CHOICES AT 14+ : Subject Choice

Pupils entering S3 embark on a two-year course in various subjects.  These courses lead mainly to the SQA Standard Grade, although some courses lead to National Qualifications (NQs) at Intermediate 1 or Access 3.

The S3/S4 curriculum consists of

• Core subjects
• Required Subjects
• Elective Subjects

All required and elective subjects in Third and Fourth Year offer progression to National Qualifications in Fifth and Sixth Year.

Core Subjects

Physical Education (PE), Religious and Moral Education (RME), and Social Education (SE) are subjects at the core of the Third and Fourth Year curriculum.  These subjects are taken by all pupils.  They form four of the periods in the school week.   The remaining periods are divided among eight compulsory subjects and elective subjects studied at Standard Grade, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 1 or Access 3 level.

Please note that Physical Education and Religious Studies are also offered as elective subjects at Standard Grade level.  If chosen, these subjects are studied in addition to the core subjects.

Required Subjects

The Scottish Government makes recommendations for the courses and subjects pupils should follow.  In line with these recommendations, pupils must study one of each of the following:

• English

• Mathematics

• A Modern Language
• A Science

• A Social Subject

• A Technology Subject
• A Creative and Aesthetic Subject

 

Elective Subjects

Once pupils have identified their compulsory subjects, they can study one further subject for study, (see Appendix 1). 

This enables pupils to make a choice of subjects while retaining a balance and breadth within their curriculum.

Pupils are strongly advised to ensure they retain a breadth and balance within their curriculum. 

Availability of Choice

Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate pupil choice, staff availability and pupil uptake may result in certain options not being available.