S5-S6

S5 is an important year in every pupil’s school career. It is a critical year for academic assessment as achievements in Higher exams will be significant for university entrance requirements and future career aspirations. S5 pupils choose five courses, usually including Higher English, from a range of options.

S6 is the culmination of thirteen years of school; it offers additional responsibilities and opportunities, and it acts as a bridge between school life and, for most pupils, the world of study at university. S6 is an invaluable year for developing personal and social skills as well as for adding to academic and intellectual achievements. Classes are smaller in size and through tutorial and seminar work, pupils can experience something of the university style of teaching and learning. S6 pupils can choose a combination of courses from a very wide range of Higher, Advanced Higher, National 5, GCSE, AS Level and enhancement courses.

As a community, we highly value the impact of outdoor and cultural experiences on the personal and social development of our pupils. S5 pupils participate in Projects, a week of out-of-school excursions and activities where pupils choose from a broad range of outdoor and cultural projects which are designed to challenge and broaden the horizons of our young people.

S5 Curriculum

S5 pupils choose five courses, usually including Higher English, from a range of options which include:

Accounting
Art and Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Classical Greek (AS level)
Computing
Drama
Economics
Engineering Science
French
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
History
Human Biology
Latin
Mandarin
Mathematics
Modern Studies
Music
Photography
Physics
Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
Spanish
National 5s, in a variety of subjects, are also available

S5 pupils participate in one period of PE and attend a Sport afternoon every week. We are keen to ensure that every pupil is given the opportunity to take part in a physical activity which they enjoy so S5-6 pupils can choose from a wide range of choices including: yoga, rock climbing, rowing, hockey, rugby, dance, netball, golf, tennis, squash and basketball.

S5 Curriculum Booklet

S6 Curriculum

Advanced Higher Subjects include:

Accounting
Art and Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Greek (A2 level)
Computing
Drama
Economics
Engineering Science
English
French
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
History
Latin
Mathematics
Mathematics of Mechanics
Statistics
Modern Studies
Music
Physics
Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
Spanish

In addition to the Higher courses available to S5, S6 pupils can also study Higher Philosophy, Design and Manufacture and NPA Musical Theatre. Higher Administration and IT will be available from August 2022.

S6 pupils can also study a broad range of enhancement courses which vary from year to year.

S6 pupils participate in one Sport afternoon per week. We are keen to ensure that every pupil is given the opportunity to take part in a physical activity which they enjoy so S5-6 pupils can choose from a wide range of choices including: yoga, rock climbing, rowing, hockey, rugby, dance, netball, golf, tennis, squash and basketball.

S6 Curriculum Booklet

S6 Leadership Opportunities

The school community provides senior pupils with the opportunity for service as Prefects; as office bearers in clubs and societies; in sports teams or through the CCF. Pupils can also act as classroom assistants in a number of S1 and S2 classes, as well as taking part in a structured paired reading scheme in the Junior School. Those who have completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in S5 will have the opportunity to work towards the Gold Award in S6.

Tradition of Academic Success

97.3% S5 Higher Pass
72.7% S5 Higher ‘A’ Pass
75 S5 pupils achieved five As Higher
91.5% S6 Advanced Higher Pass
56.3% A pass in Advanced Higher out of 318 entries
10 S6 pupils achieved four As Advanced Higher
99% offered first choice university
96% average S6 Leavers go on to Higher and Further Education

Broad Curriculum

Burnett Scholarships are available for pupils entering S5 and S6 from other schools.

S5 choose from 25 Highers.

S6 choose from 32 Highers and 25 Advanced Highers.

RGC Online Diploma Modules

The RGC Online Diploma programme is also available to S5 and S6 RGC Pupils to advance their knowledge of technology. Modules can be completed as stand-alone qualifications, or combined to be awarded a diploma.

Pupils can enrol for these self-study modules at any time between August - May each school year and each module takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Learn about the ethics of artificial intelligence and how to to design, use, and think about AI.

DATA SCIENCE

Explore the world of data and the tools and techniques used to analyse and solve problems.

GAME DESIGN

Learn the fundamentals of game design mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics and technology.

CYBER SECURITY

Learn the importance of cyber security both as individuals and a profession by exploring common cyber security risks, including web application security risks and malware.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Developing your entrepreneurial spirit in order to be a motivated change maker who has the tools to approach any problem with confidence.