APPLICATIONS MATHS
SCQF LEVEL 5 - NATIONAL 5
Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions. These courses help equip students with many of the skills required for life, learning and work.
QUALIFICATION
National 5 Application Mathematics
DURATION
4 periods
COURSEWORK
There is no coursework element which counts towards the overall grade.
EXAM
National 5 is externally assessed with separate calculator and non-calculator papers.
COST
No cost although pupils require a scientific calculator
TEACHERS
Various
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
The Applications of Mathematics courses explore the applications of mathematical techniques and skills in everyday situations, including financial matters, statistics, and measurement. The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course also support learning in other curriculum areas, such as technology, health and wellbeing, science, and social subjects.
A significant number of pupils wish to pursue their Maths to National 5 level, but have no interest in progressing to Higher Maths or in careers which require that level of pass. The Applications course allows pupils to do this, without having to study the Algebra or Trigonometry required for progression. This qualification is widely accepted by employers, colleges and universities for entry to a wide variety of courses, although parents are advised to contact any particular institution directly if unsure.
The course is split into 3 sections as follows:
NUMERACY
Topics studied include Fractions, Percentage, ratio & Proportion and Probability.
GEOMETRY & MEASURE
Calculating Area, Volume and Perimeter Scale Drawing, Pythagoras Theorem, Using Tolerance notation.
FINANCE & STATISTICS
Wages, Budgeting, Comparing Prices Banking, Analysing Data, Graphs & Charts
The textbooks used on this course are the TeeJay Lifeskills/Applications of Maths level 5.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
entry requirements
S4 pupils will have completed the majority of Level 4 topics in S3, but there is no requirement to have competence in Algebra or Trigonometry.
S5/6 pupils may have attained National 4 Applications Maths in S4 or be re-sitting National 5 with the intention of upgrading.
what will you get?
The course is graded from A-D
An overall course award also ensures a pass at National 5 Numeracy.
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
There are many careers in which mathematical skills such as numeracy, problem solving, financial awareness and time management are highly desirable, including:
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Building Trades
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Retail
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Sport & Leisure
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Catering
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Computer Games Development
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Nursing
my world of work
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
Amy - S5
I picked the N5 Apps course to improve my results from last year. I enjoy the variety of topics covered eg money, budgeting and shapes. I regret not doing enough revision last year before the final exam. I would recommend this course instead of N5 Maths because I found it easier and it is more relevant to everyday life.
Lewis - S5
After spending time in both Applications and the N5 Maths classes, it’s quite obvious how different these two courses are. If you’re confused about your choices it’s better to take Applications. I enjoyed how it helped me understand pay slips and other day to day tasks. My only regret is not passing first time around. I recommend this course as it teaches you very important lifeskills.
