Get Pro
Menu

S3 Numeracy and mathematics (Third level / Fourth level): What to Teach (Scotland)

Your Teacher Information Pack for S3 Numeracy and mathematics (Third level / Fourth level) in Scotland: the curriculum structure, our short summaries with links to the official wording, and key dates.

Learn how – Teacher Information Packs: watch the 2-minute video · print (PDF) · also Year Planner setup

Country
Scotland
Stage
S3
Level
Third level
Ages
13–14
Source
Curriculum for Excellence – experiences and outcomes (broad general education)
Last checked
2026-10-20

Usually S1–S3 (third and fourth levels are both covered in S1–S3) (a guide, not a fixed year group). Roughly US Grades 7–9 (approximate).

Curriculum for Excellence levels are a guide, not year groups: learners move through levels at their own pace. Fourth level is broadly in line with SCQF level 4.

Plan the whole year: open this course in the Year Planner – every lesson dated around your term dates, with a coverage check. Free.

Track your class against these statements with Classfern Pro. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro

What to teach

Below are the experiences and outcomes with their official codes, in our own short summaries. Each code links to the official document.

Third level

Number, money and measure: Estimation and rounding

  • MNU 3-01a Round numbers to suitable accuracy, considering the problem's context.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Number and number processes

  • MNU 3-03a Use varied methods on familiar problems, communicating processes clearly.
  • MNU 3-03b Recall number facts quickly and use them accurately in calculations.
  • MNU 3-04a Use understanding of negative numbers to solve simple contextual problems.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Multiples, factors and primes

  • MTH 3-05a Investigate common multiples and factors, explaining ideas and solving problems.
  • MTH 3-05b Use factor understanding to identify whether a number is prime.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Powers and roots

  • MTH 3-06a Evaluate whole-number powers mentally or with technology.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Fractions, decimal fractions and percentages

  • MNU 3-07a Calculate with varied fractions, decimals and percentages for real-life comparisons.
  • MTH 3-07b Add and subtract common fractions using equivalents and common multiples.
  • MTH 3-07c Convert between whole or mixed numbers and fractions.
  • MNU 3-08a Increase or decrease related quantities proportionally for everyday problems.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Money

  • MNU 3-09a Compare contracts and services, discuss advantages, and identify best value.
  • MNU 3-09b Budget using technology and other methods; plan for future expenses.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Time

  • MNU 3-10a Calculate journey time, speed or distance using simple time periods.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Measurement

  • MNU 3-11a Solve practical problems choosing units, accuracy and formulas for area or volume.
  • MTH 3-11b Find area of compound 2D shapes and volume of compound 3D objects.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Mathematics – its impact on the world, past, present and future

  • MTH 3-12a Research a mathematician or topic and deliver a short presentation.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Patterns and relationships

  • MTH 3-13a Find a number set from a rule; determine and notate sequence rules.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Expressions and equations

  • MTH 3-14a Collect like terms, simplify expressions, and evaluate by substitution.
  • MTH 3-15a Form and solve simple equations from written or pictorial information.
  • MTH 3-15b Construct formulas from pictorial representations and diagrams.

Official wording

Shape, position and movement: Properties of 2D shapes and 3D objects

  • MTH 3-16a Accurately draw 2D shapes using instruments and suitable methods.

Official wording

Shape, position and movement: Angle, symmetry and transformation

  • MTH 3-17a Name angles and find sizes using shape properties and parallel lines.
  • MTH 3-17b Interpret maps and create scale drawings of routes using bearings.
  • MTH 3-17c Enlarge or reduce shapes using scale and various methods.
  • MTH 3-18a Plot and describe point locations using coordinate system knowledge.
  • MTH 3-19a Illustrate lines of symmetry for 2D shapes and complete symmetrical designs.

Official wording

Information handling: Data and analysis

  • MNU 3-20a Collaboratively judge whether sourced information is robust, vague or misleading.
  • MTH 3-20b Consider bias and sample size when analysing or collecting data for fair conclusions.
  • MTH 3-21a Display data clearly with a suitable scale from an extended range of graphs.

Official wording

Information handling: Ideas of chance and uncertainty

  • MNU 3-22a Find simple event probabilities; consider consequences when choosing.

Official wording

Benchmarks (summary)

Guidance Benchmarks and guidance (our summaries)

  • Estimation and rounding: Rounding to three decimal places and routinely estimating answers (2 benchmark statements in the official document). (2 official benchmark bullets)
  • Number and number processes: Recalling facts to 12 times tables; calculating with decimals and integers (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Multiples, factors and primes: Common multiples and factors, identifying primes, writing prime factors (5 benchmark statements in the official document). (5 official benchmark bullets)
  • Powers and roots: Using power notation and evaluating whole-number powers (3 benchmark statements in the official document). (3 official benchmark bullets)
  • Fractions, decimal fractions and percentages: Converting forms, adding fractions, mixed numbers, proportion and ratio (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Money: Comparing best value, budgeting, financial terms and currency conversion (5 benchmark statements in the official document). (5 official benchmark bullets)
  • Time: Using speed, distance and time to find each variable and durations (2 benchmark statements in the official document). (2 official benchmark bullets)
  • Measurement: Choosing units, converting, areas and volumes of compound shapes (5 benchmark statements in the official document). (5 official benchmark bullets)
  • Mathematics – its impact on the world: Presenting on a famous mathematician or mathematical topic (1 benchmark statement in the official document). (1 official benchmark bullets)
  • Patterns and relationships: Generating sequences from rules and writing rules in algebraic notation (3 benchmark statements in the official document). (3 official benchmark bullets)
  • Expressions and equations: Simplifying, evaluating, solving linear equations, creating formulae (5 benchmark statements in the official document). (5 official benchmark bullets)
  • Properties of 2D shapes and 3D objects: Accurately drawing triangles and regular polygons with instruments (1 benchmark statement in the official document). (1 official benchmark bullets)
  • Angle, symmetry and transformation: Angle properties, scale enlargement, bearings, coordinates, all lines of symmetry (7 benchmark statements in the official document). (7 official benchmark bullets)
  • Data and analysis: Judging reliability, avoiding bias, describing trends, displaying data (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Ideas of chance and uncertainty: Probability scales, expected outcomes, mutually exclusive events, decisions (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)

Official wording

Fourth level

Number, money and measure: Estimation and rounding

  • MNU 4-01a Use tolerance knowledge to choose accuracy for real-life calculations.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Number and number processes

  • MNU 4-03a Transfer similar solved problems to calculations in unfamiliar contexts.
  • MTH 4-03b Investigate how brackets change order of operations; apply them correctly.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Powers and roots

  • MTH 4-06a Evaluate whole-number powers and roots mentally or with technology.
  • MTH 4-06b Use scientific notation to express large or small real-life numbers efficiently.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Fractions, decimal fractions and percentages

  • MNU 4-07a Choose the most suitable fraction, decimal or percentage form for calculations.
  • MTH 4-07b Solve contextual fraction and mixed-number problems using add, subtract, multiply.
  • MNU 4-08a Use proportion to find changes in quantities and solve real-life problems.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Money

  • MNU 4-09a Discuss what to consider when judging affordability, credit and debt.
  • MNU 4-09b Source earnings and deductions; calculate net income.
  • MNU 4-09c Research and compare personal finance products; justify preferred choices.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Time

  • MNU 4-10a Research and compare time management aspects affecting personal life.
  • MNU 4-10b Apply the time, speed and distance relationship to related calculations.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Measurement

  • MNU 4-11a Apply measure knowledge, appreciating accuracy's practical importance.
  • MTH 4-11b Use surface area of simple 3D shapes to use materials efficiently.
  • MTH 4-11c Solve prism volume problems with a formula; discuss 3D objects' everyday uses.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Mathematics – its impact on the world, past, present and future

  • MTH 4-12a Discuss maths importance, career skills and workplace applications.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Patterns and relationships

  • MTH 4-13a Model real situations with sequences and general formulas to solve problems.
  • MTH 4-13b Describe a line's slope; calculate and interpret gradient.
  • MTH 4-13c Describe horizontal or vertical line coordinate patterns using an equation.
  • MTH 4-13d Generate straight-line points from a formula, plot them, and answer questions.

Official wording

Number, money and measure: Expressions and equations

  • MTH 4-14a Simplify, multiply and evaluate simple bracketed terms using the distributive law.
  • MTH 4-14b Factorise expressions by identifying common factors of algebraic terms.
  • MTH 4-15a Construct and solve inequalities and extended equations for real situations.

Official wording

Shape, position and movement: Properties of 2D shapes and 3D objects

  • MTH 4-16a Use right-angled triangle side and angle relationships to solve problems.
  • MTH 4-16b Apply circle radius, diameter, circumference and area relationships to problems.

Official wording

Shape, position and movement: Angle, symmetry and transformation

  • MTH 4-17a Use radius-tangent and semicircle angle facts to solve problems.
  • MTH 4-17b Solve length and area problems using similar figures' properties.
  • MTH 4-18a Plot and describe points on a four-quadrant coordinate grid.
  • MTH 4-18b Move and describe transformations of points or shapes on a grid.
  • MTH 4-19a Discuss rotational properties of shapes and patterns; apply them in designs.

Official wording

Information handling: Data and analysis

  • MNU 4-20a Evaluate and interpret raw and graphical data; communicate findings clearly.
  • MTH 4-20b Calculate mean, median, mode and range; choose the most appropriate average.
  • MTH 4-21a Select suitable displays for discrete, continuous and grouped data.

Official wording

Information handling: Ideas of chance and uncertainty

  • MNU 4-22a Predict expected event frequency to assess risks and make decisions.

Official wording

Benchmarks (summary)

Guidance Benchmarks and guidance (our summaries)

  • Estimation and rounding: Significant figures, context, impact of error and tolerance (4 benchmark statements in the official document). (4 official benchmark bullets)
  • Number and number processes: Multi-step problems; order of operations with brackets (2 benchmark statements in the official document). (2 official benchmark bullets)
  • Powers and roots: Roots and powers; scientific notation (2 benchmark statements in the official document). (2 official benchmark bullets)
  • Fractions, decimal fractions and percentages: Efficient forms, percentage change, fraction operations and proportion (5 benchmark statements in the official document). (5 official benchmark bullets)
  • Money: Credit, debt, net income, personal finance products, currency conversion (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Time: Time management, time zones, speed-distance-time calculations (3 benchmark statements in the official document). (3 official benchmark bullets)
  • Measurement: Impact of rounding, area of quadrilaterals, surface area, prism volume (4 benchmark statements in the official document). (4 official benchmark bullets)
  • Mathematics – its impact on the world: Maths in everyday life and careers; workplace uses (2 benchmark statements in the official document). (2 official benchmark bullets)
  • Patterns and relationships: Nth-term formulae, gradient, slopes, plotting straight lines (5 benchmark statements in the official document). (5 official benchmark bullets)
  • Expressions and equations: Expanding and factorising, equations and inequalities, modelling (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Properties of 2D shapes and 3D objects: Pythagoras, trigonometry, circle circumference and area (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Angle, symmetry and transformation: Rotation, four-quadrant plotting, transformations, similarity, circle angles (8 benchmark statements in the official document). (8 official benchmark bullets)
  • Data and analysis: Interpreting data, averages, correlation language, choosing charts (6 benchmark statements in the official document). (6 official benchmark bullets)
  • Ideas of chance and uncertainty: Probability and expected occurrences for predictions and decisions (2 benchmark statements in the official document). (2 official benchmark bullets)

Official wording

Assessments and key dates

Qualifications Scotland exams 2027: Mon, 26 April 2027 to Thu, 3 June 2027 (timetable). There are no national tests of curriculum levels; teachers judge progress using the Benchmarks.

Trusted free resources

Links only: we don't copy their content and we aren't connected to these organisations.

More packs

Numeracy and mathematics – Early level · Numeracy and mathematics – First level · Numeracy and mathematics – Second level · Numeracy and mathematics – Third level · Numeracy and mathematics – Fourth level · P1 Numeracy and mathematics · P2 Numeracy and mathematics · P3 Numeracy and mathematics · All Scotland packs · Find another TIP

Codes and structure from Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes and Benchmarks, Education Scotland (Crown copyright). Summaries are Classfern's own words – always read the official wording via the link.

No official wording is reproduced: codes and structure are facts, and the short descriptions are our own summaries. Always read the official wording via the links. Checked on 2026-10-20.

Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by Education Scotland, Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA) or the Scottish Government.