Curricular Flexibility Programme

In Kirkcudbright Academy, we strive constantly to improve and update the education available to our pupils. Changes to the curriculum, and to the regulations that applied to age and stage made by the Scottish Government, resulted in a major review of the structure of the curriculum that we offer to our pupils. Session 2012-2013 is the tenth year of a programme of change which has raised attainment and improved the quality of the provision which we offer our pupils.

This programme of change was jointly supported by the Scottish Government and the Local Authority. The most recent HMIe report on the school, published in September 2006, commented favourably on the programme of change, as do Glasgow University's evaluation reports, published in January 2010, and other dates. Much of what we do here in the Academy fits very well with the principles and structures advanced in Curriculum for Excellence, the most recent government initiative.

Curriculum for Pupils S1-S3: session 2012-2013

The description of the S1-S3 curriculum given below, represents our practice at the time of writing. The roll out of the Curriculum for Excellence Programme across Scotland will result in changes that will encourage cross-curricular learning and transfer of skills across subjects. At present, S1 pupils are grouped according to shared interests and enthusiasms on the basis of information obtained from our primary schools, in consultation with pupils and their parents. All S1 classes follow a common course which is designed to lay the foundations of a broad general education which leads to national certification when appropriate and continues the development of the four capacities – successful learner, confident individual, responsible citizen and effective contributor – fundamental to education 3-18 and beyond. In order to encourage interdisciplinary learning and the transfer of skills between subjects and departments, we have developed a 4 x 4 programme where S1 pupils tackle four research tasks and report on these in four different ways during the course of S1. Additional time 'slots' (3 x 30 minutes) are also used to support core skills of literacy and numeracy and to encourage co-operative working. In Maths, pupils are usually organised in sets according to ability. Learning Support teachers work in some S1 classes alongside the subject specialist.

In May, towards the end of S1, pupils are asked to choose subjects to study in greater depth during S2/S3. The choice is the culmination of a process of reporting and consultation with pupils and parents.

• Reports are issued on performance in S1 to guide the choice
• Pupils have an interview with their Pupil Support teacher – parents may attend if they wish
• Parents have the chance to meet with their child's teachers at Parents' Evening
• A booklet is issued that gives details about the courses in S2/S3.

Curriculum for Pupils S4-S6: session 2012-2013

All year groups are combined to allow pupils to choose subjects from an extended range of courses and levels. Further details are offered in the booklets and information sheets which are issued to pupils at the time that course choices are made. This happens in February, after pupils have sat Prelim examinations, tracking reports have been issued to parents and there has been consultation with subject teachers and Pupil Support staff. Copies of the information booklets can be obtained from the school office but some brief points are given below.

Course choice: S4/S5

Pupils will choose 5 subjects to prepare for National Qualifications at Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels or for courses which are accredited differently – e.g. ASDAN, Scottish Progression Award. The range of subjects will vary from the traditional school-based subjects to ones which focus more on skills for work e.g. Rural Skills, Early Education and Childcare, Enterprise and Employability.

In addition to the 5 subjects chosen, pupils will do a range of core courses: Physical Education, Religious and Moral Education, Study Skills and Skills for Life, all contributing to our pupils' overall education and to prepare for life beyond school.

Course choice: S6

Pupils entering S6 negotiate a timetable according to their needs and post-school aspirations. In addition to the subject choices available to pupils in S4/S5, pupils can also do some work experience, either in an area related to a future career or an area of interest that will help develop skills and personal qualities. Pupils also have some non-class contact time to allow them to study on their own, thus helping them make an easier transition to the less formal atmosphere of Higher Education. This free time also allows S6 pupils to become involved in the important community aspect of school – organising events such as Charities days, school dances, being a part of Young Enterprise, working on the school magazine, helping staff in junior classes.

Examinations and Assessment

•  Pupils in S1/S2: Session 2012-13

Continuous assessment of classwork is used to measure attainment of S1 pupils. Each S1 course has certain objectives which it is hoped all pupils will achieve. At the same time, there will be material to stretch the most able. Pupils are measured against set standards rather than against each other. In S2, pupils move to Standard Grade/Intermediate courses and assessments are given to mark progress on the two year courses.

•  Pupils in S3 - S6: Session 2012-13

In addition to ongoing assessments that are an integral part of the learning and teaching process, we have to focus on preparing pupils for success in external examinations from S3 onwards. Formal examinations, particularly Prelims in S3-S6 are important both as training for exams and as the basis on which appeals are made for Standard Grade and National Qualification candidates. These take place between December and April of the school year in which pupils are scheduled to sit external examinations.

Adults in School

We welcome adults to any of our classes, if we have spaces in the relevant class, provided they are approved by Disclosure Scotland. It is possible to study for any SQA National Qualification that we offer on the timetable. Attendance would be approximately 5 hours weekly for each subject. For further information, contact Mrs Dobson, Depute Rector, prior to the start of the new timetable in June.

Adult Literacy and Numeracy classes are also available. If you would like to improve your basic skills or help with English as a second language please contact Rene O'Reilly, Principal Officer Community Services, 01556 502521.