Within the broader fulfilment of each pupil's personal development in school most effort is directed towards academic achievement. The curriculum must meet the educational aims, offering both an appropriate choice and a range in the levels of difficulty to meet the needs of every pupil.
We shall attempt to do this by:
- Encouraging them to achieve the highest academic standards of which they are capable.
- Helping them to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and to employment in the changing world.
- Helping pupils to use language and number effectively.
- Helping pupils to understand the world we live in, with respect for religious and moral values.
The Academy recognises the Education Services policy statements on Equal Opportunities, Multi-cultural Education and Religious Education.
No pupil is excluded from any course of study or activity on the ground of sex, and both sexes have equal access to all available subjects.
The Education Service is committed to encouraging arrangements which promote equality of opportunity in respect of educational, social and recreational activities for all age groups. This includes the fostering of good relations between people of different racial groups and active discouragement of adverse attitudes and activities.
The school provides an opportunity to follow Religious Education courses in years S1 - S4, and as a Higher grade subject beyond that.
During each session religious observance occurs quite regularly. Parents are free to withdraw pupils from such observance should they wish. The Minister from St. Michael's Church, Rev. Ian Paterson, is invited to take part in the life of the school and is the principal liaison between school and church.
S1 and S2
On entry into first year all pupils follow a common course,working within mixed ability classes.
Some setting will be introduced in S1 and this is extended in S2.
In Linlithgow Academy the common course subjects are:
- Mathematics
- English
- Science
- History
- Geography
- French or German
- Physical Education
- Religious Education
- Social Education
- Art & Design
- Music
- Craft, Design & Technology
- Computing Studies
- Home Economics
S3 and S4
During second year considerable attention is given to the selection of subjects for the 3rd and 4th years. The Guidance Staff introduce pupils to the options available, explain the choice procedure, consider the personal, curricular and vocational aspects of the choices, distribute information packages and offer advice to parents. Parents are invited into school for further discussion before decisions are finalised.
The option sheet reflects the School, local authority and National curriculum policy. The structure provides a broad-based course with most subjects taken at Standard Grade level, although shorter forty hour courses or modules are included along with non-examinable work in Social Education and Physical Education. All pupils in S3 and S4 must essentially take English, Mathematics, Science and a foreign language. In addition, during S3 all pupils currently take a core Religious Education unit - a World of Values and in S4 will take a similar work experience course, the latter including a five day placement in a work place.
There is a well established effort, through the curriculum, to bridge the gap between school and the world of work, placing more emphasis on technology and practical skills
S5 and S6
After fourth year a number of pupils who have not reached their sixteenth birthday by 30 September, have to stay on at school. For the majority of fifth year pupils this is optional. For all these pupils there is a wide curricular choice, broadened by the opportunity to take a course at further education colleges and neighbouring secondary schools.
National Qualifications
What was launched as the ‘Higher Still’ programme is now largely established in school.
A range of programmes of study are in place which aim to promote high standards, breadth of achievement and recognised qualifications for all students.
The levels of courses are :·
- Advanced Higher (replacing CSYS)
- Higher
- Intermediate 2
- Intermediate 1
- Access
Access courses are tailored for pupils with special needs.
Students attaining a Credit pass at Standard grade should opt for Higher in S5 with the possibility of progressing to Advanced Higher in S6. Students attaining a General pass at Standard grade should opt for Intermediate 2 in S5 which would help towards a Higher in S6. Students attaining a Foundation pass in Standard grade should opt for Intermediate 1 in S5.
There will also be a choice of free standing units.
Personal and social development of the individual remains a priority within the school. A balanced choice of courses should also provide coverage of the five core skills.
These are
- problem solving
- communication
- numeracy
- information technology
- working with others.
Please note the viability of a course will be dependent on the number of students opting for that course.
Practical Music Instruction
The work of the Music department is enhanced by the services of visiting music instructors. Tuition is available in most instruments excluding piano. It has traditionally been a priority of the department to continue tuition for those pupils who played in their respective primary schools. This can no longer be guaranteed as demands increase on the limited number of instructors, as number of pupils seeking and/or receiving instruction increases and as the particular demands from pupils taking either Standard or Higher grade Music have to be recognised.
Careers Education
There is a close liaison between Career Development Edinburgh and Lothian and the school with the Careers Adviser, Sandra McCreadie contributing at various stages of the pupils education programme. The Careers Adviser offers interviews to individual pupils, conducts group work with school leavers and gives occupational talks. Parents evenings in Middle and Senior school are also attended by the Careers Advisers. Their work is co-ordinated by the Guidance staff, but parents may wish to note that the Career Development Centre is at:- 25 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, Tel: (01506) 630529.
Learning Support Services
Specialist staff are available in the school in order to meet the needs of pupils with relatively mild to moderate learning difficulties who require some teaching and support additional to that which can be provided by the class teacher.
Within the available resources the school will also attempt to meet the needs of pupils who have more specific learning difficulties.
Identification of such needs might be made after liaison with Primary school or after observation by a class teacher in S1. The measures taken to address such needs will vary according to the individual pupil's needs and will be implemented after consultation with parents. More detailed information is available in a leaflet "LSS at Linlithgow Academy".
If a parent feels that their child is experiencing any learning difficulty which is not being recognised they should themselves inform the Learning Support staff.
Support for Learning
We recognise the need to support pupils with social, emotional or behavioural problems in school. To help them achieve their potential we offer support in either the support base or in the classroom, if resources permit.
We try to adhere as closely as possible to the school curriculum but do plan individual programmes which are designed to meet the needs of each single pupil. We also work closely with outside agencies and do appreciate the support of parents and carers.