Learning Pathways - S4 / S5 Pupil Information

Introduction

A learning pathway is a learner’s journey through education and can help to map out the courses and qualifications that help to achieve personal objectives and deliver skills and knowledge. 

During Term 3, pupils in S4 and S5 will be asked to make choices to help them on their journey within education and beyond. We aim to provide relevant information to pupils and their parents / carers to help make informed decisions. 

Curricular pathways interviews will take place from week commencing Monday 16th February by House Teams and Guidance Teachers. This process will be supported by input during PSE classes (for S4 pupils), as well as the Senior Phase Course Choice Information Evening. 

Should I stay at school? 

The most important decision to be taken at this stage is whether or not your future educational needs will be best met at school. If you decide to remain at school you will be expected to study a full timetable until the end of session and demonstrate a clear commitment to the subjects you have selected. This includes meeting deadlines, completing homework and coursework, and attending school regularly and on time.

If you decide to leave school you should explore the various options which are available to you – further education, higher education, a modern apprenticeship, employment or training. Your Guidance Teacher will help provide information and support and can put you in touch with the school’s career advisors.

Every pupil in S4 and S5 will receive an interview with a member of staff to discuss their future place and, if appropriate, complete a subject choice form. Further information on available courses within Dunfermline High School can be found via the links at the bottom of the page.

Points to consider

Think about the quality of likely S4 or S5 SQA passes in August 2026 - are you able to progress within school?

Are future educational plans going to be best met at school - or would further education, higher education, training, or employment be a more appropriate route? 

All returning senior school pupils have to sign up to our Senior School Commitment - can I accomplish this?

Where can I get the best advice about the most relevant pathway for me?

Your first port of call should be our school career advisors, both of whom are based in the library. To make an appointment or for advice email Dani.McConnell@sds.co.uk (Bothwell / Canmore pupils) or Anne.Wiltshire@sds.co.uk (Henryson / Queen Margaret pupils).

University Entry Requirements

You should check university websites for further information on specific entrance requirements, virtual open day dates and other key information.

Universities will tell you what the typical requirements are for entry to each course and also if there are any subjects in particular that you are required to have studied.

The links to all Scottish Universities can be found here.

Learner Pathway Information

All current S4 and S5 pupils will receive an in-person interview with their Guidance Teacher to discuss their progress so far this year, their intended destination post-school and, if appropriate, to decide their S5/6 course options.

If you choose to stay on you must choose 5 subjects as well as a wider achievement elective option.

Pupils in S6 who are studying Advanced Higher courses are entitled to have a maximum of one study column.

If you are planning on staying on, ensure you read through the overviews of each learner pathway (available at the bottom of this page). 

Timeline

A general timeline of the S4 and S5 course choice process can be found below:

Further Information

An overview of learner pathways in each subject area can be found here.

Guidance on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework can be found here.