Modern Mathematics for Schools: Scottish Mathematics Group

The original series of books from the Scottish Mathematics Group was first published in 1965 by Blackie Chambers. The books in this collection have been revised to take advantage of the experiences gained in the classroom with the original texts. The rationale for the development of the course was that the books 1-7 would provide a suitable course for many Ordinary Level and Ordinary Grade syllabuses in mathematics including the University of London GCE Syllabus C, AEB Syllabus C and the Scottish Certificate of Education. Books 8 and 9 completed the work for the Scottish Higher Grade syllabus and provided a good preparation for all advanced level and sixth form syllabuses. Although the separate headings of Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic and later Trigonometry and Calculus have been retained, ideas, material and methods are integrated within and across each branch of mathematics. The books introduced “Modern Mathematics” topics such as Set theory, Matrices, Vectors and Mappings alongside the more traditional topics. An innovative feature of the course is the series of Computer topics which appeared from book 4 onwards. The intention was that these would form an introduction to computer studies. Each chapter is prefaced by a page of Teacher’s notes which briefly explain the aim of the chapter, offer suggestions as to teaching method and the key points to remember. The group were keen that students should be encouraged to find out facts and discover results for themselves, to observe and study themes and patterns that pervaded the mathematics of the time. The use of calculating machines, slide rules and computers was advocated where appropriate but not seen as essential features of the work. Within the books each chapter is backed up by a summary, and by A and B revision exercises; in addition, cumulative summaries and exercises were introduced at the end of alternate books.