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Senior Curriculum Senior School

Our latest HMIe report praised the school for “encouraging pupils to engage enthusiastically in their learning” and went on to say that our children and young people are “keen to do well”.

From the youngest children in our Nursery to the young adults in the Upper School, each individual’s future, whatever they choose that to be, is absolutely their choice.  

Recognition of each child or young person as an individual with unique talents begins in our Nursery with a Froebel learning approach.  This recognition continues as young people transition into Junior then Senior School on their own personalised educational journey.

  • We follow Curriculum for Excellence throughout our Junior School and this continues into Senior School, with the broad general education followed until the end of S2.

S1 & S2 Curriculum Overview


S3 & S4 Curriculum

At this stage pupils choose 8 Nationals (either at N4 or N5, with the majority gaining N5) and also complete an additional N4 in Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies during timetabled RE classes.  Pupils study these N4/N5 subjects over S3 and S4, and sit the external SQA assessments at the end of S4.

  • 8 or 9 N5s over 2 years - Our traditional, broad subject choice does not narrow options too early in a pupil’s school career.  Pupils have breadth until they are mature enough to make choices to specialise based on their preferred path for life after Hamilton College.
  • Straight to Nat 5 - Our S3 pupils begin with N5 study which allows for greater depth of learning.  This helps to bridge the gap between N5 and Higher making the transition less challenging.
  • Mock exams in S3 - This extra level of preparation for N5 exams maximises attainment opportunities for each pupil.  The mock exams in S3 provide additional exposure to exam preparation, studying and exam conditions even before prelim exams.
  • Supported revision S3 & S4 - Every pupil has access to extra, specialist support for their revision throughout S3 and S4. 
  • Small class sizes - Our smaller class sizes mean that more targeted support is available to pupils at N5 level.  Small classes allow teachers to better identify the type and level of support each pupil needs.  This bespoke support gives each pupil the opportunity to maximise their own unique potential.

S5 Curriculum

In S5 pupils can study 5 subjects within the timetable, with the majority of pupils working towards 5 Highers. Courses chosen in S5 are studied over 1 year, with SQA assessments sat in May and June. Some pupils may opt for a mix of N5 and Higher courses instead. Scottish Highers remain the gold standard for entry to university north of the border. S6 is often seen as a year for further personal development and rounding.


S6 Curriculum

In S6 pupils can opt for a mix of N5, Higher and Advanced Higher subjects, with the most able expected to complete 3 Advanced Highers, particularly if they are seeking entry to competitive courses at top universities. Again, all of these are studied over the course of 1 year, with external SQA assessments taking place in May and June.  Within the Scottish qualifications framework (SCQF) Advanced Highers are Level 7, Highers are Level 6 and National 5 is Level 5.

Administration and IT

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Administration is a growing sector which cuts across the entire economy and offers wide-ranging employment opportunities. Moreover, administrative and IT skills have extensive application not only in employment but also in other walks of life. The key purpose of this course is to develop learners’ administrative and IT skills and, ultimately, to enable them to contribute to the effective functioning of organisations in administrative positions.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

Effective Administrators are highly sought after in all sectors and industries. The Higher Administration and IT course develops the advanced administration and digital literacy skills required by today’s modern organisations. The course provides experience of authentic senior administration tasks and encourages pupils to organise their work effectively, be aware of current legislation and the importance of customer care.

Art and Design

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Art and Design is the study of the various forms of visual communication. It covers the expressive arts, design, and the ability to understand the work of others. It will give you an insight into how art and design influence our lives and it will gives you the skills to develop your creativity and understanding in these areas. Underpinning art and design courses in Hamilton College is the belief that the purpose and wonder of creation gives a language of order, beauty and expression – a language that can be explored with hand, eye and feeling.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

Higher Art promotes the development of manual dexterity, media handling and problem-solving in the area of fine art, design and art history.

The course consists of three key areas: Expressive Activity, Design Activity and Art and Design Studies (question paper).

S6

Art and Design (Enquiry)

Advanced Higher Art provides pupils with the opportunity to investigate a personally chosen area of creativity at an appropriately high level of study. There are options/courses:

  1. Expressive Course
  2. Design course.

These courses comprise of two Units – Design studies and design enquiry OR Expressive studies and expressive enquiry. The Art and Design studies unit which is written appreciation will be linked to their own art or design practical work.

Art and Design (Folio and Appreciation)

This is an internal Hamilton College course specifically for pupils intending to apply to Art school. It is structured to give the student a good grounding, equipping them to deal with the rigours of degree study. It should be taken along with the Advanced Higher Enquiry. It will be expected that any pupils taking up this course will have an enquiring visual mind having produced a strong body of work at Higher level.

Pupils will spend each half term working on core fine art and design disciplines, both 2D and 3D. Throughout they will receive lectures in the history of art/design and the development of aesthetic theory. Contextualised power-point lectures will enable pupils to relate their own work to current art practise to encourage an exchange of ideas and dialogue with contemporary art. Project structures will be flexible enough to enable pupils to develop at their own pace.

Biology

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Biology is the study of living organisms, their interactions and their relationships with the environment. It provides us with an understanding of ourselves and the natural world in which we live. Matters such as healthcare, environmental management and technology are all dealt with in Biology. In S3/4 our course covers the National 4 and 5 coursework.

The units covered in this course are: Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life on Earth.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The Higher Human Biology course is designed as a one year course for pupils who wish to continue their study of biology beyond National 5 and who may wish to progress to Advanced Higher, employment and/or training. As such the Higher course could form the first year of a two-year post National 5 course. The purpose of this course is to develop pupils’ interest and enthusiasm for Human Biology in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed, throughout the course, by investigating the applications of Human Biology.

Advanced Higher Level (S6)

The Advanced Higher Biology course covers key aspects of life science at the molecular scale and extends to aspects of the biology of whole organisms that are among the major driving forces of evolution. In addition, it aims to develop a sound theoretical understanding and practical experience of experimental investigative work in biological science. The course provides pupils with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the cell by studying the key roles of proteins within the cell. This understanding of cellular processes is then related to physiological function.

At the whole-organism scale, the course explores how sexual reproduction and parasitism are major drivers of evolution. This allows pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanism of evolution, the biological consequences of sexual reproduction and the biological inter-relationships involved in parasitism. The course provides a more detailed understanding of laboratory and fieldwork techniques, and in carrying out a biological investigation the learner has the opportunity to produce an extended piece of scientific work. The study of biology at any level offers the opportunity not only to extend knowledge in particular spheres of human activity but also to link that knowledge to issues which affect both the individual and society in general. The syllabus at AH, while extending the background knowledge attained at Higher, will also contribute to the development of more general attitudes and abilities related to the processes of science. The ability of the learner to think creatively and to take the initiative in problem-solving situations has proved invaluable to the prospective undergraduate in any discipline.

Business Management

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Business and enterprise are at the heart of a successful Scottish economy. This course offers you the opportunity to study and explore the dynamic and complex business and information environment in which we live. You will be encouraged to develop the skills and knowledge which will allow you to access, understand and contribute to Scotland’s business economy.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

Business Management is a course, which offers a broad picture of today’s businesses. The course introduces many of the topics studied in most business degrees at university level. The course equips the learner with an idea of real business problems and allows them opportunities to relate their business thoughts to real situations.

Chemistry

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Chemistry is the study of the materials that make up everyday life. Chemistry provides us with knowledge of how substances are made up and how chemical reactions can change things. In S3/4 our course covers the National 4 and 5 coursework. This course contributes to pupils’ general education by helping them become aware of the applications of chemistry in everyday life. In addition it will provide a suitable base for study training and for work. The essence of scientific enquiry is problem solving, based on a sound framework of knowledge and understanding. We aim to develop the skills necessary to achieve success in these enquiries.

Units are: Chemical Changes and Structure, Nature’s Chemistry and Chemistry in Society

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The course is designed as a one year course for pupils who wish to continue their study of chemistry beyond National 5 and who may wish to progress to Advanced Higher, employment and/or training. As such this Higher course could form the first year of a two-year post National 5 course. Chemistry, the study of matter and its interactions, contributes essential knowledge and understanding across all aspects of our lives. Chemistry explains the links between the particulate nature of matter and the macroscopic properties of the world. Chemistry research and development is essential for the introduction of new products. The chemical industry is a major contributor to the economy of the country.

This Chemistry course should encourage resilience, which helps develop pupils as confident individuals. Successful pupils in chemistry think creatively, analyse and solve problems. Chemistry can produce responsible citizens through providing opportunities for pupils to recognise the impact chemistry makes on developing sustainability, and its effects on the environment, on society and on the lives of themselves and others. An experimental and investigative approach is used to develop knowledge and understanding of chemistry concepts. The course provides a good basis for further study in higher education of chemistry and chemistry related subjects.

Computing Science

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Computing Science is an exciting and up-to-date course which offers knowledge and experience of the technology that lies at the heart of modern society. It covers information technology concepts, the practical operation of hardware and software, and the awareness of how computers affect our work, home and leisure activities.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The Scotsman newspaper reported in February 2015 that the IT and computing sector had the largest growth of any sector in the closing months of 2014. Computing is a huge growth industry and the Higher Computing Science course is a new and up to date course which is a good stepping stone for those planning to go into this industry or simply want more knowledge of computing and computer systems.

Engineering Science

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Engineering is a broad area of human endeavour which brings together elements of technology, science and mathematics, and applies these to real-world challenges. This course encourages you to become successful, responsible and creative in your use of technologies and will further your awareness of aspects of technological developments in society. It also builds on some previous science experiences and outcomes you will have met as well as your knowledge of mathematics.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

Engineering Science is vital to everyday life; it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Engineers play key roles in meeting the needs of society in fields which include climate change, medicine, IT and transport.

English

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

English is the study of verbal and written communication in the most widely-spoken language in the world. It teaches us how to gain the most out of reading, writing, listening and talking. Through your studies, you will become familiar with a range and variety of texts as well as gaining vital communication and interpersonal skills. This course will help you to become a more effective communicator, be a critical thinker, develop an awareness of our language, literature and culture, and be creative.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The Higher course is appropriate for pupils who achieve a good pass at National 5 - an A or a B. There will also be the opportunity for pupils to progress from National 4 to National 5 and to upgrade from a C pass at National 5. Pupils who successfully complete the Higher course in S5 will be able to progress to Advanced Higher in S6. A grade A or B pass at Higher is the recommended entry level for the Advanced Higher course, but pupils with Grade C will be given consideration.

Advanced Higher (S6)

The Advanced Higher English Course provides pupils with the opportunity to apply critical, analytical and evaluative skills to a wide range of complex and sophisticated texts from different genres. Pupils develop sophisticated writing skills, responding to the way structure, form and language shape the overall meaning of texts.

French

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

The ability to communicate in a foreign language has never been as important as it is today. Due to Brexit, our need to forge closer links with business partners in Europe has arguably never been greater. There is, therefore, the expectation that you will study at least one modern foreign language throughout S3 and S4. You may study French, or German, or both if you choose. Both languages may subsequently be studied at Higher level.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

French will be of interest to pupils who want to increase their linguistic competence and at the same time add a unique set of transferrable skills to their CV. At Higher, pupils will have the opportunity to develop both their communication skills and cultural awareness. Pupils will normally be expected to have attained a grade A or B at National 5, prior to embarking on the Higher course.

Advanced Higher (S6)

Advanced Higher French will be of interest to pupils who want to increase their linguistic fluency and at the same time add a unique set of transferrable skills to their CV. At Advanced Higher, pupils will have the opportunity to continue to develop both their communication skills and cultural awareness. Pupils will normally be expected to have attained a grade A or B at Higher, prior to embarking on the Advanced Higher course.

Geography

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Geography is the study of places and of the inter-relationships of people within them. Increasingly, geographers are concerned with the ‘global village’ – the interdependence of all the earth’s people and the increasing pressures on the environment.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The purpose of this course is to add breadth and depth to the conceptual understanding of physical and human environments and their interrelationships. This course is designed for pupils who gained a Grade A or B (or occasionally C) at National 5 Geography.

German

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

The ability to communicate in a foreign language has never been as important as it is today. With Brexit on the horizon, our need to forge closer links with business partners in Europe has arguably never been greater. There is, therefore, the expectation that you will study at least one modern foreign language throughout S3 and S4. You may study French, or German, or both if you choose. Both languages may subsequently be studied at Higher level.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

German will be of interest to pupils who want to increase their linguistic competence and at the same time add a unique set of transferrable skills to their CV. At Higher, pupils will have the opportunity to develop both their communication skills and cultural awareness. Pupils will normally be expected to have attained a grade A or B at National 5, prior to embarking on the Higher course.

Advanced Higher (S6)

Advanced Higher German will be of interest to pupils who want to increase their linguistic fluency and at the same time add a unique set of transferrable skills to their CV. At Advanced Higher, pupils will have the opportunity to continue to develop both their communication skills and cultural awareness. Pupils will normally be expected to have attained a grade A or B at Higher, prior to embarking on the Advanced Higher course.

History

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

History provides us with insights into our own lives and the society in which we live. By examining the past, we discover our heritage as members of a community, a country and a wider world. History places us and our society in the context of the past. History uniquely provides opportunities for us to study past societies, the changes they have undergone, and the ways in which they have embraced or sometimes resisted change. Through such studies, History provides us with both a perspective on, and an understanding of, the forces which have shaped our own society and societies in other countries

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The Higher course involves social, economic and political history topics from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Advanced Higher (S6)

The Advanced Higher History course allows pupils to build on the skills they have learned at Higher. It gives them the opportunity to study in-depth a vital and interesting area of History and encourages the student to openly debate, discuss and evaluate many different historical viewpoints. Pupils will study the topic Soviet Russia (1917-45) especially the revolution years of 1917 until the death of Lenin (1924). They will be expected to write detailed essays and answer source-based questions. Thirty percent of their final grade will come from their dissertation. This is an excellent chance for the student to research and study in-depth a topic from the above period. The finished dissertation will be 4,000 words in length.

Latin

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

The learning of Latin is the study of a language, literature and civilisation that forms a crucial backdrop to the development of western thought and society. It provides us with the means of direct contact with the Roman world, its people and its institutions. Latin also underpins the learning of many other languages.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The study of Latin is an excellent foundation for the study of modern languages, and for an understanding of European literature, art, philosophy, politics and history. Each Latin course on offer has the same aims: to develop pupils' competence in the Latin language; to increase their appreciation of Latin literature; to help them gain an insight into the Roman world.

Mathematics

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Mathematics is the study of measurement, properties and relationships using numbers and symbols. It helps us to make sense of the world around us. Mathematics can be used to model real-life situations and can equip us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risks and make informed decisions.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The aim of this course is to build upon and extend pupils’ Mathematical learning in the areas of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry and to introduce pupils to elementary Calculus. Mathematics is rich and stimulating. It engages and fascinates pupils of all ages, interests and abilities. Learning in Mathematics develops logical reasoning, analysis, problem-solving skills, creativity and the ability to think in abstract ways. It uses a universal language of numbers and symbols, which allows us to communicate ideas in a concise, unambiguous and rigorous way. Mathematics equips us with many of the skills required for life, learning and work. Understanding the part that Mathematics plays in almost all aspects of life is crucial.

S6

The course seeks to give pupils a broad background of Mathematics. It is designed to meet the needs of those going into a wide variety of courses, as well as preparing pupils for further studies in Mathematics. For this reason, the course embraces both Pure and Applied Mathematical topics. Some use of Numerical Methods, an introduction to Statistics and several applications in Mechanics are included so that pupils can meet these important strands of Mathematics without necessarily taking one of the specialised courses in these topics.

Modern Studies

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Modern Studies develops our knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. In these contexts, you will develop an awareness of the social and political issues you will meet in your life. Through the course, you will undertake a study of contemporary society, which will develop the skills to help you interpret and participate in the social and political processes you will encounter now and in the future.

Higher Exam Levels (S5)

This course is designed for pupils who gained a Grade A or B (or occasionally C) in National 5 Modern Studies or another Social Subject. The course is made up of three 40 hour Units and 40 hours of flexible time.

The three courses are: Democracy in Scotland and the UK; Social Inequality or Crime and the Law and World Power or World.

Advanced Higher (S6)

The Advanced Higher Modern Studies course allows pupils to build on the skills they have learned in Higher Modern Studies. It gives them the opportunity to study in-depth a vital and interesting area of Modern Studies and encourages the student to openly debate, discuss and evaluate many different viewpoints. In this course, they will study Unit 2 (Law and Order). These units will incorporate research methods such as media analysis, in-depth interviewing and use of official statistics. Thirty percent of their final grade will come from their dissertation. This is an excellent chance for the student to research and study in-depth a topic of their choice. The finished dissertation will be 5,000 words in length

Music

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

This course is an exciting option. It caters for the needs and interests of every pupil whether or not you are an experienced performer. It allows you the chance to develop all kinds of musical abilities and is totally relevant to the music industry in the 21st century. If you take music or singing lessons, in or out of school, you should note that this is a particularly suitable course for you to pursue.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

This course is an exciting option. It caters for the needs and interests of every pupil whether or not you are an experienced performer. It allows you the chance to develop all kinds of musical abilities and is totally relevant to the music industry in the 21st century. If you take music or singing lessons, in or out of school, you should note that this is a particularly suitable course for you to pursue.

S6

This course is a suitable continuation from Higher Music or alternatively can be done as a ‘crash’ Higher with Department’s approval.

COURSE OUTLINE

The course consists of three mandatory units and the course assessment. Each of the component units of the course is designed to provide progression from the corresponding units at Higher. It has an integrated approach to learning. Units are statements of standards for the assessment and not programmes of learning and teaching. They can be delivered in a number of ways:

  • Music: Performing Skills (Advanced Higher): In this unit, pupils will develop a range of advanced performing skills appropriate to their two selected instruments, or to their one selected instrument and voice. Through regular practice and reflection, pupils will develop and creatively refine their performing skills while exploring a variety of musically and technically challenging music.
  • Music: Composing Skills (Advanced Higher): In this unit, pupils will develop a range of advanced skills in creating music. They will experiment with and apply a range of compositional techniques and devices in refined and sophisticated ways when creating their own original music, drawing on their understanding of composers’ work and approaches and the creative process.
  • Understanding and Analysing Music (Advanced Higher): In this unit, through listening, pupils will develop their understanding of music styles, music concepts and musical literacy. Pupils will work independently, demonstrating aural skills and an in-depth understanding of music and music concepts when investigating, analysing and commenting on sections of musical movements or works.
PE

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Pupils should have a positive record within the PE Department in their participation and effort in all activities. Pupils are required to have at least one sport that they regularly train and compete in either through the school extra-curricular programme or outside of school (please check with PE staff if the sport may fall out with SQA assessing standards).

Higher Exam Level (S5)

Pupils should have a positive record within the PE Department in their participation and effort in all activities. Entry to this course is at the discretion of the school. However, pupils would normally be expected to have gained the appropriate level of entry qualification and attained the skills and knowledge required.

Physics

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

Physics gives us an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. From the study of the electrical and heat energy that we use in our society, to the exploration of space, it covers a range of applications of the relationships that have been discovered through experiment and calculation, including those used in modern technology.

Advances in physics mean that our view of what is possible is continually being updated.

This course will allow you to understand the processes behind scientific advances, and to appreciate and contribute to topical scientific debate.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The course has four mandatory units as follows:

  • Unit 1: Our Dynamic Universe
  • Unit 2: Particles and Waves
  • Unit 3: Electricity
  • Unit 4: Researching Physics

Beyond the time allocated for the Units listed above this course includes time to be used for induction, extending the range of learning and teaching approaches, support, consolidation, integration of learning and preparation for the external assessment components.

S6

The course has four mandatory units as follows:

  • Unit 1: Rotational Motion and Astrophysics
  • Unit 2: Quanta and Waves
  • Unit 3: Electromagnetism
  • Unit 4: Investigating Physics

Beyond the time allocated for the Units listed above this course includes time to be used for induction, extending the range of learning and teaching approaches, support, consolidation, integration of learning and preparation for the external assessment components.

Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

National Exam Level (S3 & S4)

All pupils in S3 and S4 will follow a course at National 4 level as part of the core RE provision delivered in two periods per week. The course forms part of the SQA arrangements for Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS). This course allows pupils to begin to develop a philosophical approach to the study of beliefs, values and issues which are of importance in the world today. All assessment is conducted internally, including the Added Value Unit.

Higher Exam Level (S5)

The Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies Course enables pupils to investigate, critically analyse and evaluate religious, moral and philosophical questions and responses, and to develop the ability to express detailed, reasoned and well-structured views. The course comprises of three sections:

  • World Religion: Christianity
  • Morality and Belief: Morality and Justice
  • Religious and Philosophical Questions: Origins

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