S1
Course Choice Information
December 2015
This leaflet has been produced for first year pupils and their parents/carers. We hope
that it gives you just the right amount of information about the courses which are on
offer in S2 from the final column on the choice sheet and that it will be useful when
there are discussions at home about what the best choices might be.
In S2 all pupils will study English, Maths, Modern Languages, Science, Social Subjects and
CDT. All pupils will also study core subjects of PSE, RE and PE. They are being asked to
make 3 choices from the last column on the choice sheet that they will study over the
next two years.
At the end of S3, pupils will choose which 5 subjects they wish to continue to study
towards a national qualification as well as English and Maths. You will get more
information about this in future.
Before making choices pupils should discuss all the possibilities with parents, relatives
and friends and use the Parent’s night next week to speak to staff about their decisions.
Whatever choices are made, the important thing is that pupils do their very best in next
year.
When considering S2 subject choice the following do's and don'ts should
be borne in mind.
DO read this leaflet carefully. As you do so pay particular attention to subjects
that interest you.
DO choose subjects where you think you will do well. A genuine interest in a
subject and a willingness to work hard is very important at the beginning of one
or two year courses.
DO talk to your subject teachers, Guidance teacher and parents about your
possible choices.
DO consider if you already have some idea about the kind of job you would like
when you leave school. Your Guidance teacher, or the Careers Adviser, will help.
DO think carefully about your choices. Once you have started a course it is not
always easy to change to another one should you change your mind.
DON'T choose a subject just because a friend has. It's YOUR future you should
think about. Your friend may not even be in the same class as you, even if you
do make the same subject choice.
DON'T choose a subject just because you like the teacher. You may not have
him or her again.
DO remember that all subjects are open to both boys and girls; just as most
careers now offer equality of opportunity for both men and women. Engineering
and industry opens up many possibilities for women, whilst men have much to
offer in creative or caring occupations.
Art and Design
The Art & Design course integrates knowledge and understanding with practical
art experiences in the context of expressive and design work. Pupils learn about
the work of artists and designers. Finished art and design work carried out by
pupils will have scope for personalisation and choice. The course has three
elements these are design, expressive drawing/painting and critical activity;
these have been designed to give a broad range of skills and experience.
Business Education
Employers wanted the introduction of a business course in schools to ensure
young people left school with knowledge of the very businesses they would work
in. We rely on businesses and entrepreneurs to create wealth and jobs in our
society. This course helps to create better informed employees, employers and
business owners of the future. Pupils will also continue to develop more
advanced skills in office software packages – databases, spreadsheets, word
processing; essential skills for any employee/employer.
Computing/IT
Digital devices are all around us and they’ll play a huge part in our future, from
helping to diagnose and treat illnesses, to assisting referees in sports, to
recording and transmitting the latest information and news. Our course will
enable you to understand computing devices and apply, change and develop
information systems of your own.
Drama
The Drama Course is designed to provide opportunities for learners to develop
skills in creating and presenting drama with a focus on developing skills in
acting, characterisation and devising as well as learning new skills in technical
theatre such as lighting and sound. Pupils will also develop their ability to
appreciate and evaluate drama.
The course is suitable not only for those wishing to pursue a career in theatre
but also to individuals who wish to further enhance their core skills such as
communication, working with others and problem solving.
Hospitality
This course will develop a range of cookery skills and processes, as well as food
preparation techniques. Learners will develop an understanding of ingredients
from a variety of different sources, as well as of their uses and responsible
sourcing and sustainability. They will also gain an understanding of the impact of
the choice of ingredients on health and wellbeing, and embed food safety and
hygiene skills
Music
The aim of this course is to provide pupils with a broad experience of expressive
arts, providing coverage of the Level 3/4 experiences and outcomes in the
subject of music. The areas of study will be:
 PRESENTING – pupils will be encouraged to develop skills in performing
on an instrument of their choice or on voice in a solo or a group situation.
 CREATING – pupils will be encouraged to develop skills in composition and
will be encouraged to use technology to create.
 EVALUATING – pupils will be encouraged to develop skills in listening and
will be given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of music where
they will analyse technical aspects and express personal opinions.
PE Aesthetic
The main purpose of the course is to develop and demonstrate a broad and
comprehensive range of movement skills in challenging contexts. Learners will
be able to use strategies to make appropriate decisions for effective
performance, be able to analyze performance, understand what is required to
develop it and then apply knowledge to their own performance. This is from a
range of activities which include Dance, Gymnastics, Badminton, Swimming and
Fitness. Students should NOT choose PE Aesthetic in both Column H and K.
Uniformed Services – this course counts for TWO choices
This course introduces learners to the roles and responsibilities of uniformed and
emergency services team members in Scotland and explores the diversity of
career opportunities available in the uniformed and emergency services.
Learners will participate in practical activities which will help them to develop
knowledge and understanding of uniformed and emergency services
environments. This course introduces learners to a number of generic
employability skills but also focuses on a number of specific employability skills
valued by employers in the uniformed and emergency services, eg timekeeping,
attendance and the ability to follow instructions. Candidates will also have the
opportunity to develop the skills of reflecting and evaluating, through reviewing
their own employability skills and recording their progress.