 I Form
The scheme used in First Form is Teejay Mathematics, as used in most Scottish Primary schools. Mathematics is taught in a differentiated way, according to each student's level at 5-14. Daily mental testing is carried out.
II & III Forms
The scheme used here is Maths in Action, and there are normally two sets in Second Form and three in Third Form. By the end of the Third Form, pupils have covered all of the topics set out in 5-14.
IV Form
Pupils begin a three-year preparation for Standard Grade. As a core subject, all pupils will study it to the end of V Form, normally with the same member of staff. Two tests (NFER and MidYIS) are used in conjunction with knowledge of pupils' abilities and attitudes to get the most accurate possible setting. All boys possess a calculator recommended by the school, but also spend time working without it. Many sit the Junior Mathematics Challenge, which is a National competition, designed to stimulate enquiring minds.
Shell and V Forms
Currently, the A set is entered for both Standard Grade and GCSE, as the A* grade is available at GCSE. The rest of the cohort enters for Standard Grade. Many students in these year groups take the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge.
Sixth Form
Courses at Higher and A level in Mathematics are offered, and in Further Mathematics at A level for the specialist. Many of these students take the Senior Mathematics Challenge.
AS and A level
The scheme is modular, assessed by written papers at the end of both years. For an A level, students take six modules: four in Pure Mathematics (called Core Mathematics), one in Mechanics and one in Probability and Statistics. Some will take anything up to seven Core Mathematics modules towards a total of nine or twelve to qualify for Further Mathematics certification either at AS or A Level. Upper Sixth courses all include more Pure mathematics, but the precise balance will be chosen by the department to reflect the best interests of those in the set.
Higher
This course builds on the Credit level of the Standard Grade. The syllabus is of Pure Mathematics, applied in a wide variety of problem solving contexts. During the Lower VI, these students often take the Intermediate 2 course, as a preparation for the full Higher.
SQA Modules
Some pupils who do not wish to commit themselves to Higher may nevertheless wish to continue to acquire mathematical skills. To this end a course is provided which, as well as possessing intrinsic value, leads to SQA Modules (formerly known as ScotVec) which may prove of use when applying to, or studying within, Higher Education.
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