Upper School

Pupils aged 12-18 are taught in the Upper School which is the equivalent of Le Collège and Le Lycée as shown below:

Comparison between Le Collège, Le Lycée and Upper School

S1 and S2

In the first two years of the Upper School (S1 & S2) pupils study a very broad range of subjects. These include the core subjects such as English, Mathematics, all three sciences, IT, Technology, two foreign languages and a range of arts, humanities and social science subjects. In addition, pupils will undertake Games, Physical Education (PE) and Civics. Their timetable will include:

Art & Design / Biology / Chemistry / Classics / English / Geography / History /  two Foreign Languages* / Mathematics / Modern Studies / Music / Civics/ Physical Education & Games / Physics / Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies / Computing, Design & Technology / Drama **.

 *After an introduction to all three languages, pupils will opt to study two from French, German, and Spanish.

**Computing, Design and Technology and Drama rotate in blocks so that a pupil studies only one of these subjects at a time for approximately 12 weeks.

For French pupils following the hybrid curriculum, they will continue the study of French, Mathematics, Geography, History and Citizenship all taught through the medium of French.

S3 and S4

In S3 and S4, those following the Albyn School curriculum will study eight publicly examined subjects including English, Mathematics, at least one science and one foreign language. Most are examined by the Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA) at National 5 level with a few subjects taught as GCSEs. Together with all the subjects listed below, Albyn School also offers Business Studies, Economics, Engineering Science and PE as publicly examined subjects and ensure pupils continue with their personal and social education, Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS), Study Skills, Physical Education and Sport.

For French pupils following the hybrid curriculum, they will continue the study of French, Mathematics, Geography, History and Citizenship all taught through the medium of French. They will also study English, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, Spanish or German public examination courses with other Albyn School pupils together with Physical Education and Sport although with flexibility in the exact choice of subjects.

S5 and S6

The curriculum in the final two years of the School (S5 and S6) is principally designed for those senior pupils seeking qualifications to gain university places. Pupils need to study five subjects in S5: five Highers or a mix of Highers and National 5s where appropriate. Each subject is allocated 8 teaching periods per week with a mix of 35 and 40 minute periods. S5 and S6 pupils are also obliged to follow a programme of Civics which incorporates elements of Personal Social Education (PSE), Religious, Moral and Philosophical Education (RMPS) and other special events and speakers related to careers and general education. They will also have three periods of Games each week. The subjects listed below provide a good idea of what is open to pupils including more specialist courses such Music, Engineering Science and the like.

Typical Range of Subjects offered in S5

* International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – English proficiency test for non-native speakers

Those French pupils in S5 and S6 will follow courses that the Première and Terminale, leading them to the baccalauréat. They may also follow three subjects from Albyn School’s curriculum provided that one subject is English and one subject is a second language (either Spanish or German).

There are subject booklets that provide more detailed information about the curriculum in different stages of the School that can be obtained through the Admissions Department at Albyn School and more detailed information about the French curriculum can currently be found on the TOTAL French School website, rubrique “pédagogie”.