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The majority of information on this site has been updated for session 2025/26.
S3 Curriculum Rationale
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
Curriculum Structure
In S3 all pupils study English, Maths, French, PE, PSE and 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:
Science and Digital Technology.
Social Subjects.
Creativity and Design.
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
Curriculum Offer
Choices 1-3:
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 & IT.
Social Subjects:
Geography, History, Modern Studies, People & Society.
Creativity and Design:
Art & Design, Drama, Music, Design & Manufacture, Practical Wood and Metalwork, Practical Cookery, PE.
Choices 4-5:
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 supported study / personal development in the ASL department.
An overview of each subject area is given on the S3 Subject Guide Page
Choice Process - Timeline
Choice Process - Timeline
S2 into S3 (24th Feb - 7th March)
S2 into S3 (24th Feb - 7th March)
PSE input on course choice in PSE.
Classroom presentations from subject teachers.
Pupils issued a provisional choice form for completion.
1:1 Guidance appointments to discuss choices where required.
Choices finalised and sent to parents/carers for confirmation.
Post-Choice Process
Post-Choice Process
Once forms are handed in the following steps take place:
Numbers checked for viability (staffing, class sizes etc)
- pupils notified if a choice isn’t running and asked to choose another option
Column Structure created to maximise choice satisfaction
- pupils notified if choices aren’t satisfied and asked to choose another option
Timetable produced
No news is good news!
- pupils are only informed if there is an issue with any of their choices
Choice Process: Key Staff
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
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 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
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
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
DHT Curriculum (Mr Christie)
- Responsibility for curriculum offer
- Responsibility for timetable
Further Information
Further Information
Subject Presentations
Course Choice FAQs
Careers Advice
S2 into S3 Practice Choice Form
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