Calderside Academy

Mathematics

Welcome to the Mathematics and Numeracy Faculty

Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.

– Albert Einstein

Mathematics is important in our everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. Using mathematics enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.

Mathematics plays an important role in areas such as science or technologies, and is vital to research and development in fields such as engineering, computing science, medicine and finance. Learning mathematics gives children and young people access to the wider curriculum and the opportunity to pursue further studies and interests.

Being numerate helps us to function responsibly in everyday life and contribute effectively to society. It increases our opportunities within the world of work and establishes foundations which can be built upon through lifelong learning. Numeracy is not only a subset of mathematics; it is also a life skill which permeates and supports all areas of learning, allowing young people access to the wider curriculum.

Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.

– Malcolm Gladwell

We aim to provide every pupil within Calderside Academy the opportunity to achieve their full potential in Mathematics by encouraging them to work hard, ask when unsure, come for extra help if needed (at interval or lunchtime) and most importantly, believe in themselves!

To do well in Maths just try your best. A positive attitude breeds success!

– The Mathematics Department, Calderside Academy

Mathematics Staff

Mrs D. Graham, Head of Faculty

Mrs K. Benn, PT Pupil Support/DYW Co-ordinator

Mr J. Bell

Mrs J. Beattie

Mrs L. Callan

Mr L. Crossan

Miss S. Evans

Mr A. Gray

Mrs A. Hughes

Miss F. Hutton

Miss M. Stirling

S1 - S3

Curriculum for Excellence BGE

All pupils will continue to study Mathematics in S1 – S3, following the Broad General Education, where they will develop an understanding of experiences and outcomes at Second, Third or Fourth levels. 

In S1 –S3, pupils will continue to work at a level appropriate to their progress made in primary school.

There are five significant aspects of learning in numeracy and mathematics:

• Use knowledge and understanding of the number system, patterns and relationships

• Use knowledge and understanding of measurement and its application

• Use knowledge and understanding of shape and space

• Research and evaluate data to assess risks and make informed choices

• Apply numeracy and mathematical skills

at either Second, Third or Fourth level.

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Senior Phase

Senior Phase – S4/5/6

The senior phase curriculum, from S4 to S6 (from around ages 15 to 18), follows a young person’s broad general education, building firmly on the Experiences and Outcomes they will have experienced and achieved to the end of S3.

It enables them to extend and deepen their learning and continue to develop skills for learning, life and work, through qualifications and also through a range of opportunities for personal development (for example work experience, volunteering etc).

It ultimately supports young people in moving on to the next stage – whether that is college, university, training or employment.

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NATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARD IN ENTERPRISE & EMPLOYABILITY SCQF LEVEL 4 & 5

Aims

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Enterprise and Employability is part of the SQA Wider Achievement qualifications, designed to recognise the skills needed to get ahead successfully in today’s world.

The NPA in Enterprise and Employability equips learners with relevant and transferable skills which can be used in any employment setting, including self-employment.

The aims are to:

  • enhance learners’ awareness of their own skills and personal qualities
  • enhance learners’ abilities to plan and review
  • enhance learners’ ability to self-reflect and review personal performance
  • introduce learners to the concept of Enterprise and Employability and develop skills in these areas.
  • develop Core Skills in problem solving.
  • introduce the concept of self-employment.

Progression into this Course

Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre.

This NPA may appeal to any learner looking to improve their employability and entrepreneurial skills.

Progression from this course/Careers

This course or its units may provide: 

  • Improved opportunities for progression into employment
  • Improved opportunities for progression to Further Education or training programmes

Extra Curricular 

Trips

The S5/6 Personal Finance class visited Museum on the Mound in October 2018 to look at various aspects relating to money and how it originated. They even got to see £1 million.

Supported Study

Ongoing support is offered to all students at all levels after school on Wednesday and Thursday and during some lunch periods. Mrs Graham or a class teacher should be contacted if extra support is required and arrangements can be made.

Useful Links

National 5 Mathematics Course Free Resources