Rationale
Lochside Academy supports all our young people to move into a positive and sustained destination from school and our planning for the BGE and Senior Phase in Curriculum for Excellence underpins this aim.
To achieve this, we need to raise the awareness of the options and many different pathways that are available for pupils, parents and staff. It is important to view the BGE (S1 - S3) and the Senior Phase (S4 - S6) as a 3-year experience rather than a single year-on-year approach. We already have a track record of success in planning positive destinations from Lochside Academy but we now want to build on this and ensure all our young people move onto a job, training opportunity, college course or university place when they leave us. Learners need to have parallel plans; a plan A, B and C, and keep their options open.
This website highlights the pathways taken by some of our pupils and gives information about all of the subjects which are available. You will see some of the experiences of our current and former pupils to give illustrations of the potential of the BGE and Senior Phase to deliver opportunities for our young people; importantly this places equal emphasis on academic qualifications as well as wider achievements and acquisition of a first-class skill set.
The 4 Capacities of Curriculum for Excellence
Lochside Academy’s curriculum model for S1-S6 is designed to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence and is based upon the CfE Principles of Curriculum Design. Through the curriculum design the school in line with our vision of values statement will develop the four capabilities of CfE.
The 4 Contexts for Learning
The curriculum is the totality of experiences which are planned for pupils. It includes the four contexts for learning
Broad General Education
The Junior Phase Curriculum is designed to provide a broad general education which increasingly builds upon pupils' experiences in the Primary School. It is also designed to provide a smooth transition into the Senior Phase.
In S1/2 all young people experience a Broad General Education (BGE) involving well planned courses in all 7 curricular areas. By focusing on the standards and expectations in the Experiences and Outcomes (E's + O's), staff plan opportunities for progression and ensure learners build progressively on their prior learning.
In S3 whilst recieving a BGE upils are given greater personalisation and choice through selecting 'Electives. This improves motivation, enthusiasm and attainment. Learning in S3 will pave the wayinto studying for certificated national qualifications and will allow the school to pursue its goal of raising attainment for all.
S2 into S3 Subject Choice
In S3 whilst recieving a BGE pupils are given greater personalisation and choice through selecting 'Electives'. This improves motivation, enthusiasm and attainment. Learning in S3 will pave the way into studying for certificated national qualifications and will allow the school to pursue its goal of raising attainment for all.
S4/5/6 Choices
S4 marks the beginning of the “Senior Phase” of a pupil’s education, having followed a Broad General Education from S1-3. It is a time when pupils will undertake programmes of learning, often extending through S5 and S6 and beyond. By offering a range of qualifications, skills, experiences and opportunities from S4-6, pupils should be able to tailor their Senior Phase to enable them to progress on their chosen career or further education pathway.
SCQF Framework
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is embedded below. This clearly outlines the qualification pathway within the range of SQA courses. At Lochside we offer a range of National Level courses, National Progression Awards (NPA) and Skills for Work (SfW) courses.
