S6 (Year 13) and S6 Extension
In S6 most pupils will study for Advanced Highers. Advanced Highers are the Scottish equivalent of A Levels, but are one year courses.
In this year it may also be possible to take additional Highers or National 5 examinations as required and as a pupil's ability, intentions and timetables permit. For example a pupil may wish to take up another language.
Our flexible timetabling and a structured points system take account of individual needs and may permit pupils to follow interest courses.
Pupils will take their Cambridge Pre-U exam in Music in Senior 6.
All pupils leaving St Mary’s Music School from S6 should have a minimum of five National 5/4 passes, four or five Highers and Advanced Higher qualifications. They will also have an iGCSE in Music and the Cambridge Pre-U in Music.
ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
If English is not your first language then it is possible to take ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) as an option to gain a qualification and improve your English language level.
Subjects:
Compulsory
Choice of:
- Mathematics
- Art & Design
- Modern & Classical Languages: French, German, Italian, Latin, Spanish (according to demand)
- Social Sciences: Geography, History
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Non-examinable subjects:
- Personal & Social Education
- Physical Education
Examination results are consistently very good and although most of our pupils proceed to Higher Education (either Conservatoire or University) studying Music, we are careful to ensure that pupils wishing to pursue other options have the necessary qualifications. A number of pupils apply to Oxford or Cambridge with a high degree of success whilst others regularly gain scholarships to conservatoires.
S6 Extension
Sometimes our pupils opt to stay for an additional year so that they can be better prepared to successfully apply for Higher Education at university, conservatoire or music college. This is called S6 Extension. In this year we will discuss each pupil's requirements to make sure that they are following a timetable and curriculum best suited to their needs.
S6 and S6 Extension pupils are frequently joined by pupils new to the school who have applied to our Advanced Programme.