Below will provide all the relevant information required so that students can make informed decisions about their personalisation and choice into S3.
It is very important for students and parents / carers to be able to access all the information required to understand the course choice process and the course choices available. All this information is available using the links below to the course choice booklet and the course choice form.
The S2 into S3 Course Choice booklet and choice form for session 2025-26 – CLICK HERE.
Students will be supported through their PSE lessons during the course choice process and time will be given to ask any questions they may have during these times. The initial paper course choice form will be completed by the student and their Guidance Teacher or a member of the Senior Management Team before going home to be signed by a parent / carer. This paper copy will then be returned to the member of staff who coursed them and submitted for processing.
Subject English
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement None
Course Outline
English in S3 allows you to continue your Broad General Education in the subject at levels 3 and 4. You will continue to develop your skills in reading, writing, talking and listening through a range of activities and studying a variety of texts including poetry, prose, drama and film. The course is intended to prepare you for National 5 English in S4: all English students are given the opportunity to follow the National 5 English course in S4, so S3 is a time for developing and consolidating the skills you will need for that course.
Course structure and assessment
You will study a range of units, leading to a number of different assessed outcomes:
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
National 5 English
Subject Media
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement None
Course Outline
The study of Media is the study of all the forms of communication we use in our everyday lives. Media in S3 is divided equally between analysis and creation. You will learn how films, TV shows, and adverts are made; you will learn how to analyse them - to understand the ways they try to make us think and feel. You will also learn about how these texts reflect society and how they shape our ideas. You will study a wide range of media texts, including films, adverts, and TV shows. You will also learn to make your own media texts - planning and making short films and adverts. The S3 Media course is designed to prepare you for National 5 Media, and most students who take Media into S4 go on to achieve National 5.
Course structure and assessment You will work through a number of units studying films, advertising and TV, and will be assessed on your ability to analyse the texts you have studied, and to reflect on what you have learned from the process of making your own texts.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
National 5 Media
All pupils are required to study Mathematics at this stage and will follow on from the BGE level they have been working on. During S2 they will have already been placed in a class to work through either the Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics pathways based on their S1-S2 attainment.
In S3 and S4 all classes will continue working towards the Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics route. The Mathematics route will focus on more advanced mathematical concepts. The Applications of Mathematics route has more of an emphasis on practical mathematical skills relevant to real-world contexts. Both Mathematics and Applications of Mathematics routes can be studied at National 4, National 5 and Higher levels.
Subject Applications of Mathematics
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement None
Course Outline
Pupils will build up knowledge in Statistics; Finance; Geometry and Measures. They will be required to master a set of skills and be able to use them in solving mathematical problems.
Course structure and assessment You will study a range of units, leading to a number of assessments throughout the year.
Skills, Knowledge and understanding for the pathway The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:
Progression National 3/4/5 Applications of Mathematics
All pupils are required to study Mathematics at this stage and will follow on from the BGE level they have been working on. During S2 they will have already been placed in a class to work through either the Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics pathways based on their S1-S2 attainment.
In S3 and S4 all classes will continue working towards the Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics route. The Mathematics route will focus on more advanced mathematical concepts. The Applications of Mathematics route has more of an emphasis on practical mathematical skills relevant to real-world contexts. Both Mathematics and Applications of Mathematics routes can be studied at National 4, National 5 and Higher levels.
Subject Mathematics
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement None
Course Outline
Pupils will build up knowledge in Algebra; Geometry; Trigonometry and Statistics at an advanced level. They will be required to master a wider set of skills and be able to use them in solving more complex mathematical problems.
Course structure and assessment
You will study a range of units, leading to a number of assessments throughout the year.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the pathway
The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:
Progression
National 4/5 Mathematics
Subject Art & Design
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
Art in S3 allows learners to continue with their Broad General Education in Art and Design at Curriculum Level 4. In this Course you will have a broad practical experience of art and design and related critical activity. You will have the opportunity to be inspired by experimenting with how you can visually represent their personal thoughts and ideas and create imaginative expressive and design work. You will experiment with using art and design materials, techniques and/or technology in creative and expressive ways. You will develop your critical thinking skills as you develop and produce your own creative work and develop your understanding of art and design practice.
Course structure and assessment
In addition to developing your Art and Design skills in Expressive, learning about the Design process through completing a 3D body adornment project and learning how to analyse the work of artists and designers, you will complete a unit of Design work which will be assessed at SQA N3 or 4. There are three course components-
| Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Component Mark mark |
| Design Activity | In class, overtime, internally assessed | Unit Pass pass/fail |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
N 4 or 5 Art & Design, NPA Level 5 Photography
Subject Photography NPA Level 4
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
During this NPA level 4 course, you will develop basic skills, knowledge and understanding in photography. You will learn about creative concepts used by photographers and apply this knowledge and understanding to their own work. The focus of the course is on developing practical creative skills using simple automatic camera functions. Inspired by the work of photographers, you will plan and carry out your own photoshoots. You will develop basic skills in evaluating your photographs and learn how to work with photographic images to make simple enhancements.
Course structure and assessment
| Number of components | Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Component Mark mark |
| Unit 1 | Understanding Photography | In class, overtime, internally assessed | Unit Pass pass/fail |
| Unit 2 | Photographing People | In class, overtime, internally assessed | Unit Pass pass/fail |
| Unit 3 | Photographing Places | In class, overtime, internally assessed | Unit Pass pass/fail |
| Unit 4 | Working with Photographs | In class, overtime, internally assessed | Unit Pass pass/fail |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
NPA Level 5 Photography
Subject Geography
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
Geography looks in depth at our Earth and the natural processes that have helped to form it. Geography also looks at how humans live on the Earth and the reasons why we are facing environmental changes. The skills that Geographers will develop are: building up factual knowledge, making connections between events, developing good literacy and numeracy skills, and most importantly, having a good understanding of the world around you. Employers like Geography students because the depth and breadth of the subject makes them very adaptable in the modern workplace.
Course structure and assessment
| Number of components | Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Component Mark percentage |
| Component 1 | 8 units covering Human, Physical, Global | In class over time | Pass/fail 50% |
| Component 2 | Assignment Investigating current geographical topics | In class over time | Pass/fail 50% |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
N5 Geography
Subject History
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
History is all about questions. If you are always wondering why did that happen? Who said that? When did that change? History is the subject for you History makes us. That’s why you’ll find it so exciting. Without stories of the past much of what we do would be empty: you’ve already begun to learn how history fills our lives from films and computer games to fashion and the news.
What will I study on the National 4 course?
The course comprises three units:
| Number of components | Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Component Mark percentage |
| Component 1 | 3 Units | Internally assessed | Pass/fail 50% |
| Component 2 | Assignment | In class, marked internally. | Pass/fail 50% |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
N5 History
Subject Religion, Belief and Values Award
Level SCQF level 4
Entry Requirement None
Course Outline
We are adding value to core RMPS! This course accredits aspects of achievement that are already completed in S3 core RMPS alongside YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative). The course has 2 units: Investigating Religion and Belief - You will reflect on religious views on charity, as well as relating these to your own views. Values in Action - You will actively engage in YPI and receive accreditation as a result. You will also analyse how YPI links to your faith/values.
Course structure and assessment
| Number of components | Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Mark | Component percentage |
| Component 1 | Coursework | Booklet completed in class | Pass/Fail | 100% |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
SCQF level 5 RBVA, National 5 RMPS, National 5 in a literacy based subject.
Subject Religion, Belief and Values Award
Level SCQF level 5
Entry Requirement None
Course Outline
We are adding value to core RMPS! This course accredits aspects of achievement that are already completed in S3 core RMPS alongside YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative). The course has 2 units: Investigating Religion and Belief - You will reflect on religious views on charity, as well as relating these to your own views. Values in Action - You will actively engage in YPI and receive accreditation as a result. You will also analyse how YPI links to your faith/values.
Course structure and assessment
| Number of components | Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Mark | Component percentage |
| Component 1 | Coursework | Booklet completed in class | Pass/Fail | 100% |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
SCQF level 6 RBVA, Higher RMPS, Higher in a literacy based subject.
Subject RMPS
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
RMPS has three areas of study which are: World Religion - You will study religion and its impact, relevance and significance through studying the key beliefs and practices found in one religion. The religion you will study is Islam where you will develop critical thinking skills whilst studying the beliefs and practices of Muslims around the world. Morality and Belief - You will study moral issues and their background, implications and responses through studying Morality, Medicine and the Human Body. This area looks at the moral issues surrounding using embryos for research, and questions such as if humans should be allowed to end their lives early through euthanasia or assisted dying. Religious and Philosophical Questions - You will study the issues raised by religious and philosophical questions, their implications and responses by studying the debate surrounding Origins. In this area you will learn about the origins of the universe and life from a scientific point of view, and compare that to where religious people believe life and the universe came from.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
National 3, National 4 or National 5 RMPS National 4 or National 5 in a literacy based subject
Subject Biology
Level S3 Elective
Course Aims
S3 Biology allows you the opportunity to continue to develop your understanding of the living world while working to achieve the National 4 qualification. It will develop your ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities for you to acquire and apply knowledge to evaluate biological issues, assess risk, and make informed decisions, enabling you to develop an informed and ethical view of topical issues. Learners will be able to develop communication, collaborative working and leadership skills, and be able to apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems.
Course Outline
There are three assessed units which make up the course:-
Homework
Homework assignments are issued once per fortnight and substantial revision is required for the unit assessments.
Progression
Successful completion of the course allows progression into National 5 Biology or National 5 Laboratory Science in S4.
Subject Chemistry
Level S3 Elective
Course Aims
Chemistry is the study of the materials which make up the earth, the atmosphere or anything living here. Chemistry is not only a fascinating subject in its own right but it also underpins many other areas of science – e.g. biological sciences, medical sciences and geography A Chemistry qualification can also be a useful entry into other non-scientific careers since success in Chemistry will show you have the ability to communicate, to be numerate as well as being able to reason clearly and problem-solve. S3 Chemistry course allows you the opportunity to continue to develop your understanding of the key chemical concepts while working to achieve the National 4 qualification. This will be done using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving. If you are studying this subject you will apply these skills in the chemical contexts of each of the three units (described below) and will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information in ways which will develop your skills of scientific literacy and numeracy. There are 3 assessed units which make up each of the course: -
You will develop your understanding of chemical changes and the structure of atoms, elements and compounds. You will investigate, through experimentation, the chemistry of acids and bases. You will apply the knowledge and skills to environmental issues
You will build on your understanding of natural resources and associated products to gain knowledge and develop skills. You will apply these skills when considering ethical and environmental implications of the application of chemical knowledge to fuelling a modern society and providing consumer products.
You will be introduced to important chemical concepts and apply skills while considering the applications of Chemistry in society and our lives. You will also consider the environmental and ethical implications of aspects of Chemistry in society.
Homework
Homework assignments are issued once per fortnight and substantial revision is required for the unit assessments.
Progression
Successful completion of the course allows progression into National 5 Chemistry or National 5 Laboratory Science in S4.
Subject Environmental Science
Level S3 Elective
Course Aims
This course is recommended for those learners who have not yet attained Level 3 in Science. It gives you the opportunity to complete this level by building the knowledge and skills needed for progression to National 4. Environmental Science encompasses elements of Biology and Chemistry while looking to future sustainability. Throughout the course learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop scientific literacy and numeracy. Working collaboratively you will develop your scientific inquiry through experiments and practical investigation.
Course Outline
There are three units which make up the course:-
Progression
Depending on your performance in S3 and 4 you may be presented for National 3 or 4 Environmental Science in S4.
Subject Physics
Level S3 Elective
Course Aims
S3 Physics allows you the opportunity to continue to develop your understanding of key physics concepts while working to achieve the National 4 qualification. You will engage in a wide range of investigative tasks, which will allow you to develop important skills, to become creative, inventive and enterprising, in a world where the skills and knowledge developed by physics are needed across all sectors of society. The course continues the broad general Science education allowing learners to understand and investigate the world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops an ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge, to evaluate environmental and scientific issues, to consider risk, and to make informed decisions.
Course Outline
There are three assessed units which make up the course. Each unit contains exploration of the following concepts giving appropriate progression to National Qualification levels:-
Homework
Homework assignments are issued once per fortnight and substantial revision is required for the unit assessments.
Progression
Successful completion of the course allows progression into National 5 Physics or National 5 Laboratory Science in S4.
Subject Skills for Work: Health Sector
Subject Business Management
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
The purpose of the Course is to develop an understanding of the way in which businesses operate in the current dynamic, changing, competitive and economic environments, and to encourage enterprising attitudes. A main feature of this Course is the development of enterprise and employability skills; learners will gain a better understanding of the personal qualities and attributes required of people involved in business. This will be facilitated through activities which demonstrate understanding of risk taking and decision making, thereby enabling learners to cope more easily in our rapidly changing business environments. The knowledge gained of financial and economic situations, through a business context, can be applied to personal living so that learners can manage their own personal financial affairs with confidence, and gain a better understanding of the impact of economic issues on their lives.
Course structure and assessment
| Number of components | Component description | Assessment conditions | Component Mark |
| Unit 1 | Business in action | In class | Pass/ Fail |
| Unit 2 | Influences on Business | In class | Pass/ Fail |
| AVU | Business Assignment | In class | Pass/ Fail |
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
N4/N5 Business Management
Subject Construction
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
The NPA in Construction Craft and Technician at SCQF level 4 is designed to provide opportunities to experience a variety of construction disciplines. The qualification is delivered within the context of the Construction Industry. You will investigate a range of professions within the construction sector and research technician roles and responsibilities. This will give you a wider understanding of professions within that sector. You will investigate customer care within the construction sector and will learn how to deal with and resolve any issues that may arise. The importance of health and safety within the construction sector will also be investigated.
Course structure and assessment
3 Units are covered in S3:
In S4 you will complete the final units:
All work is assessed internally on a pass/fail basis.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
The course will;
Progression
N5 Practical Woodworking
Subject Design & Manufacture
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
The Course is broad, providing opportunities for learners to develop practical/design skills, as well as gaining knowledge and understanding of design, and materials and manufacturing processes. During the course you will work through a series of design and make tasks whilst also building your knowledge of materials, processes and the factors that influence the design of common products.
Course structure and assessment
During S3, learners will continue to work through CfE outcomes and experiences at the third and fourth levels through design and make activities, design folio and graphic exercises and study of technology and the impact it has on society and the environment. At an appropriate point in S3, learners will begin to work on the National 4/5 Design and Manufacture course.
National 4
At National 4 level all three units are assessed internally and externally verified by the SQA. Pupils will achieve either a Pass or Fail on their certificate.
National 5
At National 5 practical work is assessed internally and design and knowledge work are assessed externally. The arrangements for external assessment are as follows; Design Assignment 100 marks Question paper 80 marks
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
N5 Design and Manufacture, N5 Practical Woodworking
Course outline:
Subject Practical Cookery
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
This course is practical and experiential in nature, you will have a chance to continue developing your broad general education in the Home Economics curriculum. You will learn more in depth about hygiene and safety through the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course this will allow you to gain an understanding of the need to follow safe and hygienic practices in many cookery contexts. The course will give you a chance to learn more about healthy diets and how they affect different people at different stages in life. You will develop a range of cookery skills and food preparation techniques, as well as learning about sustainability and contemporary food issues.
Course structure and assessment
There are three units in this course REHIS – you will be working towards a nationally recognised elementary certificate of hygiene and safety, worth 1 SCQF point at level 5. The certificate is valid for 3 years and included in the course fee. Food and Health – you will be learning more in depth about food, nutrients and how they affect the human body. Learn how to amend recipes to make them healthier. Understanding ingredients – This unit explores ingredients and how they work together.
Homework
Homework are assigned for the REHIS test as weekly google classroom quiz for the duration of the unit delivery. During the year homework will be assigned for any piece of work that will not be completed in class.
Progression
Depending upon your performance in S3 you may be presented for National 3, 4 or 5 Practical Cookery in S4.
Subject Physical Education
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
This course will provide the opportunity to build movement and performance skills, improve aspects of fitness and maximise active participation and enjoyment by engaging in physical activities. It will help to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to perform effectively in a range of physical activities, and will enhance students' physical wellbeing. Students will work both independently and cooperatively to develop thinking and interpersonal skills through a range of activities such as; swimming, handball, fitness, athletics, badminton, touch rugby, volleyball and hockey. The S3 elective course will be a preparatory year for National 4/5 PE and students who choose this course will begin to look at some of the knowledge, skills and terminology used in National PE courses, providing them with a strong foundation in Factors Impacting on Performance, Methods of Data Collection and Monitoring and Evaluation. Students will be expected to complete homework on a regular basis. This homework will generally be given and submitted electronically via google classroom.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
National 4/5 Physical Education
Subject French
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
In an increasingly globalised society, the demand for foreign language speakers has never been higher. More and more businesses are expanding worldwide - which increases opportunities for foreign language speakers! Furthermore, for all pupils thinking of university study, a modern language can provide you with an advantage, and is a prerequisite in some courses. French is a fast-growing, global language which is spoken across 5 continents. Through the study of French, you will gain cultural awareness and have the opportunity to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Francophone cultures as well as your own. You will gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world, and therefore develop a much richer understanding of active citizenship.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
The S3 French course provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills in reading, listening, talking and writing, in order to understand and use French. In S3, we aim to complete assessments in the four skills at National 3 level. You will study topics across the contexts of Society and Culture. You will explore a variety of topics relevant to your own lives and interests, such as:
You will also explore aspects of French culture through the study of film, music and other aspects such as food and drink. You will also develop your skills in a range of realistic contexts such as ordering food and drink, asking for directions and making travel plans. Examples of the types of activities you may undertake include the following:
It should be noted that the S3 French course will include elements of the National 4 and 5 courses, to ensure that pupils completing qualifications in S4 are fully prepared for the final exam.
Progression
National 4 or 5 French
Subject Spanish
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
In all corners of the globe, people have become increasingly aware of the growing presence and importance of Spanish. With over 400 million speakers, Spanish is now the world’s third most widely spoken language. It is not only the official language of Spain, but also of much of Latin America, one of the biggest emerging markets. Spanish is set to be one of the dominant languages of the future. In an increasingly globalised world, foreign language speakers are in demand as never before. For students considering university study, a modern language can provide you with an advantage, and indeed is a prerequisite in some courses. Through the study of Spanish, you will gain cultural awareness and have the opportunity to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Spanish-speaking cultures as well as your own. You will gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world, and therefore develop a much richer understanding of active citizenship.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
The S3 Spanish course provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills in reading, listening, talking and writing, in order to understand and use Spanish. As Spanish will be a new subject for many learners, some may find the pace of learning somewhat faster than you have been used to in French. We aim to complete assessments in the four skills at National 3 level. You will explore a variety of topics relevant to your own lives and interests, across the four contexts of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture. Possible activities may include:
You will explore aspects of Spanish culture through the study of film, music and other aspects such as food and drink. You will also develop your skills in a range of realistic contexts such as ordering food and drink, asking for directions and making travel plans. It should be noted that the S3 Spanish course will include elements of the National 4 and 5 courses, to ensure that pupils completing qualifications in S4 are fully prepared for the final exam.
Progression
National 4 or 5 Spanish
Subject Music
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
Choosing to study music in S3 is not only about training young musicians for a career in music, it is about developing wider skills and interests, and gaining a life-long appreciation of and interest in music. Through the course you will develop skills in performing on two instruments, creating your own music and listening to and learning about music from different styles and cultures. You will play music both by yourself and in groups, have access to music technology to create, and also research music using chromebooks. This course allows you to be the master of your own learning as the course will be structured around your interests.
Course structure and assessment
You will undertake blocks of project work lasting between 4-6 weeks which will develop your skills in the different components of music. This could be a group performance where you work with others and choose a song to learn and perform together. Another project will be based around composing where you could learn about songwriting, or how to use technology to create your own music. Our assessment will be mainly on an ongoing basis and we will have regular discussions with you about your progress and review course work. The course will help to develop all the skills you need to proceed on to an N4/5 course in S4.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
National 5 Music National 4/5 Music Technology
Subject Music Technology
Level S3 Elective
Entry Requirement
None
Course Outline
Technology is at the heart of the music industry. This exciting, dynamic and creative course provides learners with a great foundation in a range of aspects of music technology and its application. Technology is changing the way music is created and sound is produced. The skills developed through studying music technology can be used everywhere from home recordings to film production studios.. Throughout the course you will learn to use a range of different technologies used in music and music production. We will work through mini projects to learn about:
Course structure and assessment
You will undertake blocks of project work lasting between 4-6 weeks which will develop your skills in the different components of music technology. This could be editing an audio book, making a podcast, designing your own synthesiser or recording audio for a film clip. Our assessment will be mainly on an ongoing basis and we will have regular discussions with you about your progress and review course work. The course will help to develop all the skills you need to proceed on to an N4/5 course in S4.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding for the course
Progression
N5 Music Technology
