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.