FAQs

What class will I be in and how is it decided?

You will be in 3 classes. A practical class of up to 20 young people, a non-practical class of up to 30 young people and a tutor class which will have a mix of year groups but all from the same house. We spend a long time mixing people in classes from different schools and  different backgrounds across the classes. This is a change to meet new people and make more friends. We ask our primary schools to let us know who you work well with and that can help us pair people up but it is not always possible. 

When will I find out which classes I am in?

We normally let our P7s know in late late May/early June. This is to ensure we have the most up-to-date information about who is joining our school. 

Will I have the same seat in each class?

Classrooms have different layouts and you will be in 6 different areas per day, but teachers will have a seating plan for you so you will always know where to sit. 

How will I know when a class is going to end?

Your teacher will round off the learning for that lesson and give you plenty of time to pack away your things, ready to move to your next class.

What if I am late?

Whilst we always expect people to be punctual whilst at our school, we understand that when you are new things can take a little longer - especially to find your way around. 

With the new S1 year having so many pupils this year does this affect the amount of one to one and teaching they will receive with their classwork? 

No, the size of the year group does not affect this, we simply have to have proportionately more classes to accommodate the number of pupils.

What subjects will I study?

In S1 you will study the following subjects:

Art & Design, Design & Technology, Drama, English, French, Health and Wellbeing, Home Economics, Mathematics, Music, PE, Religious and Moral Education, Science, Social Subjects.

How many periods per week?

There 6 subject periods per day plus  one tutor period. A teaching period lasts 53 minutes and tutor time last 15 minutes.

Are there many clubs I can join to learn outside the classroom?

Yes! At Cults Academy we have a large range of clubs and activities that take place outside of the timetable. Make sure you have a look through those that are on offer, it is a great chance to build on your skills or learn something new!

Who is at Cults Academy who can support me?

Find out about all the people who are here to support you on this page.

How do I know what classes I have?

Everyone will have a paper copy of their own personal timetable with details of the subject, rooms and teacher's name for each period of the week.

When and how will they receive my S1 timetable? 

We will give you a copy of your S1 timetable in June 2021

 How do I know where to go?

You will get a map and all our rooms are numbered according to which floor they are on. For example 2.11 will be on the second floor. There are also map on the walls around the school. If you want to take a look for yourself, visit our 360 tour. 

What if I get lost?

First, don't worry then ask any member of staff, a senior pupil or make your way to our reception. 

What is PLP?

The aim of the Personal Learning Planning (PLP) programme in S1 is to establish and develop ‘Learning to Learn’ strategies. Learning to learn is about identifying approaches, and developing the ability, to pursue and persist in life long learning. These approaches include the effective management of time, information and resources, working individually and in groups. It is about the learner building on prior, and gaining new, knowledge and skills in order to apply these to new situations. The ability to self-evaluate work and progress is also a key part of this process.

The course includes developing:

• Library and research skills

• IT skills

• Learning strategies

• Cooperative learning

• Self-evaluation

What are social times?

Social time are break and lunchtimes, this is when you can spend time with your friends, whether they are in your class or not. You may even know people in other years. We have a large canteen are along with a Snack bar which are available for you to access.  

I often take a packed lunch, is that a problem?

That is not a problem at all, many of our young people take their own lunch - we have lots of space to sit and enjoy your lunch whether you take it with you or buy it here.

Can I go to the shops for buy lunch?

Learners in S1-S3 must stay onsite during social times so are not able to visit local shops.

I need a quiet space during social times, is there somewhere I can go?

Yes! We have out garden in the quad, the library and space in our Support for Learning faculty. 

Are the pupils allowed to use footballs at break and lunch? 

Yes - we have large playing fields that are available for you to enjoy sports on during social times.

Where are the toilets?

We have toilets located around the school and on each level of the building. These are designated male and female but also have a range of accessible, unisex, facilities.

Do you have a lift/elevator?

Yes all areas of our building are accessible using one of our 2 lifts however, there are only to be used by those who have a lift pass. They should never be used during a fire alarm.

What sports facilities do you have?

We have our own pool, football and rugby pitches and a large all-weather pitch.  

What about school transport?

School transport is arranged through Aberdeen City Council's transport unit. 

Where can I find out more information about school transport?

https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/education-and-childcare/school-life/school-transport