This glossary has been developed for parents and carers of children and young people in the broad general education in Scottish schools. This includes nursery through to 4th year in secondary schools. It provides clear definitions of some of the commonly used terms in numeracy and mathematics. The glossary may also be useful to any others who have an interest in the learning and teaching of numeracy and mathematics, including teachers and learners.

The glossary has been divided into the 15 'organisers' within the numeracy and mathematics curriculum. To find out more about each organiser, and how it relates to real life contexts, read the document below:

PDF file: The importance of numeracy and mathematics (175 KB)

PDF file: The importance of numeracy and mathematics (Gaelic version) (196 KB)

The different organisers are:

PDF file: Estimation and rounding (174 KB)

PDF file: Estimation and rounding (Gaelic version) (278 KB)

It has been organised in this way to make it easier to find the definition of the term you are looking for. For example, if looking for information on angles, you would select the organiser 'Angle, symmetry and transformation' by clicking on the link above. The document provides a list of all related terms, with a definition and in most cases, a supporting image. The terms are listed in alphabetical order to ensure easy access. Some terms appear in more than one organiser.

Words highlighted in blue are linked to further information available on other relevant websites.

Education Scotland understands that this glossary is not exhaustive and terms may be added.