Learner Pathways - Curriculum Structure

During S1-S3, pupils will experience a Broad General Education (BGE), before moving on to Senior Phase education from S4. Generally, pupils will experience a range of subjects in the BGE across all eight curricular areas. More information on these can be accessed here. 

As pupils move into S3, pupils are provided with the opportunity to enhance personalisation and choice by moving into seven subjects. In almost all cases, pupils will continue with these same subjects in S4. This facilitates a transition into the Senior Phase later in the session and prepares pupils for National Qualifications (see below).

Pupils who are considering future study at college or university should take cognisance of the entry requirements for their chosen route or course. Some courses will require a certain number and quality of Higher (Level 6) qualifications. In this case, learners should be aiming to attain National 5 passes in virtually all of their chosen subjects in S4.

Please check this carefully when deciding on the S3 and S4 Curriculum Pathway for your child. Further information on current qualification structure and comparison to previous qualifications can be found here. 

ASSESSMENTS

National Qualifications include National 1-5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. Schools and colleges (if appropriate) will internally assess National 1-4 (SCQF Level 1-4) qualifications, as well as the majority of National Progession Awards. Teachers will mark and assess work throughout the year, and assessments may take a number of forms, including  folios, projects, assignments, and other forms of formal assessment. Many of these assessments may still be formally graded and given overall marks.

For National 5 (SCQF Level 5), Higher (SCQF Level 6), and Advanced Higher (SCQF Level 6), there will be an externally marked component as part of the final qualification. This may be in the form of an exam contributing the entirety of the grade awarded, or a cobination of internally and / or externally marked components along with a final exam. 

THE S2-S3 CURRICULUM PATHWAY PROCESS

At present, pupils experience a 32-period week. In S3, pupils are allocated English and Literacy (4 periods), Mathematics and Numeracy (4 periods), Core Physical Education (2 periods), RMPS (1 period), and Personal and Social Education (1 period). Pupils then choose a further 5 courses, which are studied for 4 periods per week (details below).