Further information on studies

Studies

The curriculum and the wider ethos and values which underpin relationships and activities within the school aim to provide a sound intellectual, spiritual, affective, imaginative, creative and physical programme of studies that promotes the fullest possible development of all the God-given talents of each individual as a member of the human community.

Programmes of study at the College try to balance the curricular guidelines of the Scottish education system with the aspirations of pupils and parents, and aim to do this within the context of a characteristically Jesuit approach to education.

In their schools in the 16th Century, the Jesuits developed an understanding of the nature and purpose of education that sees studies as opportunities to find God in every aspect of his creation and to develop a broad range of talents and interests to the full. This view of education came to be known as liberal Christian humanism. In this view no subject or pursuit is regarded as secular or secondary - all can lead to human fulfilment and awareness of God's activity. Because of this, a Jesuit school seeks always to promote academic excellence, with each pupil challenged to engage in study as a pursuit worthwhile in its own right and not just as a means to an end (such as university entrance or a career). In its contemporary form, Jesuit education includes particular curricular emphasis on:

·       formation in the Christian values of the gospel

·       religious, spiritual, and ethical education which includes rigorous formation in theology and philosophy, a commitment to ecumenism, and the resistance of atheism, materialism and consumerism

·       skills in public speaking, debating, drama, communication and the media

·       dialogue between faith and culture (including science)

·       critical analysis of society, involvement in the world and commitment to a faith that seeks justice in the service of others

The Senior School aims to build on the foundations pupils have laid at their primary schools. In S1 and S2 all courses are modular. This allows the setting of short-term learning targets with end-of-module assessments that are reported to parents. There are also end-of-year or end-of-course exams which prepare pupils for the experience of public examinations in the future.

At the end of S2, pupils choose options which they will study for the next two years. The College no longer enters pupils for Standard Grades but has chosen to present the vast majority of its pupils for the SQA’s Intermediate 2 examinations. The only exception to this is Religious Studies where all pupils are presented for the GCSE qualification in this subject awarded by the English Examination Board, Edexcel.

Pupils at S5 and S6 are guided to choose elements of a curriculum which best suit their individual needs, while maintaining the Jesuit ideal of the balanced development of the whole person. The vast majority of S5 pupils are expected to take five Highers. Sixth Year pupils have the opportunity to pursue their studies to Advanced Higher in almost all subjects. They can also complete new Highers in this year.

At each stage, the school publishes online Curriculum Guides which give parents and pupils detailed information of the courses being followed and arrangements for assessment. The school keeps its curriculum under constant review and changes arrangements to offer the best opportunities to its pupils in terms both of challenge and achievement.

The school has excellent and constantly expanding facilities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Computers are used throughout the school and there is an "open access" arrangement which allows pupils to make use of the ICT facilities at lunchtime and after school. Teaching in Computing classes is forward-looking with an emphasis on the Internet and multi-media applications and programming. The school has its own learning website which pupils can access in school or at home and which carries lesson notes and homework assignments.

The school houses a well-stocked library. It is equipped with computers which have Internet access. A Library Committee, made up of teachers and senior pupils, oversees the purchase of a wide range of new books each year.

Courses of study are as follows:

 

 

All courses and combinations of courses are offered subject to staff availability, curriculum development and timetabling constraints, and may change from year to year.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the College curriculum. It extends and consolidates classroom learning and allows pupils to develop independent research and study skills. The school looks for an active and ongoing partnership with parents in monitoring the quality and completion of homework. Pupils in S1 and S2 have homework in each subject each week and should expect nightly homework of about 1½ hours. The use of a Planner supports pupils in the planning of their work.

As pupils progress through the school, they are expected to take on increasing personal responsibility for their own studies.

Learning support

Specialist teachers in Learning Support provide specific help and encouragement to children who have needs that lie outwith normal curricular provision. In particular:

• support of those with specific learning difficulties, especially in language, reading or number
• support of those in the lower years who have deficiencies in certain areas of knowledge or skill (for example, not previously having learned fractions or a foreign language)

By regular monitoring across both the primary and the secondary years, the school seeks to identify difficulties at an early stage through diagnostic assessment. In close liaison with parents, it then sets in place an individual support programme which tackles problem areas, thereby ensuring that every pupil is able to participate fully and without disadvantage in the regular schedule of teaching and learning. Those in S1 identified as having particular needs pursue an individualised programme of learning support in place of Latin, for three periods a week. In S3 and S4 pupils for whom it is appropriate are able to opt for a class providing Additional English and Maths in place of another subject.