Curriculum
First Year
All students follow a common course consisting of English, Mathematics, French, IT Skills, Science, History, Geography, Physical Education, Art, Home Economics, Music, Design & Technology, Religious Studies, Social Education (Word document) and Learning to Learn (Word document). The classes are mixed ability with boys and girls in each class.
Students with learning difficulties may receive help in the classroom from a member of the Learning Support Department or, after consultation with parents, may be withdrawn from subjects to receive specialist tuition in their area of difficulty.
Second Year
Students follow the same curriculum as in First Year. Setting is introduced in Maths and English while for other subjects students remain in mixed ability sections. As in First Year, students with learning difficulties may receive help from the Learning Support Department.
Third and Fourth Years
Following consultations which involve students, parents and staff, students follow widely differing courses depending on their interests and abilities provided they constitute a balanced curriculum. All courses are designed for a two-year period. At present most lead to Standard Grade examinations at the end of Fourth Year, with a few courses leading to National Qualifications at Intermediate Level. All pupils attending the Support Base undertake National Access Courses which leads to SQA certification.
In addition to the subjects chosen all students have Religious Education, Physical Education and Social Education/Careers. Pupils intending to leave school at the end of S4 have the opportunity of Work Experience for one week in the Fourth Year.
Fifth Year
Students in Fifth Year are advised to choose courses according to their requirements for entry to employment or Higher Education.
A wide range of National Qualifications (NQ) courses is offered in The Berwickshire High School. Most of these are available at Higher and Intermediate 2 level, with some at Intermediate 1 level. Fifth year students will complete one period of Personal and Social Education in which they will complete the Working With Others unit, most at Higher level. There will also be opportunities to attend PE or IT classes, or to study.
Sixth Year
This year is envisaged as one of expansion and consolidation of curricular work and of greater emphasis on social development and voluntary service. In addition to the subjects available in Fifth Year, students may take up to four subjects leading to Advanced Higher.
Students in Sixth Year are allowed time for private study and a measure of free time which they may spend at home, in the library or in their common room. These arrangements are designed to bridge the gap between the regimented regime of school and the relative freedom of post-secondary education.
Full details of all courses in years 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 are contained in three booklets entitled “Aiming High”, “Options14-16” and “Options Beyond 16” all of which are available from the school on request. Please email bhs@scotborders.gov.uk
