Calculators
Use is made of calculators for paper 2 work at Higher and
intermediate level. The department recommends that all pupils
ahould purchase their own calculators and would suggestthat
the following calculators are appropriate for the courses
taught.
Intermediate 1: Scientific calculator with the functions cos,sin
and tan available.
Intermediate 2 : Scientific calculator or possibly a graphic
calculator
Higher : Scientific calculator however a graphic is very useful
at this level and can enhance the pupils understanding of the
subject.
It is hoped that all pupils will take full advantage of the regular
offers provided by the department, which allow them to
purchase calculators at a very competitive prices.
Intermediate 1
This course covers all the Access content together with much
more algebra, geometry, and theoretical work. The course
covers:
Negative numbers; squares and square roots; triangles and
other shapes; geometry of solids: Pythagoras' Theorem, direct
proportion, coordinates; trigonometry; Speed Distance Time;
algebraic expressions; formula and graphs
Intermediate 2
This course covers all the the Access 3 and Intermediate 1
content and the following:
Surds and indices, trigonometry formulea, direct and indirect
proportion, Quadratics, systems of equations, similar shapes,
Trigonometry and Pythagoras in 3D, exponential functions,
compound interest and variation.
Higher
Purpose
The aim of this course is to build on and extend the students
mathematicsl learning. Topics covered in the course are
algebra, geometry, trigonometry and elements of calculus is
introduced to the pupils. The course consists of 3 progressive
units Mathematics 1,2 and 3.
Recommended Entry
While entry to this course is at the discretion of the school,
pupils would be expected to have attained either a Credit
award 2 or abve or an Intermediate 2 award B or above. The
Intermediate 2 must include unit 3.
Course details
Mathematics 1 Higher
This unit includes the graidient and equation of a straight line,
sketching and identifying related functions and graphs,
composite functions, solution of trigonometric equations, basic
differentiation and recurrence relationships.
Mathematics 2 Higher
This unit covers quadratic theory and the remainder theorem,
basic integration, use of the addition formulae in trigonometry
and equation of a circle and tangency.
Mathematics 3 Higher
The contents of this unit are vectors in three dimensions and
the scalar product, further differentiation and integration,
properties of exponential and logarithmic functions and further
trigonometric relationships.
Staff
Within the department there are 8 fulltime teachers. The
principle teacher Mr Kearsey can be contacted through the
school office
S1 / S2 Courses
Class work
Pupils are set immediately they start at the Academy and the composition of classes is
based on primary school performance. After a period of acclimatisation classes are
reviewed and adjustments made based on assessments and a term examination.
Individualised work
A series of booklets for extension work and material for remediation are available.
Problem solving
Pupils study open-ended mathematical problems using a variety of approaches and
methods in preparation for later work in S3/S4.
Pupils are assigned to S3 classes based on the results of continuous assessment and the
final S2 examination.
S3 / S4 Courses
Foundation Level
The Foundation level course consists of units set in contexts familiar to the pupils and
should enable them to understand thoroughly and apply competently a relatively small
amount of content.
General and Credit Level
The General and Credit courses are also based on familiar contexts where possible, but a
greater depth of understanding and wider application of principles will be expected over a
broader content.
Pupils following the Credit course will be expected to show mastery of a wide variety of
manipulative skills and develop a strong inter-related network of concepts.
Credit
Time
Formulae
Simple Equations
Sinmple Inequations
Standard Form
General
Time 1
Number Patterns
Simple Equations
Approximation
Foundation
Time
Number Patterns
Measurement 1
3.2
Variation
Similarity
Pythagoras
Perimeters and Areas
Proportion
Scale Drawing
Pythagoras
Perimeters and areas
Money 1
Scale Drawing
Co-ordinates
Curve Stitching
3.3
Variation
Similarity
Trigonometry 1 – Right
Money 1
Symmetry
Trigonometry 1 – Right
Money 2
Proportion
Symmetry
3.1
Angles
Angles
Straight Line
Straight Line
Trigonometry 2 - Graphs
Money 2
Solid Shapes
Factorisation
Statistics & Probability
Money 2
Solid Shapes
Factorisation
Statistics & Probability
Sport
Solid Shapes
Codes
Credit
General
Foundation
4.1
Iteration
Quadratic Theory
Circle 1
Time 2
Simple Equations
Probability
Money 3
Bearings
Probability
4.2
Iteration
Quadratic Theory
Circle 1
Money 3
Trigonometry 2
Circle
Transformations
Money 4
Statistics
4.3
Trigonometry 4 - Graphs
3.4
Holidays
Circle
Measurement 2
S5 / S6 C ourses
Mathematics courses in the upper school are designed to build upon and extend pupils’
mathematical skill, knowledge and understanding in a way that enables them to integrate
their knowledge of different aspects of the subject. All course are comprised of three
units.
Higher Course
Pupils who successfully complete the course should have a competence and confidence in
applying mathematical techniques, manipulating symbolic expressions and
communicating with mathematical correctness in the solution of problems.
Course content:
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
Mathematics 1(H)
Straight Line
Functions and Graphs
Differentiation
Recurrence relations
Mathematics 2(H)
Remainder Theorem / Quadratic Theory
Integration
Trigonometry
Circle

Mathematics 3(H)
3d Vectors
Further Differentiation & Integration
Logarithmic / Exponential Functions
Further Trigonometry
Intermediate 1 / Intermediate 2
These courses are designed to meet the needs of pupils who wish to progress to the next
level. The emphasis is placed on developing an appreciation of the power of
mathematical language and the efficiency of algorithms in the Higher course.
Course content:
Intermediate 1
 Mathematics (Int 1)
Basic Calculations
Basic geometry
Expressions and Formulae
Calculations in Everyday Contexts
 Mathematics 2 (Int 1)
Integers
Speed, distance, time
Theorem of Pythagoras
Graphs, charts and tables
Use of Simple Statistics
 Mathematics 3 (In 1)
Simple algebraic operations
Graphical Relationships
Trigonometry in a right-angles
triangle
Standard Form
Intermediate 2
 Mathematics (Int 2)
Percentages
Volumes & Solids
Linear Relationships
Algebraic Operations 1
Circle Properties
 Mathematics 2 (Int 2)
Trigonometry
Simultaneous Linear Equations
Graphs, Charts, Tables
Statistics
 Mathematics 3 (In 2)
Algebraic Operations 2
Quadratic Functions
Trigonometry
Advanced Higher
The grade descriptors for this course emphasise the need for pupils to undertake extended
thinking and decision making to solve problems and integrate mathematical knowledge
and the use of coursework tasks may be used to practise problem solving.
Course content:

Mathematics 1 (AH)
Factorials and the Binomial Theorem
Partial Fractions
Differential Calculus
Applications of Differential Calculus


Integral Calculus
Properties of Functions
Systems of Equations
Mathematics 2 (AH)
Proof and Elementary Number Theory
Further Differentiation
Applications of Differentiation
Further Integration
Complex Numbers
Sequences and Series
Mathematics 3 (AH)
Matrices
Vectors
Further Sequences and Series
Further Ordinary Differential Equations
Further Methods of Proof and Number Theory
Aims of the department
Mathematics has a central role to play in any educational program, with readily
applicable uses in all branches of learning. Basic numeracy with basic literacy is a
minimum requirement for any member of today’s modern society. To be conversant in
mathematics is more important today than ever before, especially with the advancement
of current technology and its applications.
Every effort will be made to train every pupil who comes through the department in the
basic skills and techniques involved in mathematics. The approach required, the skills
and techniques involved and the level of competence expected will, of course, vary
according to each year group and ability level. The main aims of the Department are
detailed below with the emphasis on age and ability.
Aims
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
to teach, revise and consolidate basic mathematical ideas and concepts
to encourage layout and working in problems which is legible, orderly and
logical.

to enable pupils to tackle problem-type questions as well as routine calculations.

as far as possible, to enable pupils to develop to a limit of their capabilities in
mathematics and to give them the mathematical skills and understanding required
for their present needs both in and out of school, and for their future needs in
adult life- for employment and for further study and training.

to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics and an awareness of
its importance in society and in the development of technology.

to contribute to a pupil’s personal development and overall education.
The Standard Grade Mathematics courses are designed to build upon and develop the
skills already displayed by pupils in the subject. The course followed by each individual
pupil is therefore determined by their previous performance in S1/S2.
Each course consists of two elements, namely Knowledge and Understanding - learning
basic Mathematical techniques and Reasoning and Enquiry - using mathematics for
solving problems. The courses differ in content and the following is intended to provide a
brief guide to the topics and standards associated with each course.
Foundation - Here pupils will concentrate on basic skills which will be useful at home
and work including simple statistics.
General - Again, basic skills, including statistics, will be strengthened and there is much
more about shape and relationships. Trigonometry is introduced and greater emphasis is
placed on estimating and accuracy.
Credit - This course covers all of the above, studying each topic in greater depth, and
extends the use of Algebra and Mathematical Modelling to develop a high degree of skill
in the subject.
Methodology - In contrast to S1/S2, Teacher Centred Learning is the most frequently
used approach to deliver the Standard Grade curriculum. Certain topics lend themselves
to computer assisted learning or graphic calculators and these are used as and when
required.
Homework - Regular homework is an important aspect of Standard Grade Mathematics.
Pupils are given completion exercises to do at home as well as formal ink Exercises.
Pupils are also expected to read over notes and examples examples given to them in class
on a regular basis.
Assessment - Continuous assessments is a feature of all Standard Grade courses. Unit
tests are undertaken throughout the course. In addition all pupils sit a class test in the
November of S3. This is to ensure that all pupils are following the correct course and
enable any changes to be made at an early stage. Formal term exams covering the two
elements are undertaken in May of S3 and December of S4.
Certification - The final SCE award is derived from the mean of the two elements with a
weighting of 1:1.
Where this calculation results in a mean half way between two grades, the better of the
two grades will be awarded. For example, element grades of 2 and 3 for KU and RE
respectively will result in an over all grade of 2.
Entry: At the discretion of the school but you would normally be expected to have
attained Standard Grade Mathematics at Foundation level.
Why Mathematics?
The aim of this course is to enable you to build on your previous mathematical
experience. The courses contains many mathematical techniques which you will find
useful in everyday life. In addition, simple adstract mathematical concepts are introduced
at this stage. The study of Mathematics provides you with valuable skills and is often
very helpful when you are seeking employment.
Description of Course
The course is made up of three units, two compulsory and one optional.
Compulsory Units
Mathematics 1
This unit includes
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

calculations in everyday contexts
basic geometric properties
evaluation of expressions and formulae
Mathematics 2
This unit contains both mathematical and statistical topics.
Mathematical content includes



integers
speed, distance and time
the Theorem of Pythagoras
Statistical content includes
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

the interpretation and construction of graphs, charts and tables
the calculation and use of the statistical measures mean, median and mode
the probability of a simple outcome
Optional Units
One unit to be selected
Mathematics 3
This unit includes
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
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algebraic operations of -evaluation of formulae
-manipulation and factorisation of expressions
-solution of equations and inequalities
drawing straight lines with equations of the form y = ax + b
solving right angled triangles by Trigonometry
using standard forms.
Applications of Mathematics
This unit includes
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

social arithmetic
the application of mathematics to - logic diagram, scale drawings and nets of
solids
a statistical assignment requiring the collection and analysis of data and the
communication of conclusions.
Core Skills
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
Int 1 Problem Solving (Critical Thinking)
Int1 Numeracy (Using Graphical Information, Using Number)
Type of Assessment
There will be a unit assessment at the end of each unit. Each assessment is approximately
45 minutes long and covers minimum competence levels for the unit. Students have to
pass these unit assessments and the external exam in order to receive a course award. In
addition, an assessment at levels A/B/C will be given at the end of each unit to provide
evidence for appeals.
Progression
Successful completion of this course may lead to:
Intermediate 2 in Mathematics (Mathematics is a universal requirement and is
thus relevant to all career areas. However, it is particularly important for the
following career areas)
Training (VQ); Employment in







Science & Mathematics
Computing & ICT
Construction
Engineering
Garage Services
Hairdressing & Beauty
Manufacturing Industries
Further advice and information on these options is available from your subject teacher,
guidance teacher and careers adviser.
Entry: While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be
expected to have attained a Standard Grade General award or an A/B pass at Int 1.
Purpose
The course will provide an experience broadly equivalent in difficulty to Standard Grade
Credit Level in terms of algebra, trigonometry and geometry for those students for whom
progression to Higher level is appropriate.
Description of Course
Two mandatory 40 hour units one optional 40 hour unit plus 40 hours flexible time.
Mandatory:
Mathematics 1 (Int2) 40 hours
The content of this unit includes calculations involving percentages, using formulae to
find volumes of spheres, cones and prisms, linear relationships in the form of sketches
and finding the equations of straight lines, multiplication and factorisation of algebraic
expressions, finding the length of an arc and the area of a sector of a circle and solution
of problems involving circles.
Mathematics 2 (Int2) 40 hours
This unit contains both mathematical and statistical content. The mathematics content is
further trigonometry using the area of a triangle formula and the Sine and Cosine rules,
and simultaneous linear equations. The statistics is an extension of the statistics contained
in Mathematics 2 (Int 1) . It includes the use of graphs, charts and tables and the use of
simple statistics, such as standard deviation, semi-interquartile range, finding the
equation of a regression line and assigning probability to an event.
One option selected from:
Mathematics 3 (Int 2) 40 hours
This unit contains operations on algebraic fractions , surds, indices and change of subject
formulae, graphs of quadratic functions and solutions of quadratic equations, and the
graphs of trigonometric functions and solutions of trigonometric equations.
Applications of Mathematics (Int 2) 40 hours
This unit concentrates on social arithmetic, the application of mathematics to logic
diagrams and spreadsheets, and the use of formulae in application. The final outcome is a
statistical assignment requiring the collection and analysis of data and the communication
of conclusions.
Type of Assessment
There will be a unit assessment at the end of each unit. Each assessment is approximately
45 minutes long and covers minimum competence levels for the unit. Students have to
pass these unit assessments and the external exam in order to receive a course award . In
addition , an assessments at levels A/B/C will be given at the end of each unit to provide
evidence for appeals.
Progression
Successful completion of this course may lead to:
Higher in

Mathematics
SGA at Intermediate 2 in


Science
Technology
(Mathematics is a universal requirement and is thus relevant to all career areas. However,
it is particularly important for the following career areas).
Education (NC/VQ); Training (VQ); Employment in






Science & Mathematics
Computing & ICT
Engineering
Garage Services
Hairdressing & Beauty
Manufacturing Industries
Entry: While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be
expected to have attained a Standard Grade Credit 1or 2 or an A/B pass at Int 2.
Description of course
The aim of this course is to build upon and extend students' mathematical learning in the
areas of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and to introduce students to elementary
calculus. Mathematics1(H), mathematics2(H) and Mathematics 3(H) are progressive
units.
Two mandatory 40 hour units and one optional 40 hour unit plus 40 hours flexible time.
Mathematics1(H) 40 hours
This unit includes the gradient and equation of the straight line, sketching and identifying
related functions and graphs, composite functions, basic differentiation and recurrence
relationships.
Mathematics2(H) 40 Hours
The content of this unit covers quadratic theory and the Remainder Theorem, basic
integration, use of the addition formulae in trigonometry, the equation of a circle and
tangency and solution of trigonometric equations.
Mathematics3(H) 40 Hours
Mathematics 3(H) contains vectors in three dimensions and the scalar product, further
differentiation and integration, properties of exponential and logarithmic functions and
further trigonometric relationships.
Type of Assessment
There will be a unit assessment at the end of each unit. Each assessment is approximately
45 minutes long and covers minimum competence levels for the unit. Students have to
pass these unit assessments and the external exam in order to receive a course award . In
addition , an assessments at levels A/B/C will be given at the end of each unit to provide
evidence for appeals.
Progression
Students may progress to Advanced Higher Mathematics or exit higher or further
education, using either the qualification as a general or specific entry requirement for
mathematics, engineering, or science HNC/D or degree courses.
Entry : While entry is at discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to
have attained an A/B pass at Higher Mathematics.
Purpose
The aim of this course is to extend further students' mathematical experience in pure
mathematics, as well as providing an opportunity to study a branch of applied
mathematics.
Description of Course
Two mandatory 40 hour units and one optional 40 hour unit plus 40 hours flexible time.
Mandatory:
Mathematics 1(AH) 40 hours
Mathematics 2(AH) 40 hours
The mandatory units offer students an extension of the 'toolkit' of mathematical
knowledge and skills introduced at Higher level. Content includes the binomial
expansion, further differentiation and integration, curve sketching, matrix techniques to
solve systems of equations, complex numbers, sequences and series, and elementary
number theory.
One option from:
Statistics 1(AH) 40 hours
The content of this unit is probability distributions, sampling methods, z-tests and
analysis of the relationship between two variables. The final outcome takes the form of
statistical assignment.
Mechanics 1 (AH) 40 hours
This unit covers motion in a straight line, projectiles, position, velocity and acceleration
vectors including relative motion and linear motion involving force, momentum, impulse
and friction.
Numerical Analysis 1 (AH) 40 hours
This unit contains work on Taylor polynomials, interpolation of data, numerical
integration and solutions of problems by numerical methods. A report also has to be
written on completion of a course work task.
Mathematics 3 (AH) 40 hours
The contents of this unit will be progression from Mathematics 1(AH) and 2 (AH) and
covers vectors in three dimension, matrix algebra, ordinary differential equations, further
number theory and methods of proof.
Type of Assessment
There will be a unit assessment at the end of each unit. Each assessment is approximately
45 minutes long and covers minimum competence levels for the unit. Students have to
pass these unit assessments and the external exam in order to receive a course award . In
addition , an assessments at levels A/B/C will be given at the end of each unit to provide
evidence for appeals.
Progression
Successful completion of this course may lead to:
Education (HNC/HND/Degree); Employment in








Science & Mathematics
Computing & ICT
Construction
Engineering
Finance
Health & Medicine
Manufacturing Industries
Transport & Distribution
Further advice and information on these options is available from your subject teacher,
guidance teacher and careers adviser.
S1/2
We follow the City of Edinburgh Maths Planners (used by all primary and secondary schools in the city) to
deliver the 5-14 curriculum. We liaise closely with our feeder primaries to ensure a smooth transition from
P7 to S1. This allows us to set our S1 pupils in August. As always with setting, movement between the
classes is possible and happens often.
Our aim is that most pupils achieve level E by the end of S2. Many of our pupils manage to exceed this
target by passing level F in S2.
S3/4
Our upper sets in S3/4 follow the Credit/General course at Standard Grade. Regular feedback on progress
is given using end-of-unit assessments. Students gain exam experience in their S3 exam and S4 prelim.
The lower sets follow the Standard Grade Foundation course in S3 and go onto Intermediate 1 (equivalent
of Standard Grade General) in S4. These pupils sit their SQA Standard Grade Foundation exam at the end
of S3.
S5/6
Pupils have the choice of 3 Higher Still courses in S5/6 – depending upon their results in S4 SQA exams.
Intermediate 2
The entrance requirement for Intermediate 2 is a grade 3 at standard grade. Intermediate 2 allows pupils
to gain the equivalent qualification to Standard Grade Credit, either as a preparation for Higher in S6 or
for entry into further education.
Intermediate 2 maths is examined in 2 papers in May (one calculator and one non-calculator). There is no
coursework element in Higher maths.
Higher
The entrance requirement for Higher is either a grade 1 or 2 at Standard Grade.
Higher maths extends pupils’ knowledge of trigonometry, algebra, and straight line and introduces the
concepts of calculus, logs and exponentials. It is an excellent preparation for any science-based degree.
Higher maths is examined in 2 papers in May (one calculator and one non-calculator). There is no
coursework element in Higher maths.
Advanced Higher
The entrance requirement for Advanced Higher is either a grade A or B at Higher.
Advanced Higher maths furthers pupils’ knowledge of calculus and introduces the topics of matrices,
sequences and series, complex numbers and proof.
Advanced Higher maths is examined in a 3-hour calculator paper in May. There is no coursework for this
subject. This course is an excellent preparation for a science-based degree at university.