George Watson's College

 

In S3 and S4 all pupils must study English, Mathematics and the Modern Language that they studied in S1 and S2. In addition, all pupils have "Core Time" periods of Personal and Social Development, Physical Education and Religion and Philosophy, and a choice of other non-certificate options. Pupils study eight subjects and there is a wide variety of subject permutations available thus enabling a degree of specialisation in areas of strength whilst keeping future options open.

 

We offer either Standard Grade or Intermediate level courses, depending on which delivers the best foundation for progression to Higher Grade. Groupings may depend on a pupil's ability, so that the pace and content are appropriate to their level. Such setting allows inclusion of some Higher Grade work, in S4, for pupils with particular ability in a subject.

Early in S4, pupils start to consider their future choices by participating in the ISCO Morrisby tests for interest, ability and aptitude, and they are given interviews based on these. A similar programme of information and discussion meetings to that in S2 takes place in the spring term, to allow the pupils to make an informed choice of courses for S5 and S6. This involves parents and pupils and, on the part of the School, Departments, Year Heads and the Careers Service.

 

SQA

Pupils are encouraged to regard S5 and S6 as a coherent programme of academic study and progression. Pupils study five main subjects in S5, including English and, normally, Mathematics. It is possible to take up certain new subjects at an appropriate level. Currently, we offer a range of 26 different Highers to pupils in S5 and S6, in a wide (though it cannot be endless) variety of combinations. We also offer many subjects at levels below Higher and we do not regard these as in any way less important, as they offer coherent progression from achievement in S4.

 

By February of S5, pupils will have chosen their own Personal Tutor from the teaching staff. Their role is to guide their tutees through the important months of examination and to talk to them and their parents about future plans. After the exams, and with the help of tutors, the Careers Advisory Service and the Guidance staff, provisional S6 subject choices begin to be made. These can be from the wide range of Advanced Highers on offer, or include Higher or Intermediate courses. There are also a variety of modular and short courses available to S6, intended to encourage intellectual exploration and broaden interests.

We aim to encourage self-reliance among S6 pupils in many ways. Tutorial Groups form an essential part of the S6 curriculum; they provide an opportunity for pupils to lead discussions relating to cultural, ethical, moral, philosophical, political, psychological or social issues. We believe that this provides pupils with the confidence to communicate well in discussion, and we are told that many of our pupils tend to participate noticeably well in university tutorials.

Overall, S6 pupils are accountable for approximately 75% of their time in school, including four periods of study in the S6 library, and are given freedom to plan their further study time beyond this. The more advanced the level of study, the more autonomy they are given. Unallocated periods help S6 pupils learn to manage their time in advance of going on to future study or the world of work. Much advice and guidance is given on how to use time, how to plan ahead and how to anticipate events rather than react to them.

Most of our S6 pupils take up opportunities such as service in the Community, helping in the Junior School or with Support for Learning, as office bearers or in particular departments. We have a wide variety of interest subjects available to S6 pupils to enrich their experiences and all pupils follow courses in money management and healthy cooking to prepare them for life beyond school. It is in the sixth year that the informal curriculum is at its richest and most diverse.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

George Watson’s College is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation as an IB World School which means that we can offer our pupils the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. IB World Schools that share a common philosophy – a commitment to the high quality, challenging, international education.

The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised programme of study and assessment which focuses on international perspectives of learning and teaching, while requiring pupils to explore their home culture and language.The programme aims to develop active learners with enquiring minds who maintain a breadth of subject knowledge and develop as young people both inside and outside the classroom. IB programmes are recognised and highly regarded by universities and employers around the world and ensure an increased adaptability and mobility for students.

Pupils study six subjects throughout both S5 and S6, 3 at Standard Level (similar to Higher) and 3 at Higher Level (similar to Advanced Higher); each of these subjects has a coursework component. As well as their subjects all pupils must undertake an Extended Essay on a topic which interests them and also study a Theory of Knowledge course which aims to make links across the subject areas and gets pupils to question and think actively about knowledge and the world they live in. Pupils must also participate in 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service ensuring they have a healthy and balanced lifestyle as well as giving something back to their community.

The combination of breadth and academic rigour offered by the IB Diploma Programme ensures that pupils will enjoy a varied and challenging S5 & S6 that will provide them with an excellent preparation for life at university and in the wider world beyond.

More information on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme