Our Curriculum
Expert staff with a wealth of experience within and beyond the classroom, deliver a broad curriculum which inspires and stretches our young people. We work closely with pupils to help them find their own path, personal to their own unique aspirations.
Our teachers are confident and experienced in supporting new pupils from all educational backgrounds and from around the world. Our curriculum and timetable allows for flexibility and personalisation. Specialist support for pupils with English as an Additional Language along with the extra year of study at National 5, in particular, make transitions very manageable.
Senior 1 - Senior 4
From S1 onwards, our pupils benefit from a breadth of subjects and high levels of support and guidance from teachers and staff. In S1 and S2 the curriculum enables our pupils to build strong foundations and to develop a love of learning. With sixteen subjects in S1 and eighteen in S2 the emphasis is on allowing pupils to explore where their interests lie. Studying a broad range of subjects at this level helps pupils to make informed choices when selecting their National 5 subjects for S3 and S4.
In S3 and S4 pupils work towards National 5* qualifications during a two-year programme, allowing them to begin to specialise, personalise and pursue their unique interests and talents. Our pupils will typically choose eight subjects, two more than the national average of six. Our approach to teaching National 5 courses over two years provides scope for depth of learning and a more enjoyable and valuable learning experience for our pupils.
*Equivalent to GCSEs
The Sixth Form - Senior 5 and Senior 6
Our commitment to providing our young people with a truly personalised pathway continues in the final two years of Senior School.
At this time we place further emphasis on developing every pupil’s intellectual curiosity and the ability to think and study independently.
Choosing the International Baccalaureate pathway allows pupils to delve further into this independent style of learning, while the SQA route provides a more teacher-led approach.
Pupils in S5 and S6 can choose from the:
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
• International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme with HNC in Business
• SQA Highers followed by Advanced Highers
• A personalised blend of both SQA and IB qualifications.
Spirit of Inquiry
Inquiry based learning is embedded in our curriculum for all pupils from Nursery to Senior 6. This approach to learning fosters curiosity and encourages our young people to ask more questions and to critically think about what they know and how they know it. It strengthens transferable skills such as critical thinking, planning, self-management, reflection, organisation, communication, research, question formulation and digital skills.
The personal nature of inquiry encourages learning beyond mere memorisation of facts in order to pass tests. Instead our pupils make real world connections and explore topics more deeply - fostering curiosity, and a love of learning that stays with them for life.
“Inquiry-based learning helps young people to be successful in their lives both now and in the future. By using a range of learning approaches, our pupils are able to build a portfolio of skills to help them in further education and ultimately the world of work. By learning how to think critically, problem solve and collaborate with others, young people become central to their own learning and success.”
Mrs Johanna Urquhart, Principal
Beyond the Classroom
At Lomond School, while academic rigour is of course a focus, we firmly believe that it should not be the only measure of success; we want our pupils to be able to succeed in every aspect of their lives. Through opportunities and experiences outwith their academic studies and based around our school’s Guiding Principles, we give pupils the opportunity to develop key skills and attributes that will prepare them for the future. Skills such as leadership, a love of learning and a spirit of adventure.
We do this through an extensive programme of trips and activities aiming to push our pupils out of their comfort zones and challenge them to be the best they can be.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning is central to the education of every Lomond School pupil and is fundamental in helping our young people to develop the resilience, self-belief and ambition required to succeed in the world today.
Whether they are sailing on the Clyde, canoeing on Loch Lomond, skiing at Glencoe, or cycling the Great Glen, we empower our young people to be courageous. And, as with all skills gained outside the classroom, this courage aids them in their academic studies.
Health and Wellbeing
The health and well-being of our pupils is paramount and we have a dedicated team of staff in place to support our pupils from a pastoral perspective. We are committed to all aspects of our pupils’ mental and physical health and recognise the many challenges our young people face in this ever-changing world.
From providing extensive opportunities for exercise and fresh air to instilling knowledge on the benefits and importance of reflection and relaxation, we aim to help our young people gain a work life balance that engenders happiness, contentment and perspective.
“Since joining the Senior School our children have flourished both academically and socially. The size of the school means that the teachers know them well and recognise their capabilities. They have the ability to push pupils out of their comfort zones and help them to see what can be achieved if they work hard. Their encouragement has seen our children want to do better which is reflected in their academic results and their enthusiasm for extra-curricular activities too.”
Senior School Parent
Prospiciamus
‘Let us look forward’ is our school motto and is a particular focus for our young people in their final years at Lomond School. Our Senior 5 and 6 pupils are individually mentored and receive guidance on their choice of career and higher education courses from a number of experts and staff who know them well.
We are lucky enough to have a strong alumni network which allows us to connect our young people with former pupils who are working across a wide range of industries and professions. Access to this network through career talks, online meetings and work experience acts as inspiration for our pupils, helping them to realise their goals and ambitions for life beyond school.
“Right from the start, the relationships I have had with my teachers and the support I have been given, both with my academic studies and my extracurricular interests, has been incredible. Every member of staff has gone above and beyond to help me in any way that they can.”
Sixth Form Pupil
To find our more about Senior School at Lomond, please contact our Registrar. admissions@lomondschool.com T: 01436 672 476 www.lomondschool.com
