MATHS
NATIONAL 4
Course Description
This Course will develop the learner’s ability to:
- Understand and use straightforward mathematical concepts and relationships
- Select and apply straightforward operational skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics within familiar mathematical contexts
- Select and apply straightforward skills in numeracy
- Use straightforward mathematical models
- Use mathematical reasoning skills to interpret information presented in straightforward ways, to select a strategy to solve a problem, and to communicate solutions.
There are three units within this award plus the Added Value Unit.
Expressions and Formulae –
L.O. 1
Algebraic skills — using the distributive law in an expression with a numerical common
factor to produce a sum of terms; factorising a sum of terms with a numerical common
factor; simplifying an expression which has more than one variable; evaluating an
expression or a formulae which has more than one variable; extending a straightforward
number or diagrammatic pattern and determining its formula; calculating the gradient of a
straight line from horizontal and vertical distances
Geometric skills — calculating the circumference and area of a circle; calculating the area
of a parallelogram, kite, trapezium; investigating the surface of a prism; calculating the
volume of a prism; using rotational symmetry
Statistical skills — constructing a frequency table with class intervals from raw data;
determining statistics of a data set; interpreting calculated statistics; representing raw data in
a pie chart; using probability.
L.O. 2 Evidence of Reasoning skills demonstrated through responses to L.O. 1
Relationships
L.O. 1
Algebraic skills — drawing and recognising a graph of a linear equation; solving linear
equations; changing the subject of a formula
Geometric skills — using Pythagoras’ theorem; using a fractional scale factor to enlarge or
reduce a shape; using parallel lines, symmetry and circle properties to calculate angles
Trigonometric skills — calculating a side in a right-angled triangle; calculating an angle in a
right-angled triangle
Statistical skills — constructing a scattergraph; drawing and applying a best-fitting straight
line
L.O. 2 Evidence of reasoning skills demonstrated through responses to L.O. 1
Numeracy
L.O. 1 Calculations involving: whole numbers, fractions, decimal
fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion. Collectively these calculations require
evidence of all of the following: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
L.O.2 Interpretation of a table with at least four categories of information
a chart such as a pie chart where the values are given, or a bar chart where the scale is
obvious
a graph such as a line graph where the scale is obvious
a diagram such as a circuit, stem and leaf, or 2D plan
Mathematics Test (National 4) - This is the Added Value Unit of the National 4 Mathematics Course. The general aim of this Unit is to enable the learner to provide evidence of added value for the National 4 Mathematics Course through the successful completion of a test which will allow them to demonstrate breadth and challenge.
The Work of the Course
In class pupils discover, develop and practice ideas and examples from the course topics through various resources such as jotters, posters, show-me boards, group work, textbooks, IT.
At home there will be daily revision, practice of work covered in class and formal homework at fortnightly intervals (at least).
Assessment
Learning Outcomes from the units are internally assessed throughout the course and awarded on a pass/fail basis. For each unit, learners must show competence in two areas – operation skills and reasoning skills. The Value Added Unit is assessed at the end of the course by a non-calculator paper and a calculator paper. Unit passes can be award on an individual basis. A full course award requires a pass in the Value Added assessment.
Possible Progression to National 5 Lifeskills Maths.
Progression to National 5 Maths is not recommended in 1 year.