Subject choices

Advice and Considerations

Making your subject choices is a big (and exciting!) decision. It can have an impact on what you do when you leave school.

The idea is to make choices for both the person you are now, and the person you want to be in the future.

You can find the relevant Subject choice forms and information about the courses offered via the curriculum on the Subject choice Curriculum pages here

Big questions to ask yourself

Which subjects do I enjoy and why?

Which subjects am I good at? What skills am I developing in these?

Are there any essential subjects that I need for my future? What other subjects would be useful?

For S4 and S5 Pupils

Are there any new subjects I would like to study? Consider the pros and cons of taking a new subject.

Considerations for S2 pupils going into S3

You may have an idea of what you want to do in the future already or you may have no idea at all!

At this stage, it is very important to keep your options open by building breadth in your curriculum.

This will enable you to develop a range of useful transferable skills and ensure that you are successful in the future.

Remember that you may change your mind about your future destination. Many people do!

That is why you all have to take Maths, English and a language. We also strongly recommend that you take a science, a social science and an expressive subject so you can build a range of skills and not become too specialised too early.

You should also look in detail at the course content.

This is because some subjects, have very different teaching approaches and forms of assessment even if they are taught by the same department.

examples:

Courses in Design and Manufacture/ Graphic Communication are taught in the same department but are very different.
This is also the case for Business Management and Economics, or Philosophy and RMPS

You can check this by asking your teachers and Heads of Department or by looking in detail at the courses descriptions on the curriculum website

Are there essential subject combinations for some careers?

Interested in Engineering?

You'll need Maths and Physics

Interested in Medicine/Biomedical sciences, Pharmacy?

You'll need Biology and Chemistry

For a small number of Medical school, you will also require N5 Physics (see the Medical Council website for the detailed entry requirements of each medical school)

If the columns don't exactly fit: think SKILLS!

It’s generally possible to fit STEM subjects into the existing column structure. This is because knowledge in these subjects builds sequentially—you need a strong foundation in earlier concepts to understand more advanced ones. This makes it very difficult to 'crash' a STEM subject in S5.

In contrast, Social Sciences often allow for skill transfer. Critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation can be applied across topics without requiring the same step-by-step mastery. So, if your exact combination of social subjects doesn’t fit the column structure, you have some flexibility. While the content may differ, you’ll still develop relevant skills for your future, and it’s entirely possible to 'crash' a social science subject in S5 if you have strong skills in another social science.

Considerations for S4 pupils going into S5

You will study 5 SQA courses and these will be a combination of Higher and National 5 courses depending on your academic profile and needs.

Check the courses content here or by asking your teachers or the relevant Heads of Department.

To make the best decision, it is important to start thinking about your future and what you might want to do when you leave school. Of course, it is ok not to know what you want to do when you leave school and you have time to refine your ideas over the next two years.

Plan ahead

Consider S5 and S6 as two years that will enable you to get the qualifications and skills you need to successfully apply to a post-school destination.

Are there specific subjects I need?
When should I study this subject? in S5 or in S6?

Quality over quantity

Many of you are aiming to go to university at the end of S6. The currency for entry into Scottish universities is 4 to 6 Highers at A/B grade over the two years. For the most competitive courses, you may need 5 Highers in one year, but there are many excellent universities that are happy for you to gain your qualifications over two years*.

Therefore you can take a combination of Higher and National 5 courses in S5 without jeopardising your chances of getting into university. However, if you already have a very specific course or university in mind, it is important to check entry requirements* to see if there is anything you need in S5 specifically.

For entry into college, which is our second most popular destination, you need 2 or 3 Highers at a Pass to access and HNC or HND course.

This means that you should take subjects that you like, that are useful to your chosen course (if you have one in mind) and that you are likely to be successful in.

We do not recommend taking more than 5 Highers

5 Higher courses will make you competitive even for the most high tariff universities as it enables you to showcase a breadth of academic ability.

This is a significant workload for anyone, and it won't make you more competitive. In fact, it may prevent you from getting the grades you need!

Higher courses are intensive and you will only have 2 terms of formal study before taking the examination. It is important to have enough time outside of class to consolidate the learning done in class and practice the new skills you'll be learning.

It will enable you to engage in enrichment activities, which do make a big difference in competitive applications (as well as … enrich your lives!)

Can I change my mind?

It is important to make the most realistic choices possible from the start and to sign up (only) for the courses you are likely to study/need.

There will be two opportunities to change your mind

In June after your exams. You may feel differently based on how you have performed and when starting on the new timetable. The Careers team will be there to advise if you have a change of heart
Post exam results in August

Of course, if your results in August do not match your expectations, you can revisit your choices, and there will be support from the Careers team to help you do so the week following exam results and at the start of session

*Entry requirements are complex and we will discuss them in more detail during the S5 Futures week and in S6 as you go through the UCAS process.

Considerations for S5 pupils going into S6

You will need at least 3 certificated courses next year. You will study a combination of N5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. This will depend on your academic profile and on the entry requirements for your chosen courses .

Check the courses content here or by asking your teachers or the relevant Heads of Department.

Plan ahead

To make the best decision, it is important to really start thinking about your future and what you might want to do when you leave school. Of course, it is perfectly ok for you not to be sure about what you want to do after school at this stage. You will have time to refine your ideas in the upcoming months and in S6. However, now is a good time to explore your options.

Many of you are aiming to go to university at the end of S6. The currency for entry into Scottish universities is 4/6 Highers at A/B grade over the two years. For the most competitive courses, you may need 5 Highers in one year, but there are many excellent universities that are happy for you to gain your qualifications over two years*.

For entry into College, which is our second most popular destination, you would need 2 or 3 Highers at a Pass to access and HNC or HND course.

S6 is an excellent year to mop up subjects you did not know you needed at N5, Higher or Advanced Higher level, or retake subjects you haven't performed in (ie- less than a B)

You can check entry requirements in UCAS or on the university websites. Please note that minimum entry requirements are unlikely to be enough to be considered for the course and you should look at the typical or upper range of the requirements.*

Key question to ask yourself: Are there specific subject requirements for courses I am interested in which I currently do not meet?

Make realistic choices

Take the subjects you’re likely to need and likely to be successful in.

Your Prelims results are a good indicator for this, even if you will continue to improve before the final exam.

Based on your results at the prelims consider the following

Should I take Advanced Highers or more Highers?

As explained above, entry requirements for universities range from BBBB to AAAAAA+ and depend on the university and course.*

Therefore it may be in your best interest to take Highers rather than Advanced Highers next year.

However, Advanced Highers are very useful for deepening your knowledge and consolidate your independent skills. They can be essential for some Scottish university courses and for many English universities.

Check the policy on double counting

Most Scottish universities will not recognise an Advanced Higher in a subject where you already have a Higher at Grade A. Only a few will double count and credit a Higher at A and an AH in the same subject. It may be more advantageous to take new Highers than take an AH. However, a B grade at Advanced Higher is deemed equivalent to an A at Higher where you have a B at Higher

Check the university policy on retakes

If you are finding the demands of one or more of your Higher courses challenging this year, you may be considering a retake. This can be a great idea. However, you should consider whether you will need to get an A or whether getting a better grade will suffice (from a C to a B).

if you need an A and you're struggling, it may be more strategic to take a new Higher entirely.

How many AH should I take?

If you're in the position to consider taking AH in S6, we do not recommend taking more than 3 AH in total.

3AH is an ambitious workload which fits the requirements of the most competitive courses at the most competitive universities.

It is also important to recognise the potential negative impact of having more than 3 AH: such a heavy workload on your wellbeing and ability to perform/excel in throughout the session and in the final exams

Experience has consistently shown that most pupils who take more than 3AH struggle to keep up with the workload, which also impact on their attainment and mental health and wellbeing.

Can I change my mind?

It is important to make the most realistic choices possible at the time of subject choices and to sign up for the courses you are likely to study/need.

Please don't take more than you need, and take the time to think about which courses you do need.

There will be two opportunities to change your mind

In June after your exams. You may feel differently based on how you have performed and when starting on the new timetable. The Careers team will be there to advise if you have a change of heart

Post exam results in August

*Entry requirements are complex and we will discuss them in more detail during the S5 Futures week and in S6 as you go through the UCAS process.

Who can help me make a decision?

Deciding which subject to choose is exciting, but it can also be a daunting prospect. We encourage you to seek advice and take time to discuss your options with as many people as you can.

Your family, family friends and peers

Asking someone you trust what they think you’re good at and could do well in can give you great insights. Their answers may surprise you. But in the end, you should make the choices that feel right for you.

Your teachers and the Heads of Department

Teaching staff love to talk about their discipline and will be delighted to talk to you about the course content, methods of assessments and type of activities they are doing. Don't be shy and ask them about the courses you are interested in. And don't worry, they won't be cross if, in the end, you don't take their subject!

The Pupil Support team:

This includes your guidance team (Year heads, Head of Year), member of the Additional Support for Learning team and, of course, the Careers team. You can email them to have a chat or pop in to discuss!

I can't fit my subjects in the existing column structure

Where preferred subject combinations cannot be accommodated in the current structure please pick the combination of subjects you may be interested in on the online form and use the comment box to record any other subjects you are interested in studying. These comments will be considered and we will check whether the school can accommodate these going forward to next session. When the subject choice process is completed for all pupils, you will receive an update on your request.

Where can I find more information?

There are many places to help you find more information

Curriculum website

The first place to look at is the curriculum support website dedicated to Subject choice. This will give you clear guidelines and you can access the grid and form. This is also where you will find information about the courses.

Unifrog

Unifrog: you all have access to our online platform Unifrog, our progression and Careers online platform. The section on Exploring Pathways in particular is an amazing tool to help you link subjects, skills and careers and enable you to make informed decisions.

S4 and S5 Pupils: post school requirements

If you are interested in a School College Partnership course

Please refer to our dedicated page here

Requirements for University: check the UCAS website

UCAS, individual university websites and College websites can also give you information about specific entry requirements for university or college courses.

If you are interested in 'Russel Group' universities

the website informed choices could be useful to explore your options.

- - - Note that Scottish Russell Group universities, offering a four-year Honours undergraduate degree, usually make offers to Scottish students based on Highers, rather than Advanced Highers, but it’s important to check individual requirements as some courses (like Medicine) require Advanced Higher. They normally require applicants to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge by having Highers (or Advanced Highers where required) across four different subject areas.
    - Russell Group universities elsewhere in the UK, offering a three-year Honours undergraduate degree, will often ask for a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers. it is important to check entry requirements with individual universities.

If you are interested in Medicine/Vet Medicine/Dentistry:

some advice on subject choice here

How many subjects do I need to take in S5/6?

Firstly, it is important to recognise that there is no typical curriculum or one size fit all when it comes to choosing your subjects in S4, S5 and S6. Depending on your academic profile, and aspirations for the future you will all require a personalised subject choice. For some courses, there are specific subject requirements (especially for scientific courses) so it is important to check you have the right subjects at the right level.

Scottish universities

The currency for entry into Scottish universities is 4/6 Highers at A/B grade over the two years. For the most competitive courses, you may need 5 Highers in one year, but there are many excellent universities that are happy for you to gain your qualifications over two years*. Advanced Highers are very useful for deepening your knowledge and consolidate your independent skills and some and some competitive courses at Scottish universities will expect you to take two or more Advanced Higher courses (for example Medicine).

English universities

English Universities recognise Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, and many will accept a combination of Higher and Advanced Highers courses. This information is available on the course pages which sometimes very clearly display equivalence of entry requirements between English and Scottish qualifications (sometimes the information is easy to find, sometimes you need to contact the admission teams directly)*.

The most competitive English universities like Oxford, Cambridge or Durham would typically expect pupils to take 5 Highers in S5 and 3 Advanced Higher in S6. This enables you to showcase you ability to cope with a demanding workload and develop a range of skills, and still places you in a minority of pupils nationally who are able to cope with a such demanding workload.

Would taking more make me more competitive?

Taking more than 5 Higher or more than 3 Advanced Higher courses will not make you more competitive, and there is no expectation from even the most competitive universities like Oxford or Cambridge to take more subjects than required.

Taking more than 5 Higher and 3 Advanced Higher courses also prevents you from engaging with our enrichment programme which often offers a range of super curricular opportunities that can make your application more competitive.

It is also important to recognise the potential negative impact of such a heavy workload on your wellbeing and ability to perform/excel in throughout the session and in the final exams

We do not recommend taking more than 5 Higher courses and 3 Advanced Higher courses (or 2 AH and 2 Higher) in S6, and this would be something we discuss with you when engaging with the S5 and S6 Subject Choice Scrutiny.

*Entry requirements are complex and we will discuss them in more detail during the S5 Futures week and in S6 as you go through the UCAS process.

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