Central to the ethos of the School is the pursuit of academic excellence. Through a broad and challenging curriculum, offering a diversity of courses, qualifications, knowledge and skills, our aim is to support every individual so that they can realise their academic potential.
A curriculum for excellence
Our educational programme corresponds with the broad aims of the Curriculum for Excellence (CFE), which are to prepare pupils for a world in which skills will be as important as prior learning, and flexibility is as important as tradition.
Flexible learning
We recognise that young people learn in different ways and offer the flexibility to adapt the curriculum accordingly. We follow the English programme of GCSEs and A Levels with the option to undertake a two- year Scottish Higher programme in the last two years of study. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also an option for some Sixth Form pupils. This choice is determined by the needs of the individual. Studying Highers over two years, for example, can allow extra time to develop subject knowledge which may be suitable for pupils with other commitments, such as our elite athletes.
Third form
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing
- Design Technology
- Drama
- English
- French
- Geography
- German or Spanish
- History
- Latin
- Mathematics
- Music
- Phisical Education
- Physics
- Religious Education
Fourth & fifth form
The two-year GSCE course begins in the Fourth Form and all pupils study 10 subjects:
- Art
- Drama
- English
- Mathematics
- Music
- At least one Modern Language (German, Spanish or French)
- Three Science subjects or Combined Science
- History or Geography (or both)
- Physical Education
Sixth form
In Sixth Form, we prepare our pupils for entry to leading universities, professions and other courses of study. Pupils choose up to four A Levels or Five Highers with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as an option for some. The following subjects are available:
- Art
- Biology
- Business Management
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- Computing
- Design Technology
- Economics
- English
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Latin
- Mathematics
- Music
- Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Theatre Studies
These options may change from time to time, please check the website for an up to date list.
English as an additional language (EAL)
Our EAL teachers provide onsite support for international pupils for whom English is not their first language. This is tailored to pupil needs and consists of regular lessons and workshops, with individual tutoring also available to help pupils with specific language skills. On arrival, pupils whose native language is not English will also be assigned a pupil mentor in their House who will help them settle in.
Academic support
As well as classroom teaching, each pupil receives support from a dedicated tutor who oversees their academic progress and general wellbeing. Tutorial groups meet twice a week and there are also academic drop-in clinics in the evenings for subject specific support. This is in addition to the School-wide academic support network of Housemasters, subject teachers and Heads of Department. They are available outwith class times to offer help and advice and are actively involved in ensuring that every pupil is happy, healthy and performing to the best of their abilities.
Prep
Prep is essential to consolidate classroom learning. At Strathallan, it’s done in House every evening between 7.30pm and 9pm. It is supervised by duty staff and day pupils have the option to do their prep in House or at home.
Support for learning
A range of learning support services is available to help pupils get the most out of their studies at Strathallan. This includes study skills workshops as well as one-to-one support for literacy and numeracy skills. All pupils are screened on entrance and throughout their time with us to identify any additional learning needs and to ensure they receive the support they need.