S3 Course Choice

S3 Curriculum Rationale


In S3 pupils are provided with a balanced educational experience, one which covers the majority of curricular areas, while also allowing an element of personalisation and choice. 

As a school, we recognise that by this stage pupils have a better idea of where their talents and interests lie and for some, where they want to go in the future. 

By allowing an element of choice pupils are given a learning experience that is relevant to them, provides more challenge and enjoyment, can study subjects in more depth and start to prepare themselves for the senior phase and beyond.

Curriculum Structure

In S3 all pupils study English, Maths, French, PE, PSE and Wellbeing / RME as a core entitlement.


Pupils are also given 5 subject choices, each of which they will study for 3 periods per week. This comprises of:


1 choice from each of the below groupings:


2 final choices from any subject in the above groupings.


A list of subjects in each of the above groupings is given in the section below:


Curriculum Offer

Choices 1-3:

As illustrated above each pupil must choose one subject from each of the below groupings. This is to ensure that a range of curricular areas are covered and transferable skills developed.

The subject choices in each of these 3 groupings are listed below:

Science and Digital Technology:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science in Society, Business, Admin & IT. 

Social Subjects:
Geography, History, Modern Studies, People & Society.

Creativity and Design:
Art & Design, Drama, Music, Music Technology, Design & Manufacture, Graphic Communication, Practical Wood and Metalwork, Practical Cookery, PE.

Choices 4-5: 

For their remaining two choices, pupils can choose from any one of the above listed subjects. For some young people, in consultation with their Guidance Teacher there is also the option to choose ASL / Wider Achievement as an option.

Choice Process - Timeline

S2 into S3 (26th Feb - 8th March)


Post-Choice Process

Once forms are handed in the following steps take place:


- pupils notified if a choice isn’t running and asked to choose another option

- pupils notified if choices aren’t satisfied and asked to choose another option

Choice Process: Key Staff

There are a number of staff involved in the choice process. The list below gives an overview of the key staff involved in the choice process along with some of the supports that are available.

Classroom Teachers / Faculty Heads
-  Experts in their curricular area
- Know pupil strengths and weaknesses in curricular area
- Know likelihood of success / progression 


PT ASL (Mrs Hamilton)
- Available to support pupils who attend ASL and who would benefit from a flexible curriculum


PT Guidance
- Available for 1:1 meetings with pupils and parents
- Overview of pupil strengths / weaknesses / ambitions
-  Link between Faculties, SLT and Home


Careers Advisor (Karen Youngson, SDS)
- Wide knowledge of post-school options (college, university, apprenticeships, work)
- Available for 1:1 meetings with pupils and parents
- Appointments available through PT Guidance


DHT Curriculum (Mr Christie)
- Responsibility for curriculum offer
- Responsibility for timetable

Further Information

Subject Presentations

Course Choice FAQs

Careers Advice

 S2 into S3 Practice Choice Form