S5 Curriculum

In S5, pupils can choose to study up to five subjects at levels ranging from National (Levels 2-5) to Higher (Level 6). Highers are studied for six periods a week and Nationals generally for five periods per week. Pupils can also choose courses from the North Highland College School Link programme, though they should be aware that following one of these courses may result in missing a period of teaching from one or two of the subjects chosen if these are Higher subjects.

Pupils may engage with virtual courses which are offered through North Highland College school link or the Highland Virtual Academy.  There are several Foundation Apprenticeships that are on offer also—Year 1 of an FA can be done in S5.

In S5 most pupils will also have core subjects comprising one period per week of Physical Education or Study and one period per week of Personal and Social Education. Pupils may be offered enhancement to their learning and wider achievement opportunities in S5 by the choice of one period per week ‘+1 Options’ if they are following a National level course (staffing dependent).

S5 pupils who wish to apply for college, apprenticeships, employment  or university with the intention of leaving school at the end of S5 should ensure they speak to their Pupil Support Teacher or Year Head about their application at the beginning of the session as they will be assigned to one of college, apprenticeship, employment or UCAS application classes. S5 often have full timetables so may have to attend the lunchtime session.

After the S5 Tracking has been sent home following prelims, 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.

• Pupils are required to have a full complement of 5 subjects in S5.

• Pupils should aim for the highest possible attainment, particularly if intending to apply for university courses.

• Pupils should consider possible pathways through S5 - 6 and into Higher or Further education or Employment

Entry to S5 and S6 is not completely automatic and pupils will be asked to abide by our Senior School Code of Conduct, agreement with this code will be assumed for all pupils continuing with their school education in S5 or S6 so we would appreciate it if parents/carers and pupils can discuss this and what it means for each individual.