Senior Phase Courses

This course helps young people build confidence in using mathematics in everyday life and develop a solid understanding of key mathematical ideas. Learners develop skills in areas such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics, and learn to apply these in real-life situations, including interpreting information, solving problems and making informed decisions. The course also supports the development of logical thinking, basic reasoning skills and the ability to explain solutions clearly. 

Assessment is carried out throughout the year and is internally assessed, rather than through final exams. Learners complete a number of units, including an Added Value Unit (AVU), which allows them to demonstrate their overall understanding and skills. Successful completion also provides a recognised qualification in Numeracy at SCQF Level 4, supporting learning across the curriculum. 

Young people should be confident in Third Level concepts before starting this course. Learners who complete National 4 Mathematics in S4 can progress to National 5 Applications of Mathematics in S5/6, supporting future learning, training and a wide range of career opportunities. 

 This course helps young people develop their understanding of key mathematical ideas and build confidence in using numbers in a range of situations. Learners develop skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics, and learn to apply maths to real-life contexts such as interpreting information, solving problems and making informed decisions. The course also develops logical thinking, reasoning skills and the ability to explain solutions clearly. 

Assessment is based on a final exam with two papers: one non-calculator paper (1 hour) and one calculator paper (1 hour 30 minutes), both of which contribute to the overall grade. Please note that, unlike most other National 5 subjects, there is no coursework assignment. Successful completion also provides a recognised qualification in Numeracy at SCQF Level 5, supporting wider learning across subjects. 

Young people should be confident in Fourth Level or National 4 Mathematics concepts before starting this course. National 5 Mathematics supports progression to Higher Mathematics, as well as Higher Applications of Mathematics. 

 This course helps young people develop a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas and build advanced problem-solving skills. Learners explore more complex topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics, and learn to apply these skills across a range of mathematical and real-life contexts. The course also develops logical thinking, reasoning skills and the ability to analyse and communicate mathematical information clearly. 

Assessment is based on a final exam with two papers: one non-calculator paper (1 hour 15 minutes) and one calculator paper (1 hour 30 minutes), both of which contribute to the overall grade. Successful completion also provides a recognised qualification in Numeracy at SCQF Level 6, supporting wider learning across subjects. 

Young people should have achieved National 5 Mathematics at grade A or B before starting this course. Learners achieving a C at National 5 are encouraged to consider Higher Applications of Mathematics as an alternative pathway. Higher Mathematics supports progression to Advanced Higher Mathematics and is particularly valuable for learners considering further study or careers in areas such as science, engineering, technology and finance. 

 This course helps young people develop an in depth understanding of advanced mathematical ideas and build highly developed problem-solving skills. Learners explore complex topics and techniques, extending their knowledge of algebra, calculus and other advanced areas, and apply these skills in a wide range of mathematical contexts. The course also develops logical thinking, reasoning skills and the ability to analyse, justify and communicate complex mathematical ideas clearly. 

Assessment is based on a final exam with two papers: one non-calculator paper (1 hour) and one calculator paper (2 hours 30 minutes), both of which contribute to the overall grade. Successful completion provides a highly regarded qualification which supports progression to further study in mathematics and related disciplines. 

Young people should have achieved Higher Mathematics before starting this course. Advanced Higher Mathematics supports progression to university study and is particularly valuable for learners considering careers in areas such as mathematics, engineering, science, technology and finance.

 This course helps young people develop confidence in using mathematics in real-life situations and build practical problem-solving skills. It does not include algebra, making it suitable for learners who do not plan to follow a scientific pathway following school. The course has a strong focus on numeracy and covers areas such as finance, statistics, measurement and geometry, with an emphasis on applying maths to everyday contexts like budgeting, analysing data and making informed decisions. It also develops logical thinking, reasoning skills and the ability to communicate solutions clearly. 

Assessment is based on a final exam with two papers: one non-calculator paper (50 minutes) and one calculator paper (1 hour 40 minutes), both of which contribute to the overall grade. Please note that, unlike most other National 5 subjects, there is no coursework assignment. Successful completion also provides a recognised qualification in Numeracy at SCQF Level 5, supporting wider learning across subjects. 

Young people should be confident in Fourth Level or National 4 Mathematics before starting this course. National 5 Applications of Mathematics supports progression to Higher Applications of Mathematics.

 This course helps young people develop confidence in using mathematics in real-life situations and build advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills. Learners focus on areas such as finance, statistics, probability and data analysis, applying maths to real-world contexts including planning, interpreting information and assessing risk. The course also develops logical thinking, reasoning skills and the ability to analyse and communicate complex information clearly. Please note that, unlike other Mathematics courses, Higher Applications of Mathematics is fully computer-based. 

Assessment is based on two components: a question paper (2 hours 5 minutes) and a project, which is completed over a number of hours during the course. Both elements contribute to the overall grade. Successful completion also provides a recognised qualification in Numeracy at SCQF Level 6, supporting learning across a wide range of subjects. 

Young people should have achieved National 5 Mathematics or National 5 Applications of Mathematics before starting this course. Higher Applications of Mathematics supports progression to further study, training and a wide range of career pathways, particularly in areas such as business, social sciences and health-related fields. Learners who have achieved National 5 Mathematics may also choose to study Higher Mathematics alongside this course.