Maths
Welcome to the Mathematics Department at CGS
Contrary to popular belief most of us do use maths, or more commonly arithmetic, in everyday life. With the impending impact of A Curriculum for Excellence and its focus on Numeracy across the curriculum the Mathematics department’s role in its implementation will be vital.
Further, how many people at school made the comment “what’s the point in maths, I will never use any of this stuff again” only to leave school and realise that actually you do use significant amounts of this ‘stuff’ again, namely shopping, bills, finance, holiday money etc. Indeed Social Arithmetic forms part of everyday life and many tradesman use Maths on a daily basis even though they may not realise it. Those many happy hours spent in a Maths classroom have come to subtle fruition.
Due its importance as “life skill”, Mathematics is a core subject and as a result the Mathematics Department is one of the largest within the school.
Staff
Mrs Robertson runs the department and works closely with the other members of staff; Mr Cormack, Mr Macdonald, Mr Farren (also Pupil Support) and Mr Hamilton.
Courses
As a core subject all pupils within S1 to S4 year attend maths 4 periods a week. How do the pupils cope on their day off we wonder? Due to the numbers of pupils attending Maths we offer various courses appropriate for the varying levels and abilities of our pupils.
S1/2 National Levels A – F
Pupils are able to work at appropriate Levels according to their needs and abilities within their class. Classes are “mixed ability„ with learning targeted to individual pupil needs.
S3/4 Standard Grade
There are 3 Levels within Standard Grade: Foundation, General and Credit. Classes are structured such that pupils in each class are targeted towards their expected level of achievement in S4 be it Credit/General or General/Foundation.
S5/6 Intermediate 1
This is an equivalent course to Standard Grade General Level.
Intermediate 2
This is an equivalent course to Standard Grade Credit Level.
Higher Maths
This is the level usually achieved in S5. To attempt Higher requires a good Credit Standard Grade or Intermediate 2.
Advanced Higher Maths
This is similar to 1st Year University Level Maths and is usually achieved in S6.
Homework Policy
The Mathematics Department prides itself of its solid homework policy. Every maths class is given a formal homework on a fortnightly basis, for which grades are awarded and recorded. We encourage all parents, especially in S1 and S2 to look at and sign this homework. In addition to this formal homework, nightly homework is issued at the class teacher’s discretion.
Maths CAN be Fun AND Rewarding... OH YES IT CAN!
As well as the constant challenge within the classroom, so far in 2008 pupils across the school have taken part in extra curricular maths activities such as:
30 pupils from each year group take part in the UK Mathematics Challenge every year:
- Junior S1/2
- Intermediate S3/4
- Senior S5/6
This is completed in class time with certificates/further Challenges issued to successful pupils.
- Pupils have the opportunity to take part in the Scottish Mathematics Challenge. This involves completing problems on their own at home.
- 4 pupils from S3/4 take part in the Argyll and Bute heats of the Enterprising Mathematics Competition, held annually in Lochgilphead. The successful team goes through to the Scottish Finals in Dundee.