Wider Achievement

Employability and Life Skills

This course is an opportunity for S3 pupils to build skills they will use to navigate everyday life, both in school and beyond it. Pupils will develop communication and social skills as well as a range of practical skills that can be used to support independent living in the future. Activities may include everything from budgeting and basic food preparation to booking appointments and conflict resolution

Sport and Recreation/Physical Health and Fitness

This will be a 3 period per week experience where pupils will be offered the chance to attend Nuffield Gym to work with an instructor to learn exercises and techniques to support the development of physical fitness. This will be for double period. The remaining single period will be classroom based within school where the focus will be on learning more about the different factors that contribute towards physical health such as diet and sleep, as well as building upon the theory side of the practical learning undertaken at the gym.

Childcare

The childcare course will enable learners to understand child development from pre-birth to 12 years old. It will look at the roles and responsibilities of practitioners, other professionals and parents/carers in contributing to the development of children and young people. Learners will gain knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that will help them to contribute to the development of children in personal and professional contexts.

Leadership and Personal Development

The Leadership Award is presented by the SQA & Chartered Management Institute. Learners explore their leadership styles and evaluate their experiences. They develop maturity and resilience when facing challenges. The Personal Development Award helps learners become more independent and develop self-reliance, self-esteem and confidence through supported and independent learning.

Web Design/Digital Media – Level 5 Units 

Students will cover two Level 5 NPA units.  In the Website Graphics unit, students will learn how to code simple websites using HTML and CSS, with a focus on creating and editing photographs and images to make them more suitable and efficient for online use.  In the Still Images unit, students will learn about image file types, the hardware and software required to take and edit photographs, the basic functions of DSLR cameras, simple image editing techniques and how to create a portfolio website to show off their edits. 

Mental Health Award – Level 5 

The Mental Health Award course focuses on perceptions of mental health, providing information, promoting understanding and equipping learners with positive coping strategies to improve and maintain mental health and wellbeing. With an emphasis on understanding the contributing factors to mental health, the course informs learners of the impact and consequences of a range of factors that are linked with mental health. 

Leadership through Barista skills – Level 5 Units 

Pupils will develop a knowledge of marketing, leadership, customer service and barista skills through our own Harlaw Coffee shop. Learners will complete a L5 marketing unit, the L5 Barista unit, as well as the L5 Leadership Award. Pupils will be encouraged to volunteer at the coffee shop in addition to their two-period elective which may be first thing in the morning, at break or lunchtime. They may also be encouraged to volunteer at community events such as parents' evenings. 

Music Technology - Level L3/4/5 

The music technology elective is the unit “Music Technology in Context” and is available from SCQF Level 3 to Level 5. In this elective, candidates will learn the skills required to create, record, and edit live music and other types of audio productions. Candidates will create an audiobook, including sound effects and background music, a podcast, a radio broadcast, and a live instrumental performance. They will learn to use different recording techniques and equipment effectively to record different types of instruments, sounds, and voices. Candidates will also learn to effectively edit sounds using techniques such as reverb and panning, and how to create foley sounds (creation and reproduction of sound effects) for different types of audio productions. 

Employability and Life Skills 

This course is an opportunity for pupils to build skills they will use to navigate everyday life, both in school and beyond it. Pupils will develop their confidence, communication, and social skills as well as a range of practical skills that can be used to support independent living in the future. Sometimes you will learn completely new things and sometimes you will build your skills on things you already know and you will be encouraged to work individually and together with other pupils.  Activities may include: 

• Cooking 

• Budgeting 

• Communicating with others/teamwork 

• Filling in job applications and forms 

• Travel and timetabling 

• Health and well-being 

• Managing emotions 

Work Experience – Level 4/5 

Pupils to undertake a work placement. This provides pupils with the opportunity to get experience in the field or industry they are keen to pursue. They will also gain valuable life and employability skills. Pupils will be able to complete a Work Experience Award at Level 4/5. 

NPA Photography: Understanding Photography - Level 4/5 

The aim of this course is to develop learners’ understanding of photography. Learners will research a range of different genres in photography and learn about a variety of photographic concepts. They will investigate different photographic approaches and will apply their knowledge and understanding by explaining the effects of creative and technical concepts used in photography. This elective is suitable for learners who have an interest in creative subjects such as Art and Photography. 

Enterprise/Woodwork 

Pupils will work on projects that will either raise money for school charities or benefit the school community. The aim of the projects is to allow pupils to develop practical, technical, and transferable skills such as creativity, oral, written and evaluation abilities, resource management, and organisational skills. The skills gained from the elective equips candidates with relevant and transferable skills which can be used in any employment setting, including self-employment. 

Introduction to Spanish – Spanish for Life and Work 

Learn and practice Spanish related to the workplace, holidays, and life in another country.  

Students will learn the vocabulary for different jobs and workplaces, as well as, how to share information about themselves in a professional context: Job applications and job interviews. We will also look at language specific to the fields of work they are interested in. 

Languages for Work purposes – German 

Learn and practice language associated with using German in a workplace. 

We will learn the vocabulary for different jobs and workplaces as well as how to share information about you in a professional context. This will include how to have a basic interview in German and how to write a covering letter in German. We will also look at language specific to the fields of work you are interested in. It will be tailored to prior language learning and planned career paths and result in an SQA unit award at the appropriate level.

Forensic Science Applications (one unit from NPA 5: Applied Science) 

This Unit introduces the fundamental techniques of forensic science developing skills in biology, chemistry, and physics in a contemporary context. The unit also develops basic research and information handling skills. This elective may be 

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to:  

• Explain and use scientific techniques in relation to their application in forensics.  

• Investigate forensic evidence in a documented case(s).  

• Describe current developments in forensic science technology 

This unit is internally assessed using: 

• 40-minute closed book assessment. 

• Practical assessment. 

• Two open-book reports 

Sports Performance – N4/5 Unit 

Young people who are keen on sports performing and already taking National 5 Physical Education will get the opportunity to refine their chosen performance with this unit. In addition, those young people who have not chosen Physical Education are also welcome to choose this to obtain a N4/5 PE Performance Unit. 

Film & Media 

In the S4 Film and Media elective, you will study different aspects of media. This will include looking at films, television shows, adverts and posters. You will also be encouraged to plan and create your own short films. Pupils will aim to complete a N4 qualification. 

Bike Maintenance 

This course would be for anyone interested in fixing bikes. Young people would take part and fix up bikes while logging their progress. Bike Maintenance is a small, hands-on group elective, where pupils will learn practical skills; bike maintenance tasks/techniques; how to use hand tools; and safe workshop practice. On top of this, teamwork and interpersonal skills are a key area which is focused on in this course 

Creative Industries: Dance Leadership 

This Level 5 course is aimed at pupils interested in dance, creativity, and leadership. Across both qualifications, pupils will develop leadership and organisational skills by planning, running, and evaluating a creative event. 

In Dance Leadership, pupils focus on leading dance activities, developing confidence, teamwork, and communication while understanding dance’s role in Scotland’s creative industries. 

In Creative Industries, pupils explore areas such as media, theatre, film, and advertising, developing practical skills, employability, and knowledge of industry roles through hands‑on creative projects. 

Together, the course builds strong foundations for further study or careers in creative and performance industries. 

Community Placements/Leadership

Pupils choosing this option will work to achieve the L5 Leadership Award and gain the Saltire Award for Volunteering as part of a community placement within or out with school. Pupils will start off in class working on the Leadership Award then complete placements from September until Christmas. Pupils then return to class in January to complete the Leadership Award until Easter.

• Community Placement element: Pupils will undertake a community placement which could involve supporting BGE learners weekly, with reading, writing or individual needs. Opportunities also include placements outside of school, such as libraries, charities, community centres, sports activities, or environmental work. Pupils get recognition for this through a Saltire Award after a minimum of 10 hours have been completed. This is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the communities across Aberdeen whilst developing a range of skills including communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamworking.

• L5 Leadership Award element: Pupils develop transferable skills and experience by leading events. They work with school staff and community partners to learn about practices and procedures required for successful management of events within the school and in our local community. The first unit introduces leadership styles, what good leadership looks like, and the skills & qualities of effective leaders. The second unit sees pupils plan, organise and lead a real-life event as part of their placement. For example, managing the Christmas window display for a charity shop placement, delivering a coaching session for a PE class placement, or providing a party for children at a community centre placement.

Bee Keeping – Personal Development Award

This course introduces pupils to beekeeping through a combination of theory and practical-based learning. Pupils will learn about the equipment and tools used to keep bees and the techniques used to subdue and manage them. Pupils will learn the basic science and practice of beekeeping, including the theory related to plants, pests, and diseases that can affect bees and the importance of bees to the wider agricultural economy. Pupils will gain hands-on practical experience building a new apiary within the school. This may involve visits to other local apiaries. At this early stage, learners will achieve L5/L6 Personal Development Units as we focus on setting up new equipment and establishing our first hive.

L5/6 Literacy

This would be suitable for young people who are choosing not to pursue English into S5 or S6 and have not taken English since S4. This allows young people to leave school with the highest level of literacy.

L5 Numeracy

This would be suitable for young people who are choosing not to pursue Maths, Applications of Maths or Personal Finance into S5 or S6 and have not taken Maths since S4. This allows young people to leave school with the highest level of Numeracy.

Prefects

Are you passionate about making a positive change and leaving your mark on your school community? 

This course will develop your ability to lead and work effectively as part of a team. You will build professional skills such as communication, problem-solving, and handling challenging conversations, while taking on meaningful responsibilities. Prefects will support faculties with improvement priorities, celebrate success across the school, and lead to strategic changes that make a real impact. Through this elective, you will gain a Level 6 Leadership Award and/or Personal Development Award, equipping you with valuable skills for future education and employment. You must be committed, responsible, a role model, and passionate to bring positive change.

Mental Health Award - L5

The Mental Health Award course focuses on perceptions of mental health, providing information, promoting understanding and equipping learners with positive coping strategies to improve and maintain mental health and wellbeing. With an emphasis on understanding the contributing factors to mental health, the course informs learners of the impact and consequences of a range of factors that are linked with mental health.

RMPS – Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

RMPS will no longer be a CORE subject for S5/6 but pupils will be able to select this as an elective instead. This will consist of two units across the year. Pupils will study moral issues surrounding the areas of gender and relationships. These will include topics such as the place of marriage in society, gender inequality and discrimination, sexual relationships and LGBT+ issues. Pupils will explore how different religious and non-religious groups respond to moral issues. They will also discuss their own opinions on moral issues and support these with reasons. Pupils can work towards a SQA Unit of National 5 or Higher. 

Philosophy

Pupils will be introduced to different moral theories and philosophies to help explain different moral positions in relation to real-life situations. Pupils will explore how different theories can be applied to moral issues. Pupils will develop their own opinions about the theories explored and support these with reasons. Pupils can work towards an SQA Unit at National 5 or Higher.

Creative Industries

The focus of this course is on creativity and collaboration and understanding how the creative industries contribute to Scotland's economy and cultural identity. The course explores the dynamic world of the Creative Industries in Scotland, including advertisement, film, media, theatre, and photography. 

Pupils will develop practical and creative skills through hands-on projects that reflect real industry practices. Through a combination of collaborative and individual work, pupils will plan creative events, build employability skills, and explore each sector in detail. This enables pupils to gain an understanding of professional roles and responsibilities across the industries, preparing them for further study or careers in the creative industries field.

Web Design/Digital Media – Level 5 Units

Students will cover two Level 5 NPA units.  In the Website Graphics unit, students will learn how to code simple websites using HTML and CSS, with a focus on creating and editing photographs and images to make them more suitable and efficient for online use.  In the Still Images unit, students will learn about image file types, the hardware and software required to take and edit photographs, the basic functions of DSLR cameras, simple image editing techniques and how to create a portfolio website to show off their edits.

Mathematics of Mechanics

For learners in S6 who have passed Higher Mathematics and must also be studying Advanced Higher Mathematics. The course allows for development of skills in forces, energy and momentum, straight, periodic and parabolic motion and utilises the skills covered in Advanced Higher Mathematics to develop mathematical techniques for mechanics. Learners will develop knowledge and skills that can be applied in careers in science, technology, and engineering. Upon completion of the course, learners will sit a Course Assessment in May, consisting of a single calculator paper. This course is graded.

First Robotics Competition Team

Starting with a Kit of Parts, a team of pupils will design, program, and build an industrial-sized robot to play an action-packed game, released in January. Last year the theme was to build a wall, this year the robot has to dunk basketballs.

In 360-degree learning guided by adult mentors, each FIRST® Robotics Competition team also creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and advances appreciation for STEM in its community. There may also be elements of social media promotion to raise awareness of the competition and to raise funds.

Due to the availability of an external mentor, this may require time after school one day per week and there is a competition launch event held at Robert Gordon's University.

The Regional competition was held in Edinburgh with a national final being held in London for successful teams.

Forensic Science Applications (one unit from NPA 5: Applied Science)

This Unit introduces the fundamental techniques of forensic science developing skills in biology, chemistry and physics in a contemporary context. The unit also develops basic research and information handling skills. This elective may be

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to: 

• Explain and use scientific techniques in relation to their application in forensics. 

• Investigate forensic evidence in a documented case(s). 

• Describe current developments in forensic science technology

This unit is internally assessed using:

• 40-minute closed book assessment.

• Practical assessment.

• Two open-book reports

Advanced Higher Science Elective - Practical Work

Available to S6 only

This elective is a supportive time available to pupils who are studying Advanced Higher Science qualifications, particularly those with 2 AH Sciences. This will allow time in your timetable to complete your practical work in the Science Faculty, which is a large part of your grade in each subject. We will also supplement this time, prior to the projects starting with progress towards Young Stem Leaders and/or Leadership awards.

Powering Futures

Working in a team, you will create a solution to a real-world sustainability challenge set by businesses and

present this back to a panel of industry panelists. By participating in this course, you will develop the critical meta-skills that employers are looking for, helping you to prepare for your future.

Assessment

Successful candidates will:

• Complete a portfolio of evidence

• Work closely with your team

• Deliver a presentation showcasing your solution

• Gain 8 SCQF credit points and 7 UCAS tariff points

Active Schools

Young people with a passion for working with young people will learn practical skills and games to be able to volunteer in the Primary schools helping with their PE lessons. The first block will be based mainly in school learning the basics for teaching some core skills and then the group will move into planning and supporting in Primary schools. Pupils will gain leadership qualifications gained through Sport Aberdeen.

Spanish for Native Speakers – N5/Higher

Any young person who has Spanish as their first language or are a very keen linguist and are keen to get certified at either National 5 or Higher level are open to choose this elective. This course will cover all four key skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking and will culminate in a final SQA exam in May.