S5/6 course choice information

Young people chose to study five subjects as they enter S5, one of which we strongly advise should be English or Literacy. These courses can be studied at a range of levels, they can include Higher (level 6) courses and National 1-5 courses, as well as National Progression Awards (levels 4-6) and Foundation Apprenticeships (level 6). All young people study core RMPS. 

In S6, young people usually study 4 subjects plus some personal achievement options. Advanced Highers (level 7) are available within their curriculum, as are some Open University (level 7) modules. Young people in S6 are encouraged to opt into a range of activities such as volunteering, leading various initiatives around the school such as the drama club and house events, paired reading, S1/2 buddying, membership of committees, Duke of Edinburgh, working with primary schools and many others. These personal achievement opportunities are extremely important in a young person’s personal and skills development. 

We hope the following information is useful when choosing an appropriate pathway through the senior school - pupils will also have an interview to discuss their choices with their Pupil Support Teacher or Key Teacher.

Using this page

This page is written for young people thinking about their course choice options as they move into S5 or S6. It will hopefully also be of use to parents and carers.

SCQF explained

By using two measures, the level of a qualification or learning programme and the number of credit points awarded, the Framework helps you understand and compare various Scottish qualifications.

The level of qualification indicates the level of difficulty and the number of credit points indicates the length of time it takes to complete. One SCQF credit point represents an average of 10 hours of learning time.

All of our senior courses are matched against the SCQF framework.

You can find more information about the SCQF framework here.

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