Welcome to Lochside Academy's Curriculum and Learner Pathways Website. The website has been designed to support the young people of Lochside Academy make decisions about their subject choices and their future post school.
Applications for full-time courses starting in 2025/26 are open. Entry requirements for HE courses have been streamlined.
The main change is a consistent approach to Higher requirements across all HNC and HND courses, where one or two Highers will be the main entry requirement. This refers to a Higher award or awards, by SQA, at grades A to D.
A full explanation of entry requirements will be carried in the new prospectus, to be launched in January, and online. An extract from the prospectus is shown below:
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are outlined alongside each course description to help you make the choice that’s right for you.
Where a Higher or Highers are listed, this means a Higher award or awards from the SQA at any grade from A to D.
For those returning to education, if you do not have the qualifications listed, life and work experience can also be taken into account when you make an application. Examples include responsibilities as a carer, voluntary work or other activities that demonstrate your skills, knowledge and enthusiasm.
Qualifications equivalent to those currently awarded by the SQA are also accepted. Examples include those awarded in Scotland before National 4 and National 5 were introduced. Qualifications from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland and other countries are also accepted.