Mathematics

The aims and objectives of the Mathematics Department are:-

To ensure that all pupils experience an appropriate and challenging study program in which they can learn, enjoy and make use of Mathematics to the best of their ability.

To provide a high quality of teaching and learning such that the students fulfil their potential in external examinations.

To be a forward looking department with a strong work ethos whilst maintaining good relations between pupils and teachers who work with a common sense of endeavour.

These aims are reflected in each lesson, by each teacher. The department consists of enthusiastic, committed mathematicians who share their enjoyment of the subject with the pupils they teach. From First form onwards, pupils are put in sets, so that they receive lessons that are appropriately challenging, and that they progress at the appropriate pace. Setting is reasonably fluid, and there is movement form one set to another throughout the year. At GCSE, most pupils will sit the Higher tier exam (A*-D grades available), while some will sit the Foundation (C-F grades available). It is hoped that all pupils would achieve at least a grade C, while many go on to achieve A and A*.

Annually we enter:

• a team for the Enterprising Maths competition
• the Junior, Intermediate and Senior UKMT competitions
• the Scottish Maths Challenge 
• a team for the Primary Schools’ Maths Challenge

We have a small weekly meeting for able pupils in forms 3-4 (by invitation). The aim is to challenge these gifted mathematicians, to stretch them so that they have a deeper understanding of the topics they have studied and to educate them beyond the confines of the curriculum. The department is against accelerating pupils through exams, and would seek to deepen and widen pupils understanding in this way.

For those pupils who are seeking entrance to top Universities to study mathematics, we offer a full provision of preparation for STEP papers. These sessions are usually held during spare lessons, and take place in the department.

We have attracted external speakers to Strathallan and intend, in future, to arrange outside trips so students can appreciate the relevance of working mathematics.