National 5 Mathematics

Achievement of this course gives certification in Numeracy at SCQF level 5

From 6.00pm to 9.00pm on a Wednesday evening for 33 weeks. From around week 3 there will be an additional drop in hour from 5.00pm to 6.00pm - students can access this as required for additional support.

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Learners will need a pass at National 4 Mathematics (or equivalent), including the National 4 Added Value Unit Assessment to be eligible for this course. Please note: this does not include National 4 Applications, National 4 Life Skills or National 4 Numeracy. Students are also required to have a basic knowledge of computers/laptops to allow access to course materials and emails, both in College and at home.

The level of entry for the final external exam will be determined by the lecturer and will be dependent upon successful completion of module tests at the end of each of the three units. Learners who have been out of education for a while may first wish to enrol to the National 4 Mathematics Course to ensure a solid foundation on which to build their National 5 knowledge. If you are unsure if this is the correct decision for you, take a look at: Leckie & Leckie CfE Maths for Scotland - National 4 to 5 Maths Bridging Skills Book. This should enable learners to decide if they currently have enough knowledge and understanding at National 4 Level to enrol onto the National 5 Course.

Please note that the College does not automatically provide students with laptops and you are required to provide your own laptop/device during your studies. However, in certain circumstances we may be able to provide some students a laptop. This can be requested upon Application.

Other materials required include; pens, pencils, rubber, ruler, paper/notebook/jotter (inc. squared paper). The following items would be beneficial, if you have them; A4 ring binder/folder, protractor, scientific calcultaor. Please do not buy if you do not already own them.

Higher Mathematics

Your online application will be reviewed to ensure eligibility criteria and entry requirements are met. Entry to this course will be at the discretion of the centre. Upon being accepted onto the course, applications will be transferred to enrolment.

The level of entry for exam will be determined by the lecturer. The award consists of 3 mandatory units: Expressions & Formulae, Relationships, and Applications, followed by an external SQA assessment.

£500

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.

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

• Understand and use mathematical concepts and relationships
• Select and apply numerical skills
• Select and apply skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics
• Use mathematical models
• Use mathematical reasoning skills to interpret information, to select a strategy to solve a problem, and to communicate solutions

The course aims to:

• Motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to select and apply mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations
• Develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards further study in mathematics
• Develop skills in manipulation of abstract terms to generalise and to solve problems
• Allow candidates to interpret, communicate and manage information in mathematical form: skills which are vital to scientific and technological research and development
• Develop skills in using mathematical language and in exploring mathematical ideas
• Develop skills relevant to learning, life and work in an engaging and enjoyable way

Students will be required to undertake at least 5 hours of self-study per week out with the course (significantly more if they have been out of education for a while), guided by the lecturer, in order to work effectively towards a pass. The level of entry for the final examination will be determined by the lecturer and will be dependent upon students keeping pace with classwork and assignments.

Students will be provided with an induction session prior to the course official start date to introduce the learning platform.

It is important to us to ensure we support our students in all possible ways - if you would like to make us aware of any additional support needs, please let us know as soon as possible before the course begins to allow us to put any required support in place. This may include; dyslexia, ASD or anything else you feel may benefit us to know.

NB The purpose of this information is to give you an indication of the content of the course and also the level at which the course is set. Please read carefully and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the College. The College may make a change to a course where it is reasonable for the College to do so. A change could involve the replacement of a course with a new course, variations to course content or structure, the merger of courses or the withdrawal of a course. If there is a change to a course you have either booked a place on, or expressed an interest in, the College will let you know as soon as possible. By booking a place or expressing an interest in a course, you agree to these rules about changes to courses.

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00

enquiries@borderscollege.ac.uk