"Maths is the best subject when you understand it and get the question right" - quote from fourth form maths pupil.

The aim of the maths department is to present maths in an interesting, fun and informative manner.

Location

The Mathematics Department is situated in five dedicated rooms all equipped with digital projectors and 4 with interactive whiteboards. A sixth room is available for individual tuition for pupils who need extra support. Classes have regular access to the computer room on the floor above which has 25 computers.

Setting

Pupils are set in ability groups in forms 3-7.

Assessment for Learning

The department is embedding Assessment for Learning techniques in their teaching. Pupils learn how to assess their own progress and take responsibility for their learning with a greater understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.

ICT

Staff use interactive whiteboards and digital projectors to present topics visually especially using Omnigraph and Cabri. Pupils are keen users of Omnigraph to explore graphs and analyse statistics with Autograph and Excel.

SYLLABUS

Junior Entry

A small number of pupils enter the school aged 12 and they follow the Key Stage 3 National Mathematics Frameworklevels 5 – 8 in a mixed ability group with differentiated content. We put an emphasis on gaining a solid foundation in numerical and algebraic skills with investigations and puzzles to make mathematics interesting and fun. Extension work is provided for gifted mathematicians and extra support for those who find mathematics difficult.

Forms 3-5

All pupils begin the GCSE syllabus in Form 3, which provides continuity and plenty of time to prepare thoroughly for obtaining a good grade in GCSE mathematics by the time they sit the examination in Form 5. The top set also tackles more challenging work in the form of Edexcel C1 pure maths work for AS-level.

Currently the majority of pupils take Edexcel Higher Tier GCSE Maths linear syllabus A with only a few pupils following the Foundation syllabus.

Pupils in the top sets will also have the opportunity to sit Edexcel Statistics GCSE which still has a coursework element.

A level

Sixth form pupils study modules of Mathematics and Further Mathematics following the Edexcel Modular A level. Most years over half of the sixth form take maths in 4 sets. One group takes an express route and does the full A level and also AS Further Maths in the time allocation of one A level over the two years in sixth form.

A small group of pupils who plan to take the full A level award in Further Maths have extra lessons to prepare for Mechanics modules and FP1-3.

All 18 modules are on offer either in class or by supported self study.

Those taking a single Maths A level will study C1, C2 and S1 in Lower Sixth and C3, C4 and M1 in Upper Sixth.

Able pupils are prepared for STEP examinations and scholarship mathematics.

STAFF

Mrs Heather Yorston, BSc, MSc, PGCE (Head of Department)
Mr Martin Orviss, MA, PGCE
Mr Mike Jeffers, BSc, PGCE (Housemaster of Reids)
Mr Mike Allnutt, BSc, Cert Ed (Director of Studies)
Mrs Sarah Sinclair, BSc, PGCE (Housemistress of Lothian)
Mr Patrick Erdal, BSc, PGCE (also teaches Economics)
Mr Ian Young, BSc, PGCE (individual tuition)

NEWS

Departmental Results ( 2007)

New Books

Collins GCSE textbooks purchased with all content available on a CD for use at home.

Success

Senior Maths Challenge Nov 2007

Glenalmond pupils achieved 4 Gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze certificates. Two gained scores which allowed them to enter the British Olympiad Round 1 and they both gained Distinctions in the Olympiad. One student came 55^th nationally.

Intermediate Maths Challenge Feb 2008

Fourth form students gained 1 Gold, 4 Silver and 6 bronze certificates while the third form gained 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 bronze certificates. This year one student in third form qualified for the Cayley competition and two students got through to the next round called the Pink Kangaroo.