Mathematics
Pupils from S1-S4 attend for 4 periods of Mathematics per week, typically single periods and S5-6 for 5 periods, including 1 double period.
Staff
Principal Teacher - Mr I Montgomery Room T6
Teacher - Mr W McMath Room T3
Teacher - Mr N Millington Room T2
Teacher - Mr K McKinney Room T1
Teacher - Miss L Hamblett Room T4
Teacher - Mrs J Sheridan Room T5
Teacher - Mrs J Gordon Room T7
Teacher - Mrs A Wilson Room T8
Teacher - Miss A Renwick Room T9
Courses
In S1 and S2 our courses are differentiated in line with the National Guidelines for Mathematics 5-14 and consist of curriculum based course work using the textbook Mathematics in Action, along with an integrated course on Problem Solving and Non-Calculator work.
In S3 and S4 we teach the Standard Grade courses at all three levels, namely Foundation, General and Credit. Credit pupils in S3 use the Heinemann R3 textbook, General pupils use Teejay, supplemented with the departments own material and Foundation pupils use workbooks, again produced by the department. In S4, Credit, General and Foundation all currently use resources produced by the department.
In S5, Higher, Intermediate 1 and 2 are taught using the appropriate Maths in Action textbook. Advanced Higher is available to those pupils in S6 who have achieved the necessary standard in Higher during S5.
In all years pupils are set according to ability to allow them to work at level and pace suitable for them. There is always the opportunity for pupils to move between classes should they show sufficient proof that they could cope with work at a higher level.
The courses in both S1 and S2 are divided into a series of topics. Following each topic, pupils sit a test with further tuition in the problem areas available for any pupil not reaching a satisfactory level. Pupils also sit an end of session examination where longer term retention and understanding can be assessed.
In S3 and S4 pupils sit End-of-unit tests and/or end-of-term exams as well as the Standard Grades at the appropriate level at the end of S4.
Each of the courses in S5/S6 comprises 3 units, each unit covering a number of mathematical topics. These are assessed internally during the year in addition to the externally assessed end of year. A pupil must be successful in all assessments to gain a pass.
Homework
Homework is issued when the situation demands, but likely to be 1-2 per week for all years. Performance is continually checked and monitored by staff and pupils informed if it is of an unsuitable standard. Parents can also be informed if necessary via letter.
Equipment
All pupils are expected to have pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and a suitable calculator in all lessons. Calculators are available for sale from the department at certain points through the school year.
Challenges
The department host a Primary 7 Maths Challenge, S1 and S2 pupils take part in the UKMT Challenge with many other schools across the country and S3/S4 take part in the Enterprising Mathematics Challenge run between Scottish Border schools.