S3 Curriculum

The table to the left is a simplified version of the pathway of courses from S3 to S6. More indepth pathways can be seen in the Senior Phase course choice content. Most young people should be ready to move on from learning at Curriculum for Excellence Levels 2 and 3 into Levels 3 and 4  where the experiences and outcomes have been written to provide a basis for courses of study in the Senior Phase. Some will already be working at Level 4 or beyond.

As they approach the transition to S3 pupils will receive information on their progress in their S2 Tracking with recommendations for possible progression into S3. After the tracking has been sent home pupils will receive a course choice form. They will have meetings with their Pupil Support teacher or Year Head to discuss possible choices and then they will bring their choice form home to discuss with parents or carers.

In S3 pupils will also have core subjects comprising 2 periods per week of Physical Education and 1 period per week of Personal and Social Education and 1 period per week of Religious and Moral Education. Pupils do not need to choose any of these as part of their options.

In S3 pupils study 8 subjects, 2 of which are mandatory: English and Maths. The other 6 choices should be chosen from the list of available subjects.

Pupils should choose S3 options considering a number of factors:

• What subjects do you enjoy and do well in?

• What subjects do you wish to study into the Senior Phase?

• Subjects you may need if you have a specific career path in mind

• Are options broad enough to be flexible? Job ideas may change over the next few years.

• Range of subjects from across the 8 curricular areas. 

• Make your own choices – don’t make a choice just because that is what your friends are choosing.

• Is it right for you regardless of whether you are male or female? There are no ‘right or wrong’ choices or careers for different genders.

It is important that pupils view their S3 year as a foundation for the Senior Phase and part of their pathway through S4, S5 and S6 (if they remain at school) at the outset.