THE CURRICULUM

The Early Years

Although the 5-14 Guidelines are building curricular bridges between primary and secondary, there are, nevertheless, significant differences between the two sectors. Pupils move from a system based on a single classroom teacher with support, perhaps, from visiting specialists, to a system based on as many as 15 different subject teachers.

 

The vast majority of pupils adapt very quickly to period bells and six changes of classroom each day. In the course of a week they will study all the following subjects: Art, Keyboarding, English, French, Geography, German, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science and Technical Education. In addition, pupils following Gaidhlig -medium courses in primary will be able to study Gaidhlig and Geography is offered on-line through the medium of Gaidhlig in S1 and S2.   Home Economics is also taught through the medium of Gaidhlig.

 

The Middle Years

Shortly after the Christmas break in S2, considerable time is devoted to choosing courses for study in S3/S4. The option choice form (Appendix 3) encourages pupils to maintain a breadth of education in S3/S4 by ensuring that all pupils choose: English; mathematics; a modern language; a science subject; a social subject; a technological subject; a creative and aesthetic subject; a free choice from all other subjects offered. In addition, all pupils follow a school based course in PE, Personal and Social Education and RE. For pupils who choose PE as a Standard Grade, there is an opportunity to study a short course in Art or Music.

 

The Senior Years

In S5 and S6 pupils progress from work in S4.  This may involve further Intermediate courses, Higher or Advanced Higher.