Higher Applications of Mathematics

• October 2019 subject update (148 KB)
• October 2018 subject update (261 KB)

SQA is developing a new Higher Applications of Mathematics course, which will be available to teach from August 2021. 

Purpose and aims

Higher Applications of Mathematics equips learners with the skills needed to interpret, analyse, and critically appraise statistical and mathematical information; simplify and solve problems; assess risk and make informed decisions by enhancing critical and logical thinking. 

The course aims to:

• select, apply, combine and adapt mathematical and statistical literacy skills needed for life, work and further study in a wide range of curricular areas
• further develop financial literacy in real-life contexts
• use appropriate digital technology to manipulate and model mathematical, statistical and financial information 
• use mathematical reasoning skills to generalise, build arguments, draw logical conclusions, assess risk, and make informed decisions in familiar and unfamiliar situations 
• use a range of mathematical skills to analyse, interpret and present data and numerical information
• appraise quantitative information critically in the light of modelling or statistical assumptions 

Course content   

The content of the Higher Applications of Mathematics course is currently in development. It will cover the following topic areas:

Mathematical modelling 

• understanding and applying the process of mathematical modelling
• using software effectively in calculations    

Statistics and probability

Applying statistical skills to:

• basic probability
• data 
• correlation and linear regression 
• data analysis, interpretation and communication 

Finance

• calculating present and future values of monetary payments
• solving problems related to personal finance products and transactions
• applying personal financial planning skills

Planning and decision making 

• project planning and associated decision making

SCQF credit rating

The course will be worth 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 6.

Approval

The course will be auto-approved. 

Learners who could study Higher Applications of Mathematics

The course is suitable for a wide range of learners, including adult learners and those who wish to progress to further learning and employment in non-STEM areas. It will provide progression for learners who have achieved National 5 Applications of Mathematics, National 5 Mathematics or equivalent. 

Why we are developing the course

Mathematics is fundamental to our society and economy. Advances in technology are changing the way we work, communicate and access information, and there is an increasing need for learners to acquire more mathematical skills in preparation for modern citizenship, further study and employment.

The new Higher Applications of Mathematics  will enable learners to develop mathematical, statistical and financial skills for everyday life. These transferable skills are sought after by employers and universities, and are relevant to a wide range of subjects and sectors

The new course will also increase participation in mathematics at Higher level.

June 2020 – Course specification

We will publish the course specification document in June 2020. It explains the structure of the course in more detail – including the purpose and aims of the course; the specific skills, knowledge and understanding that learners will develop; and details of the assessment. The course specification also contains course support notes, which provide guidance on learning and teaching and assessment.

June 2020 – Assessment support materials

We will publish the assessment support materials in June 2020. The course assessment is still in development; however, there will be  one question paper and a project

A specimen question paper and exemplar projects will be published along with accompanying marking instructions. 
Both the question paper and the project will be externally marked by SQA.

Additional specimen question paper

We will publish an additional specimen question paper later this year for the question paper component. This will help teachers and candidates prepare for the new question paper while there are no available past papers