maths/applications of maths

[Stroopwaffels]

DS is in S4 and will be doing Nat 5s in 2024. His school offers both Maths, and Applications of Maths. In general terms, the very very able pupils do both, most just do maths, some who are not as academic just do the applications of maths with a view to sitting the exam in S4/5/6 whenever they are ready. DS is an average student and is just sitting Maths.

Anyway, the school also offers Higher in Applications of Maths and DS seems to think that it will be possible to do this course following on from Nat 5 maths, without having done the Nat 5 in Applications. He is numerate and practical and it seems to play more to his strengths as it's the abstract algebra sort of maths he struggles with.

Has anyone's child done this? Also, is a Higher in Apps just as valid for university entry as stnadard Higher Maths? DS is likely to be applying for something business/marketing related.

From what I can remember Application of Maths was seen as an easier subject.

On courses when Maths is a required subject many Uni will not accept Apps of Maths as an alternative. You would need to check the courses, most will say if Apps of Maths is acceptable.

Would he be doing maths higher as well as apps of maths? You can crash subjects at higher if you haven't done the Nat5 if it is felt you have the capability. My ds crashed higher chemistry that he then got an A in.

Having read the course spec it doesn't seem that easy to me!!

Looking at many unis they seem to want H Maths (not Apps) for accounting/finance heavy business degrees, only a Nat 5 maths for more general business, marketing, business law style degrees.

He should have no problem doing Higher Apps if he's done well in Nat 5 maths.

However as @Blanketpolicy says, Apps is not equivalent to Maths for university entry so check that carefully.

No - school won't allow that in the same way as they wouldn't allow H Biology and H Human Biology. His Highers would probably be Applications of Maths, English, Business, Modern Studies and either RMPS or Drama.

Why wouldn't he do Higher Maths if he has the Nat5?

He doesn't like the theoretical side of maths @dementedpixie - the functions, equations, trigonometry and that sort of thing. Finds it hard to relate to it, see a use for it.

For university Higher Maths is a much better qualification

Ds3 sat N5 maths and apps of maths but took higher maths as he was told that he would need it for university. He wants to do computer science. I’m not sure if this applies to most courses though.