Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. Using mathematics enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.

You will also get to develop skills in the areas of algebra, geometry and trigonometry as well as learn elementary calculus.

The skills you learn in this course are useful in many careers involving engineering, medicine, technology, business and the physical sciences.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Animals, Land and Environment

Buying, Selling and Related Work

Computing and ICT

Construction

Engineering

Finance

Health and Medicine

Science and Maths

Teaching and Classroom Support

Transport and Distribution

What do I need to get in?

The school or college will decide on the entry requirements for the course. You would normally have achieved:

• National 4 Mathematics

What will I study?

In this course you will build on your previous mathematical experience. You will learn and apply operational skills you need to develop mathematical ideas through symbolic representation and diagrams. You will select and apply mathematical techniques, and learn about the interdependencies within mathematics. You will develop your mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills. And you will get experienced in making informed decisions.

The course comprises three areas of study.

Mathematics: Expressions and Formulae

You will:

• develop skills linked to mathematical expressions and formulae, such as manipulating abstract terms, simplifying expressions and evaluating formulae
• learn aspects of number, algebra, geometry and reasoning.

Mathematics: Relationships

You will:

• develop skills linked to mathematical relationships, including solving and manipulating equations, working with graphs and carrying out calculations on the lengths and angles of shapes
• learn aspects of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and reasoning.

Mathematics: Applications

You will:

• develop skills linked to applications of mathematics, including trigonometry, geometry, number processes and statistics within real life contexts
• learn aspects of trigonometry, geometry, number processes, statistics and reasoning.

How will I be assessed?

Course Assessment

The course assessment has two components totalling 90 marks:

• Component 1: question paper 1 (non-calculator) – worth 40 marks
• Component 2: question paper 2 – worth 50 marks.

The question papers will be set and marked externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A-D. 

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Mathematics National 5
• SQA Specimen Paper Mathematics National 5 (paper 1 – non-calculator)
• SQA Specimen Paper Mathematics National 5 (paper 2)
• SQA Understanding Standards Mathematics
• BBC Bitesize National 5 Mathematics
• Ushare Study Resources

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• Higher Mathematics

Further study, training or employment in:

• Animals, Land and Environment
• Buying, Selling and Related Work
• Computing and ICT
• Construction
• Engineering
• Finance
• Health and Medicine
• Science and Mathematics
• Teaching and Classroom Support

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Mathematics - Related Careers

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - Mathematics (National 5)