INTO THE FOURTH AT FETTES COLLEGE GCSE CHOICES
Our Curriculum Students in Fourth and Fifth Form study nine subjects (unless otherwise agreed) as part of their GCSE Curriculum: • Five core subjects (English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics); and • Four optional subjects from the list below, one from each column, including one modern language out of French, German, Mandarin or Spanish.
In cases where a student is taking Latin as one of their four options, there is the opportunity for a student to take Classical Greek GCSE as a fifth additional subject (listed as ‘Gratin’ in Column C). A Economics French Geography History Mandarin Spanish Study Support
B Economics French Geography German History Study Support
C Art Computer Science Economics Geography Gratin History Latin Music Spanish Study Support
D Art Classical Civilisation Drama EET (HPQ) Geography History Music PE Study Support
These columns are a starting position and if there are any subject combinations that your child would like to study, which are currently not possible, there will be an opportunity on the options form to state this, and we will make every endeavour to offer them.
Considerations •
Ability and interest should be the main guiding principles in making the choices between these optional subjects, as commitment and motivation will be key to success at GCSE.
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Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin) and Classics (Latin and Classical Greek) GCSEs are only available to those who are taking these subjects in the Third Form; they are not beginners’ courses in Fourth Form. However, new students joining Fettes in the Fourth Form may be able to take Spanish, German or Mandarin (not French) without previous experience on the understanding that they would have additional preparation tasks over the summer.
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In exceptional cases, some students will be permitted to take 8 subjects at GCSE if they would benefit from lessons in English as a Foreign Language or Support for Learning instead.
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Future intentions in respect of university and careers should also play a role but it is important to remember that the transferable skills gained through various subjects are more important than knowledge gained at GCSE level. The only major career that might be ruled out is Architecture if a student did not choose Art and Design. Below is a list of courses and recommended subjects we share with students as they go into Sixth Form, which may also help with determining some of the options as your child goes into Fourth Form.
University Course
Recommended Subjects at Sixth Form
Accountancy and Finance Agriculture Architecture Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classics Classical Civ / Ancient History Computer Science Dentistry Drama / Theatre Technology Economics Engineering (Chemical) Engineering (Other Types) English French Geography Geology German History History of Art International Relations Law Mathematics Medicine Modern Languages Music Pharmacy Philosophy Physics Politics Psychology Sociology Spanish Sport Science Television, Film & Media Veterinary Science
Maths Biology Art, Maths, Physics Art Biology, Chemistry, Physics Economics Chemistry, Biology, Physics Latin, Greek Classical Civilisation, History Maths, Computer Science Chemistry, Biology Drama Maths, Economics
Complementary Subjects Economics, Computer Science Geography, Maths, Economics History English Maths, PE, Geography English, History, Geography Maths English, History English, Latin, Greek Physics English English
Chemistry, Physics Maths, Physics English French Geography Maths, Physics, Chemistry German History History, Art Politics, History History, English
Maths Computer Science Another Language, History Another Language, English Economics, Biology Geography, Biology, History Another Language, English English, Politics English English, Geography, a Language A Language
Maths Chemistry, Biology Two Modern Languages Music Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Biology Maths Physics, Maths Politics Any two science subjects
Physics English, Latin or Greek
Psychology Spanish Physical Education Drama Chemistry, Biology
A Language History, Classics, Politics Chemistry History, English, Economics Geography, History, PE History, Geography Another Language, English Biology English, History, Politics
Our Subjects Art and Design Studying Art and Design offers the opportunity to develop creative skills and find new ways to explore ideas. Art touches us all daily in its various forms, even if we are not consciously aware of it. Every time we get dressed, sit on a chair, walk into a building, watch television, look at a poster, take a trip to the cinema, theatre or gallery, the work of creative, imaginative people affects and involves us. Visual awareness and creativity are as important in the development of the individual as literacy and numeracy. As a GCSE Art student, students will develop skills through working with a wide range of materials and acrossdifferent disciplines, which might include drawing and painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, photography and animation. Knowledge and understanding of Art and Design will be developed through research into the work of other artists. The most important factors for success are enthusiasm, desire to be creative, and genuine interest in the subject. The GCSE course is divided into two parts: • Component 1: Portfolio. One complete project plus other supporting work. Worth 60% of the total GCSE marks. • Component 2: Externally set assignment. Several weeks of preparation plus a ten-hour exam, worth 40% of the total GCSE marks. The vast majority of students who study at this level have a great sense of fulfilment and enjoyment as well as a sense of pride in their achievements. Classical Civilisation Over the two years of the Classical Civilisation course, students will study two modules – one which explores the world of Homer, reading the story of the Odyssey and following Odysseus on his adventures with the Cyclops, into the Underworld and his return home, ending with a showdown between him and the men who are trying to marry his wife. This is done alongside the study of Mycenaean culture from 1250BC: the palaces, wall paintings and tombs. The second module examines Roman and Greek gods and heroes, looking in detail at mythological stories (like Hercules) and the foundation myths of Athens and Rome, as well as temples and sacrifices, exploring ancient burials and the journey to the Underworld. The course consists of two exams, one on each module (50% each), containing a mixture of comprehension questions, and some longer essay-style answers. There is no coursework. Everything in this course is studied in English, with no knowledge of Latin and Greek required, so it is perfect for anyone interested in learning about the ancient world, myths, archaeology but who either has no Latin or Greek knowledge, or would prefer a non-linguistic approach to the Classical World. Computer Science Computer science is a subject that is so much more than just using and building computers. Students who study Computer Science develop a range of skills that are transferable to all fields of study and areas of interest. They will develop excellent problem-solving and logical thinking skills, enhance their creativity and be able to make fact and evidence-based evaluations with resilience and confidence. Whether wanting to go on to study law, medicine, science, engineering, languages, or any other field, Computer Science is relevant and will give students the ability to be at the forefront of modern thinking.
Computer Science has a strong practical component. For half of the course, students will learn the Python programming language, developing solutions to increasingly challenging problems. The theory portion of the course covers a range of topics, including how computers work, how they communicate, and their impact on the world around us. This section involves providing concise, detailed answers rather than longer, essay-style responses. The course consists of two papers, each of which are worth 50% of the final grade: • Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science – A written exam covering topics such as Computational Thinking, Data, Computers (and how they work), Networks, and Issues and Impacts. • Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking – An onscreen coding exam where students write Python programs to solve a set of given problems. Drama IGCSE Drama is a challenging and dynamic course which is unashamedly practical and produces confident actors and creators of theatre. To gain the highest grades, students will have to be practically able as well as critically reflective and this combination of the practical and theoretical makes for a rigorous and engaging course, which gives students real-life skills, useful far beyond the confines of school. It must be stressed that the course is not designed with the ‘talented few’ in mind: it is often the less confident students who benefit most from the ‘life skills’ element of the subject, suchas movement and voice training. That said, it is not a soft option for those looking for a ‘non-academic’subject either and does demand a commitment and interest in theatre, including seeing live productions and getting involved in school performances. There are two components to the course: • Component 1: Written examination (40%) - A final written exam which is based on practical work (including acting, directing, stage management, lighting, sound, make-up, costume etc.) done in response to pre-release material in the Autumn and Spring Term. • Component 2: Coursework (60%) - The coursework involves a total of three performances which are internally assessed and externally moderated by the exam board: one individual and one group performance based on an extract from a play and one group performance based on an original devised piece. Economics Most textbooks will start by telling you that Economics is about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation. Though true, there is so much to the study of Economics. More than anything else, it is the study of choice. More broadly, it is the study of how our decisions (and the institutional contexts in which we make those decisions) impact our success in achieving our wants and addressing our needs. Economics therefore helps us to understand how the world works, and how to make it a better place. Studying Economics helps students to develop an analytical approach to some of the major problems of our time, such as climate change, inequality, poverty, globalisation, automation, and many others. Effective solutions to these problems require the insights provided by Economics. Economics complements a wide range of subjects and will bring greater depth to the study of other GCSE subjects such as History or Geography (alongside many other related fields of study). Students should be aware that effective study of Economics demands academic rigour and high-quality study skills. Students who are considering Economics should have an interest in current affairs as well as a desire to understand contemporary economic and political issues.
We prepare candidates for the International GCSE Economics course offered by Edexcel. There are two exams for IGCSE Economics, each worth 50% of the final grade: • Paper 1: Microeconomics and Business Economics • Paper 2: Macroeconomics and the Global Economy Each paper consists of four compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks. The sub-questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response and open-ended questions. There is no coursework. Engineering, Enterprise & Technology (EET) In EET, students work towards a Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), which technically equates to half a GCSE (100% coursework); but in reality, the HPQ offers broader experience of real iterative design work without the pressure of examinations and allows those applying for engineering and design pathways to share their practice and demonstrate experiential learning. It also sets students up for the EPQ in their Sixth Form years, and lets students break the mould in their future applications. A recent article in The Scotsman captured the innovative approach that EET offers and can be found here: EET at Fettes - The Scotsman, December 2023
Building upon their 3rd Form experience, students in the 4th Form will continue to develop their design proficiency by completing structured projects around engineering sectors before embarking on a project of their own choosing. EET provides an opportunity for students to develop problem-solving skills through real-world hands-on experience. The major project will take students through the full design process by researching, designing and developing each aspect of their chosen problem. With a heavy focus on iterative design, students will be encouraged to explore a wide range of solutions - modelling their ideas physically as often as possible. Students will produce a completed physical artefact as well as a portfolio of work visually presenting their design process and the work undertaken. At the end of the project students will submit a short essay to reflect and summarise their experience. English We prepare candidates for the IGCSE English courses offered by Edexcel. These IGCSE courses offer a wide range of opportunities for students to hone their English skills. They will study a wide range of literary and non-fiction texts during the two years of their course, which, in turn, will furnish them with skills that will serve them well in the Sixth Form and beyond.
International GCSE English Language A (Edexcel) The IGCSE for English Language consists of a single written exam (60%) plus written coursework (40%): • Written Exam: This requires students to study a range of non-fiction passages in advance (including pieces by the likes of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Benjamin Zephaniah and Helen MacDonald) and to make comparisons with a previously unseen passage. Their writing skills will also be tested as they will produce a single piece of personal writing for a distinct purpose and audience. • Coursework: This consists of two carefully drafted essays to demonstrate students’ skills in literary comparison and in imaginative writing. The literary essay will require them to compare two poetry and prose texts taken from the Edexcel Anthology. The imaginativeessay offers numerous creative possibilities.
International GCSE English Literature (Edexcel) IGCSE English Literature consists of one written exam (60%) and two pieces of written coursework (40%): • Written exam: This involves exploration of Poetry and Modern Prose, which is divided into unseen poetry, poetry in the Edesxcel anthology and Modern prose text (including Things Fall Apart, To
Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, The Whale Rider, The Joy Luck Club). •
Coursework: All students produce a response to a Modern Drama text (such as A View from the
Bridge, An Inspector Calls, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Kindertransport, Death and the King’s Horseman) and a Literary Heritage text (for example, Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, The Scarlet Letter). All students should hopefully enjoy the IGCSE English courses as they should provide plenty of variety and appropriate challenge to students of all abilities. Geography Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences and natural sciences, complementing both humanities and sciences at GCSE. Human Geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, and Physical Geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of landscapes and the environment. Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of place recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes andenvironments across the world, and exploring the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in Human Geography. The GCSE consists of two papers and coursework: • Paper 1: Geographical Themes – This assesses three themes studied across the course, namely Population and Settlement (population dynamics, migration, urbanisation and settlements); The Natural Environment (natural hazards, rivers, weather and climate, and ecosystems); and The Economic World (development, food production, industry, tourism and resource scarcity). • Paper 2: Geographical Skills – This tests transferable skills, including reasoning, analysis and critical thought. • Coursework: One, centre-based, assignment of up to 2000 words, completed at the end of Fourth Form, worth 27.5% of the final grade. History Students who have enjoyed studying the First World War, the Holocaust and other events in the Third Form, will find that the topics in the Fourth and Fifth Forms are just as interesting and build on their existing knowledge. History at IGCSE revolves around the twentieth century. The syllabus features some of the most important historical issues of the period: the post-war settlement in 1919; the rise and fall of Nazism; the breakdown of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union resulting in US involvement in Asia and Soviet control over Eastern Europe. Some of these features of the past still exist today: negative elements such as wars, dictatorships, terrorism, and genocide, as well as positive elements such as peace treaties, international co-operation and scientific achievements.
The IGCSE course engenders a lasting interest in history for many of our students but it also develops the skills of written and verbal discussion and debate. Students learn how to critically evaluate and analyse source material and interpretations, and to apply their own knowledge to decide between truth and propaganda. The course will help all students to understand more clearly the world in which they live. The exam is assessed in three components: • Paper 1: Knowledge-based questions on Core Content: ‘ The Twentieth Century: international relations from 1919’ and Depth Content: ‘Germany: 1918-1945'. • Paper 2: Source Questions on one of the Core Content topics (the topic is known in advance but the sources are unseen). • Coursework consists of one 2000-word assignment and accounts for 27% of the total mark. Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to attend the Historical Society. A number of topic specific events are held throughout the year and IGCSE students are also encouraged to attend nonrelated events. In the past Fourth and Fifth Form students have visited Berlin and the First World War Battlefields, further enhancing their study of history. Latin and Greek Latin can be studied as a GCSE option by itself. If a student wants to study both Latin and Greek, they are taught as a ‘Gratin’ option — both subjects are taught in the space of one option subject, so students get two GCSEs for the price of one! During lessons, students will continue to learn new vocabulary and grammar in order to tackle more interesting and challenging stories about myths and ancient history. In addition, they will also study two texts, which are real pieces of Latin or Greek, written over 2,000 years ago. These are by some of the most famous ancient authors (including Virgil and Homer). The stories can cover a wide range of topics, including epic battles of life and death, superstitions about witches, love stories and violent volcanic eruptions. As well as translating these set texts, they will also analyse the literary techniques used by the authors to maximise the effect of their words. Both the Latin and Greek courses follow a similar structure: one language exam (50%) and two literature exams (25% each) – all of which involve a mixture of translation and comprehension questions. There is no coursework. Students who have enjoyed exploring translations and reading stories in Latin and Greek during Third Form are sure to enjoy these subjects at GCSE level. Mathematics All students study Mathematics at IGCSE. Mathematics is concerned with learning rules and skills to deal with numbers, formulae and equations. The aim of the course is to continue to stimulate student interest, enjoyment and curiosity in this and to promote an understanding of mathematics in its widest context to help develop transferable skills such as problem-solving. The course is split into four sections – Numbers, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics. It consists of two papers at either Foundation or HigherTier, and both allow the use of a calculator. Both papers are equally weighted and are two hours long. A top grade at this level should enable successful progression to A Level or IB and beyond. It will also provide a qualification which will be sufficient for nonmathematical careers.
For the most able mathematicians we also offer an Extended Maths Certificate at GCSE level during lesson time, designed to prepare students for a full range of mathematics courses in the Sixth Form at Fettes College. It is intended for students on target for a Grade 9 in IGCSE Maths and where it is felt taking this additional course will enhance a student’s academic profile. Modern Foreign Languages All students are expected to take at least one Modern Foreign Language. This not only fosters an interest in other cultures and prepares students for the increasingly global world that we live in but maintains a wide range of options for Sixth Form, especially the IB which demands study of a language. Many students opt to study two foreign languages at IGCSE as linguists are in high demand. In MFL, students can learn to speak, argue, joke, eavesdrop and dream in a foreign language such as Chinese, French, German or Spanish. Students will build on the skills and language acquired in Third Form,and learn how to tackle translation, understand some simple but authentic literature, get to know the culture of the countries where the language is spoken, and engage with contemporary issues that affectsociety. They benefit from one-to-one lessons with a native speaker which will see their spoken language develop quickly and confidently. The new IGCSE course is an excellent introduction to the different facets of language learning: linguistics, literature, culture and communication. The IGCSE examination tests listening, speaking, reading and writing skills equally. However, there are many other skills that a student will learn during the course, including: improving their grammar and vocabulary; understanding more about the history and society of differentcountries; getting a taste of foreign film, music and literature; learning to read texts more analytically; and improve self-confidence. In addition to the compulsory nine GCSE subjects, students who are native or near-native speakers in a modern language may be able to take GCSE as an additional qualification. Some exam focussed tuition may be required and this will be subject to staffing and will be assessed in the first term of the academic year. All year round there are many competitions, film nights, visiting speakers, and quizzes taking place. There are also trips abroad for all languages. Fourth Form students also have the opportunity to apply for a place on the Language Leaders programme, where they prepare for a Routes into Languagessponsored qualification. Music GCSE Music is a broad course which should appeal to anyone with an interest in music. The course is not specifically aimed at the “specialist” musician but it is expected that those students who hold Music Scholarships and Exhibitions will opt to take Music at GCSE. The course isbased on the study of eight set works, split into four Areas of Study: Instrumental Music 1700-1820; Vocal Music; Music for Stage and Screen; and Fusions. The course is then assessed in three components: • Component 1 Performing (30% - internally marked and moderated): This requires candidates to record a total of at least 4 minutes of music, including one solo performance on any instrument/voice, and one ensemble performance, in which the candidate plays an independent part. To have the possibility of gaining full marks in this component, the standard of pieces performed should be equivalent to ABRSM Grade V, although this should not dissuade instrumentalists or vocalists who have not yet reached this level from choosing GCSE Music. • Component 2 Composing (30% - internally marked and moderated): Students produce two
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compositions: one based on a brief set by Edexcel, and one free composition. Both compositions must reach at least three minutes in duration. Component 3 Listening and Appraising (40%): This consists of a listening exam of 1 hour 45 mins. Candidates are expected to respond to questions about six of the eight set works and write an extended answer comparing one ofthe set works to an unfamiliar piece of music.
Physical Education PE at GCSE draws on knowledge from disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology, History and Psychology and applies them to physical activity and sport. This allows you to see how the body and brain are influenced and therefore gives you the understanding over how people function both physically and emotionally. This is a subject that can be applied not only to a student’s own sports performance but to many aspects of everyday life. Physical Education is a subject that combines well with both Science and Art subjects. Its syllabus is divided into seven sections: Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Movement Analysis, Physical Training, Use of Data, SportsPsychology, Socio-cultural influences, Health, fitness and well-being. The GCSE assessment is as follows: • Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport (30%) - A written exam, assessing knowledge of Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Movement Analysis, Physical training, and Use of Data • Paper 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity (30%) - A written exam, assessing knowledge of Sports Psychology, Socio-cultural influences, Health, fitness and wellbeing, and Use of Data • Coursework (40%): Practical Performance in three physical activities, at least one team activity and one individual activity with analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity. Science Science has become increasingly fundamental in understanding the world we live in. We are bombarded with daily news items which incorporate important scientific ideas and applications and, if students areto understand these, it is important that they all have a sound grounding in the sciences. All students therefore take Science at IGCSE as part of either a Double Award scheme or as three separate GCSEs. The Double Award Science is designed as a two-year course of study. It takes approximately two thirdsof the subject content from each of the IGCSE single sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and combines them into an IGCSE Science specification which is worth the equivalent of two GCSEs. It is designed to be an interesting and inspiring modern syllabus, suitable both for those for whom it is a final science qualification and for those who require a sound foundation for further study. The course allows for a great deal of experimental work in each of the sciences and so prepares students wellfor both A Level and IB. All students are taught by specialist teachers with six periods per cycle for eachScience. They are examined via a theory paper in each subject which is worth 33.3% of the total DoubleAward IGCSE marks. The IGCSE separate sciences have a syllabus which extends some of the concepts taken at Dual Award, but the specifications follow the same overall plan.
Biology Biology is a subject that combines well with both science and arts subjects and is often thought the most accessible of the sciences. It blends skills learnt in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Geography and incorporates a good understanding of the English language. IGCSE Biology is divided into five sections: Nature and the Variety of Living Organisms; Structure and Function of Living Organisms; Reproduction and Inheritance; Ecology and the Environment; and Use of Biological Resources. The course is begun in the Third Form and builds on the recommendations of the National Curriculum and of the Curriculum for Excellence in the pre-GCSE years.
Chemistry Chemistry continues to build and expand on the topics of the states of matter, elements and compounds, the periodic table and the chemical reactions of a wide range of substances from the Third Form. It is divided into four sections: Principles of Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Organic Chemistry. During the course we look at the atom, the central building block of matter. The first surprise we get is that matter is mostly empty space. An understanding of how atoms combine to form the millions of materials we see daily is the foundation on which the course is built. With knowledge of what matter is and how it reacts we look at some industrial processes. How is oil refined to make fuels and innumerable useful products? How is fertiliser made, and what has it to do with Fritz Haber? Are chemists responsible for destroying the environment or are they trying to save it? How can a chemical engineer save a company millions of pounds in a year by adjusting a few valves? We explore all these issues and much more in what is a fascinating insight as to how chemists use the resources around us to make everything you see and touch on a daily basis.
Physics Physics enables students to acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge, and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations in many domestic, industrial and environmental contexts. There is also a large emphasis placed on the practical nature of Physics, where students are encouraged to acquire experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques. The course is split into eight sections of study: Forces and motion;Electricity; Waves; Energy resources and energy transfer; Solids, liquids and gases; Magnetism and electromagnetism; Radioactivity and particles; and Astrophysics. Each of these sections has core and extension material, which is used to challenge the more able students throughout the entirety of their IGCSE.
Higher Project Qualification (Level 2) The Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Higher Project is an optional extra-curricular project that is completed by students who have demonstrated the academic aptitude and potential to take on an independent research task. It provides an opportunity to develop independent research skills in any topic of a student’s choosing that will prepare students well for Sixth Form and beyond. The HPQ is worth half a GCSE (as it is if taking EET as an option); however unlike EET, there is no formal lesson time provided and the outcome is predominantly a written piece. Indeed, the vast majority of students complete a ‘dissertation’. A research area is identified, a question refined, and a 2000 word (minimum) written outcome created. Supporting documentation is required in the form of research notes and an ‘activity log’ that tracks progress throughout the year.
The following are some examples of previous HPQ questions: • • • • •
Mussolini largely rose to power as a consequence of war. How far do you agree with this statement? To what extent was the Big Bang model a viable theory of the universe during the mid-20th century? To what extent was Jupiter a significant influence on the development of earth as a habitable planet? To what extent did Britain’s contribute to the Nigerian Civil War? How far does determination drive the team to success in Formula One?
Students who undertake the HPQ will complete it between January of the 4th Form to December of the 5th Form. There is a series of milestones and deadlines that an allocated supervisor will occasionally prompt them towards. This is complemented by a handful of bespoke HPQ lessons arranged outside the school day. After marking, and external moderation by the Pearson examination board, the students receive a grade from A* to E. By its very nature, the HPQ process is challenging and requires a great deal of self-discipline, commitment and maturity. Hence, it will not be suitable for all students and participants can withdraw from the process if they realise it is not something they can manage.
We hope this provides a helpful overview of the curriculum and subjects available for study across Fourth and Fifth Form at Fettes College. These are important decisions and we are here to help you and your child in that process. If you are a current Fettes family, please do speak to your Houseparent in the first instance. If you are not currently at Fettes, please do contact our Admissions Department or Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic) at a.chakravarty@fettes.com