S1-3 BROAD GENERAL EDUCATION (BGE)
Across the Broad General Education young people learn within the following Curriculum for Excellence levels:
| Level | Stage |
| Early | The pre-school years and Primary 1 or later for some. |
| First | To the end of Primary 4, but earlier or later for some. |
| Second | To the end of Primary 7, but earlier or later for some. |
| Third | Secondary 1 to Secondary 3, but earlier for some the fourth level broadly equates to SCQF level 4. |
Our curriculum is planned to allow young people to consolidate prior learning and to work across the third level within curriculum areas until S2, and progress to fourth level in S3 where learners are ready to do this, supporting progress to the Senior Phase.
S1 & S2 CURRICULUM
Pupils in S1 & S2 experience learning in all curriculum areas through Core English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Language (French), PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education), RME (Religious and Moral Education) and PE (Physical Education). Social Studies are delivered by single period delivery of Geography, History and Modern Studies. Expressive Arts are delivered through discrete teaching of Art & Music and Technologies through discrete teaching of ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Technical Education and Home Economics. Pupils learn in Tutor groups or in practical classes where appropriate and in mixed ability sections with the exception of Mathematics and English by S2 where young people learn according to the level of learning.
S3 CURRICULUM
At the end of S2, young people will continue core experiences of English and Mathematics according to their level of learning, as well as PE, PSHE, and RME. Additional learning time is provided for an enhanced focus on literacy and numeracy. Challenge, depth of learning and specialisation takes place at this stage as learners select one option from Social Studies, Expressive Arts/Health and Wellbeing, Sciences, Language and Technologies, in addition to one Free Choice from any curriculum area.
S4-6 SENIOR PHASE
S4 CURRICULUM
In S4, young people take seven courses at National 4 or National 5 from their S3 subjects. Each course will be taught for four periods. Learners have two periods of Core PSHE, two of PE and one of RME. National 4 Qualifications and some National 5 Skills for Work (SfW) courses are internally assessed, meaning there is no final examination and the qualification is awarded through the achievement of units. National 5 Qualifications are achieved through a combination of coursework submitted and a final examination.
S5 CURRICULUM
In S5, young people go on to take five courses at National 5 or Higher from their previous studies in S4 or in new areas of study at National 5. Some National 5 qualifications are aligned with S4 classes and are delivered as a single Senior Phase cohort (S4-6) for four periods per week. Higher courses are studied in six periods per week. National 5 and Higher Qualifications are awarded through a combination of coursework and a final examination. Students have one period of PSHE, and one of PE which supports an ongoing focus on health and wellbeing.
S6 CURRICULUM
In S6, students go on to take a further five courses at National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher level. This can include subjects taken at an earlier stage at the next level, or a range of wider achievement options such as Barista, Volunteering Skills and Leadership Award.
