Nat’s the way to do it...a year early

S3 maths students achieve A grades in test

A dozen third-year pupils at Hamilton College achieved outstanding National 5 results – a year ahead of the curriculum.

Something certainly added up for the youngsters, who excelled at maths.

All S3 teens were given the opportunity to study a National 5, a year ahead of their current curriculum.

Over 50 per cent chose to attempt it and 12 pupils were then selected to work towards the National 5 course, completing the work based on independent learning with teacher support.

The pupils not only achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the subject but all achieved A grades, 10 of them at band one.

“There is a real enthusiasm for maths at Hamilton College and we develop our teaching to ensure pupils, at all levels, remain engaged in the subject,” said Clare Ford, maths teacher at Hamilton College.

“This year we offered all S3 National 5 pupils the opportunity to study applications of mathematics at National 5 level, in addition to, and a year ahead of, their current curriculum.

“The independent learning approach promotes selfmotivation and, although the students are only in S3, it is excellent preparation for university.

“This was introduced to S3 following a successful trial with an S6 group who used independent learning to study mathematics of mechanics, achieving As and Bs at Advanced Higher level.”

College principal Tom Mcphail said: “We continue to see the benefits of allowing pupils to work independently.

“We are particularly proud of this group for not only attempting a qualification a year ahead of their curriculum but also achieving top grades.”