COURSES AVAILABLE
THE CURRICULUM
In general, in enrolling a child at this school a parent accepts that the child will receive the curriculum offered, which meets the national guidelines. This means that, with very limited exception, pupils cannot be withdrawn from particular subjects/parts of the curriculum or specific activities forming part of the curriculum at the school. The limited exceptions, when a pupil may be withdrawn by parental request, exist in relation to (i) religious observance and instruction and (ii) sex education programmes. Other than these two excepted areas, however, pupils are required to participate in all parts of the approved curriculum.
Parents may wish to note that in the event of the school seeking to make major changes to the curriculum on offer, consultation will be carried out with them and other stake holders through the Parent Council, Pupil Council and by other appropriate means.
CURRICULUM for EXCELLENCE (CfE)
Our pupils in lower school have embarked on our curriculum for excellence programme of study. The purpose of a Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is to ensure that all young people become Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Effective Contributors and Responsible Citizens.
Our curriculum provides a broad general education where Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Well-being are of fundamental personal, social and economic importance. Pupils will work towards the new National Qualifications to achieve their full potential. In S1 this session our pupils are formed into six classes for Spanish, French, Geography, History, RE and SE; smaller classes are formed in Science, Art, Health and Food Technology, Music, Physical Education, Information Communication Technology, Drama, Technical Education, Mathematics and English. All classes contain a broadly similar spread of ability except in Mathematics and English where classes are set according to level. In S2 setting of classes by ability is introduced in Modern Languages.
A variety of teaching approaches is encouraged including whole-class, group work, paired activities and individual assignments. Some materials set common tasks which lead to different outcomes according to ability. Others have a common body. Others have a common body or a core of work which all pupils are expected to complete and thereafter proceed, if capable, to more demanding exercises and assignments by way of extension. A number of senior pupils are attached to particular junior pupils to assist them in a variety of subjects under the guidance of our P.T. Learning Support.
COUNSELLING PUPILS ABOUT THEIR COURSES
In January S2 pupils are individually interviewed by Pupil Support Staff and a possible S3 course is suggested. This follows extensive work in Social Education classes preparing for curriculum choices being made. Parents consider the suggested course making use of a helpful booklet on curriculum choices prepared by school staff. Curriculum Choices for S3 are confirmed before Easter. Boys and girls have equal opportunities to choose subjects, and are encouraged to consider a wide range of careers.
Our curriculum provides a broad general education where Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Well-being are of fundamental personal, social and economic importance. Pupils will work towards the new National Qualifications to achieve their full potential.
Pupils must take:
- English
- Mathematics
- French/Spanish
- Geography or History
- Biology or Chemistry or Physics
- Art and Design, Health and Food Technology, Design and Manufacture, Music or Drama
- Computing Science, Graphic Communication, Administration and IT, Physics or Practical Woodworking
- Additional subjects from the following list:
Personal Development, or Art and Design or Biology or Chemistry or Spanish or Physics or Practical woodwork or Business Management/Business
In addition, all pupils take units in Religious Education and ASDAN courses in Social Education. Pupils choose to do either P.E. Nationals or P.E. Core Course.
The curriculum outlined above is the current one. With our Curriculum for Excellence all pupils will follow a broad general education to the end of S3 and then study towards SQA qualifications for S4-S6
Outdoor Education
Third Year pupils have the opportunity to spend a residential week at Ardentinny outdoor centre supported by East Renfrewshire Council, experiencing activities including sailing, canoeing, hill walking, orienteering and field studies.
Work Experience
All S4 pupils are placed for a week’s work experience in industry, commerce or with a service agency such as schools or hospitals. This has proven to be popular and beneficial as it gives insight into the industrial world. In some cases it has led to eventual employment or has aroused interest in particular careers not previously considered by pupils.
Negotiation of Course and Career Support
Fourth Year, Fifth Year and Sixth Year
At the end of S4 pupils must again make choices about their future.
The first choice for pupils who have reached the legal leaving age is whether to stay on at school or leave. The Careers Advisor interviews pupils who intend to leave school at the end of S4 and provides information on college courses, training, and employment opportunities.
The majority of pupils make the choice to stay on at school. Their next choice is which courses to follow in S5. Pupils will be provided with a booklet outlining the courses available in school and including basic information on post 16 options and general entrance requirements for university/college. Pupils will have an individual interview with Guidance staff to discuss their career options and to decide on the courses they wish to follow in S5 or S6.
A number of vocational options run by East Renfrewshire council at various colleges are available to pupils in S5 and S6
Academic and career guidance continues throughout S5 and S6. Students will be interviewed individually at key points in their course, for example, at the start of their new courses in August/September; after Prelim exams; in preparation for college/university application. Each student will also be given the opportunity of an interview with the Careers Advisor.