Moving from Primary to Secondary School is a major and exciting step for any youngster. We are always pleasantly surprised at how quickly they settle in at Wallace Hall Academy. They obviously enjoy the challenge of the new subjects and quickly get used to having a variety of teachers. We have well established links with our associate Primary Schools and the 3‑day taster course in June gives a glimpse of what is to come.
Classes in S1 are arranged in mixed ability groupings in all subjects except for mathematics. In maths pupils are set into classes according to their ability in the subject.
In S1 pupils are taught in classes of less than 20 for all subjects.
Learning Support will be focussed more on the key skills of literacy and numeracy, which will help youngsters to access other areas of the curriculum more readily.
Pupils will continue to study the full range of subjects during S1. Included in their teaching time will be some project work, which will help them to work as a team, improve their research skills and their ICT skills and encourage them to be enterprising in their ideas. Pupils will have a choice in which projects they undertake.
Courses in Second Year
Classes in S2 are arranged in mixed ability groupings in all subjects except for mathematics. In maths pupils are set into classes according to their ability in the subject.
In S2 pupils are taught in classes of 24-26 for English, Maths, French, Social Subjects and Religious Education. In all other subjects they are taught in practical groups of around 18.
Courses in Third and Fourth Year
At the end of S2 pupils make a selection of SQA subjects to study. This selection is governed by the pupil's progress in the common course, their vocational aim, and the pupil's ability and interest. Each pupil is guided in this choice by their Pupil Support teacher, and parents are consulted at all stages. The final choice is confirmed in writing to the parents. All stages of this consultation are completed before the Easter holiday.
Most pupils in S3/S4 study 8 SQA subjects:‑ English, Maths, a Modern Language and five other subjects. Some subjects are certificated at S-Grade whilst others are at Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2 level.
Courses in Fifth and Sixth Year
At the end of S4, most of our youngsters choose to return to school to continue their studies at a more advanced level.
National Qualifications are a relatively new system of examinations which have been introduced throughout Scotland. This system aims to offer a blend of academic and vocational courses to meet the needs of all our young people.
Courses are offered at various levels ‑ Advanced Higher, Higher, Intermediate 2 and Intermediate 1. The courses chosen will depend on the ability and prior attainment of each individual student.
Towards the end of S4, students choose their subjects and levels for study in S5. Each student is guided in this choice by their Pupil Support teacher. The final choice is confirmed at a meeting with student, parents, Pupil Support teacher and a member of the Senior Management Team during which a 'contract' is drawn up. Students undergo a similar process in their move from S5 to S6. |