The curriculum which is offered to students is designed to offer breadth and balance.
In S1/2 all students follow a common curriculum, with classes being generally arranged in mixed ability groupings. Each class contains a balance of male and female pupils, drawn from the different feeder primary schools. This allows a social as well as an academic mix. The Scottish Executive Education Department requires schools to offer a course of study which fall into eight modes: Language and Communication; Mathematical Studies and Applications; Scientific Studies and Applications; Social and Environmental Studies; Technological Activities and Applications; Creative and Aesthetic Activities; Physical Education and Religious, Moral and Social Education.
Within Our Lady & St Patrick’s High School, pupils in S1/2 therefore study a broad curriculum: Art and Design, Drama, Classical Studies, English, French, Home Economics, Information Technology, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Social Subjects (a rotation of History, Geography and Modern Studies), Technical Education. A Core Skills programme using ICT is also included.
At the end of S2, pupils are invited to choose their subjects for S3/4. The Option Form is structured to allow pupils to keep their options open and not to specialise too rigidly, too early. In S3/4, students are likely to continue their study of English, French, Mathematics, Religious Education and Personal and Social Education. In addition to these subjects all students choose one of the social subjects, a science subject, a technological subject and one creative and aesthetic subject. At the end of S4, students are presented for National Examinations.
In S5, the focus narrows from eight subjects in additional to Religious Education, Physical Education, and Personal and Social Education to five courses of study, and in S6 to a minimum of 4 with the exception of those students studying a subject at Advanced Higher level. This is fully explained in the S5/6 subject Choice Booklet. There are range of courses available which carry national certification.
Additional information on the different levels of certification and Option Choice Forms are available on request.
