FOI21/22 097 Application of Maths

Date published: 04/11/2021

1. has SQA complete any consultation with universities in respect of acceptance of the higher qualification as an alternative to the standard higher maths?

2. If yes for above how many universities and if possible their names and courses considered?

1. has SQA complete any consultation with universities in respect of acceptance of the higher qualification as an alternative to the standard higher maths?

The Higher in Applications of Mathematics is not intended as an alternative to Higher Mathematics.

Higher Mathematics is a well-respected qualification that is valued by end users: employers, colleges and universities, providing a supply of mathematically literate persons to the STEM pipeline.  

The Higher in Applications of Mathematics is intended to widen participation in Mathematics at SCQF level 6. It is distinctive from Higher Mathematics as it covers statistics, finance, mathematical modelling and the use of technology (spreadsheets and R) and its assessment includes a statistics project and a question paper completed with the use of digital technology. Full details are available in the specification available on the SQA website.

Prior to developing the qualification, SQA ran a national consultation. There were 22 university respondents, seven were from non-STEM disciplines (the intended target) and all were strongly supportive, particularly around the proposal to include applications of statistics.

Representatives from the University of Edinburgh and University of Strathclyde were fully involved in the development of the new Higher.

The University of Strathclyde has developed training course for teachers that have been well received, with hundreds of teachers participating.

Scottish Government supported the development of online teaching resources for the new Higher. These have been developed by Scholar, based at Heriot Watt University.

Education Scotland hosted a meeting with universities about the new Higher on 15 January 2021, attended by representatives from Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Glasgow Clyde, Stirling and Strathclyde universities.

In March 2021, there was a presentation on the new Higher to admissions tutors from all universities (see list below) in Scotland, except the Open University

 

2. If yes for above how many universities and if possible their names and courses considered?

The centres are listed below:

Glasgow School of Art

University of Aberdeen

University of St Andrews

University of Abertay

Heriot-Watt University

Scotland's Rural College

Robert Gordon University

University of Edinburgh

Glasgow Caledonian University

Queen Margaret University

Edinburgh Napier University

University of Dundee

University of Glasgow

University of the West of Scotland

University of Stirling

Royal Conservatoire Scotland

University of Strathclyde

University of the Highlands and Islands