School Link & Virtual Courses

College School Link  - Virtual Learning Academy (UHI) & Highland Virtual Academy courses

Although the curriculum in the senior phase is delivered in the main in school, there are also opportunities in the Senior Phase for learning in North Highland College, through the College School Link online programme (VLA) and the Highland Virtual Academy. Some school link courses take place on a Friday, while others align with the Highland Virtual Academy which fits into the school timetable. Pupils attending college on a Friday are required to first attend school for period one when they will have timetabled classes.

The application and entry process for college courses is separate to the school and runs differently to entry to our own courses. Pupils must complete online applications, and for some courses pupils are interviewed. 

There is often high demand from across the region for these courses and places are not guaranteed. Commitment to these courses is therefore for a full year. Acceptance is decided by colleges and not by the school. 

All pupils opting for a college course must also make a back-up selection for a school-based course in case they do not secure a place at college.

Pupils who are opting to undertake a virtual learning course through the Virtual Learning Academy (UHI) or through the Highland Virtual Academy (HVA) will need to be self motivated and committed to learning online in order to be successful with this means of study.

In addition to the information contained in this guide, Pupil Support (Guidance) teachers will be discussing course choices with students who can also seek advice from their subject teachers, senior promoted staff in the school or from Jane Young our Skills Development Scotland (SDS) staff member.