Parkhill Secondary School

Parkhill School Mathematics Department

Rationale

The maths department aims to equip our learners with the necessary mathematical skills to equip them to function effectively in everyday life. We provide a relevant, challenging, stimulating and enjoyable curriculum.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the department reflect the aims of the school.

Our aims and objectives are:

·         develop a secure understanding of the concepts, principles and processes of mathematics and apply these in different contexts, including the world of work

·         engage with more abstract mathematical concepts and develop important new kinds of thinking

·         understand the application of mathematics, its impact on our society past and present, and its potential for the future

·         develop essential numeracy skills which will allow me to participate fully in society

·         establish firm foundations for further specialist learning

·         understand that successful independent living requires financial awareness, effective money management, using schedules and other related skills

·         interpret numerical information appropriately and use it to draw conclusions, assess risk, and make reasoned evaluations and informed decisions

·         apply skills and understanding creatively and logically to solve problems, within a variety of contexts

·         appreciate how the imaginative and effective use of technologies can enhance the development of skills and concepts.

Curriculum

Broad General Education

From S1 until the end of S3, all pupils will experience a broad general education where they will work across the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence.

In S1-3, all pupils currently attend Mathematics for five periods per week. They will also experience numeracy in all other subjects across the curriculum.

While all pupils benefit from a balanced curriculum, particular emphasis is placed on essential life skills such as the practical use of time, money, measurement and information handling to prepare the young people for successful transition to life in the community.

How Your Child Will Learn?

The Maths department aims to provide pupils with a wide range of teaching and learning experiences. Strategies include short spells of direct teaching and active learning where pupils are encouraged to play an active role in their own learning through the use of concrete materials such as whiteboards, real money, magnetic 3D/ 2D shapes and real clocks.  The dedicated staff make lessons interesting and active using the most current ICT resources, including the use of Smartboards, relevant software, You Tube and I-Pads, consolidating learning in an enjoyable way.

Opportunities are also created for active learning both within the classroom and through educational outings into the community. These include using various modes of public transport and visits to shops, supermarkets, petrol stations and train stations; stimulating real life settings and problem solving.

The Maths department recognises that parents and carers are key partners in their child’s learning. Homework guides for parents have therefore been created for a range of Maths topics so that parents and carers can reinforce learning at home. These are easy to follow and demonstrate the learning and teaching strategies used in Maths lessons at school.

Senior Phase

In senior phase (S4-S6) pupils will begin working on Lifeskills Mathematics. This is the study of Mathematics in real-life contexts. It focuses on the areas of finance, statistics, data management, measurement and geometry and aims to equip learners with the mathematical skills and knowledge they will need in their everyday lives — both personally and in the workplace.

Why deliver qualifications in Lifeskills Mathematics?

By studying Lifeskills Mathematics, learners will develop their ability to use mathematical processes in real-life situations. This will enable them to:

• assess risk and make informed decisions about managing personal finances

• use measurements, diagrams and time management skills to plan practical projects

• interpret and analyse statistical information to draw conclusions.

A list of courses which we currently offer at Parkhill is listed below with more information available on the SQA website.

Course Information