Course Choice for S3

Pupils will continue to follow the Broad General Education in S3, however there is an element of personalisation allowing choice within each of the curriculum areas. Courses, whilst building on the knowledge and skills covered in S1/2, will start to prepare pupils for the Senior Phase. 

The S3 Curriculum consists of:

1. Core Subjects (all pupils will take part in these subjects during S3):

• English

• Mathematics

• Health and Well-being (PE, Health and Wellbeing, PSE)

• ‘Compass’ – a course looking at employability skills.

• ‘Languages for Life and Work’ Unit

• RMPS

2. Personalisation - To ensure all pupils continue with a Broad General Education they must select one subject from each of the following curricular areas:

· Expressive Arts

· Modern Languages

· Science

· Social Subjects

· Technology & Health

Pupils will select an S3 course from each of these areas on their 'Curriculum Personalisation' choice sheet. Pupils will also have space to select one free choice from one of the above curricular areas. 

Where possible, pupils are strongly advised to select subjects they wish to take in S4. Pupils may select ‘new’ options in S4, indeed we are not able to offer all Senior Phase courses in S3. However, should they do so, there may well be content which will need to be caught up on.

In the run up to curriculum personalisation, S2 pupils will be supported through PSE lessons, focusing on the S3 curriculum and making the best choices. Class teachers will also discuss the different S3 courses offered in their Faculties with classes. 

Pupils should make use of information provided in their S2 Tracking Report and accompanying letter which will be issued in March. Curriculum personalisation information will be available through PSE, an S2 Assembly will also take place discussing how to complete the curriculum personalisation form and how to apply for the STEM or Energy Girls courses if applicable. 

If you wish any further information regarding the S3 Curriculum please contact your child’s Guidance Teacher in the first instance.

Information about which subjects are available in each curricular area, and full course information for Senior Phase courses is available on our Mintlaw Academy DYW website: Mintlaw Academy DYW Website.