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Learning & Teaching

At The Edinburgh Academy, Learning and Teaching lies at the heart of everything we do, both inside and outside the classroom. Our goal is to help every pupil follow their individual academic path, guided by inspirational teaching, an innovative curriculum, and the appropriate levels of support and challenge.

We want all Academy Learners to be intellectually curious, independent, creative, collaborative, and resilient.

From Geits (P7) to 3rds (S2), pupils build on the strong foundations set in our Junior School. Our broad curriculum, based on Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, integrates traditional academic subjects with vibrant experiences in Art & Design, Drama, Music, and Design Technology, fostering creativity alongside intellectual rigour.

We aim to personalise learning and ensure that each pupil is supported to think critically, solve problems, and develop self-motivation and integrity.

In the Senior Phase, pupils receive expert guidance as they select a broad range of subjects leading to National 5 qualifications, followed by Highers and Advanced Highers. There are also numerous enrichment opportunities, including the EPQ, Sports Leadership, STEP Maths and UCAT Preparation, to name a few.

Our outstanding academic results reflect a culture of high expectations, individualised support, and a commitment to develop learners who are confident and well-prepared for the future.

In Geits (P7) pupils study Art, Computing, DT, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths, Music and Science. In addition, they get core Activities, Citizenship, Games, Health & Wellbeing, PE and RMPS, and will sample German, Mandarin and Spanish.

In 2nds (S1) and 3rds (S2), pupils move from General Science to Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They also select two languages, and Support for Learning is available as an option. Thirds will also pick up Enterprise and YPI through their Activity programme.
 

Sample Timetable

Nat5s

Most pupils will select eight National 5s (or GCSE Art and/ or Photography) to study in 4ths (S3) and 5ths (S4). English and Maths are taught in four periods per week; all other subjects have three periods. In addition, we offer the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) as a voluntary project. Games, Health & Wellbeing, Core PE and RMPS continue.

Highers

Highers

In 6ths (S5) most pupils choose five Highers, with five periods of each per week. The Games and Health & Wellbeing programmes continue, and we offer an extensive set of Electives or the option of Supervised Study to complete the timetable.

 

Adv highers

Advanced Highers, A-Level Art and Highers are all available to 7ths (S6) in addition to Electives and Volunteering opportunities. Each pupil has an individual tutor who helps guide them through their academic programme and any post-school applications.

Subject N5 H AH
Art & Design

(GCSE)

✔

(A-Level)

Biology ✔ ✔ ✔
Business Management ✔ ✔ ✔
Chemistry ✔ ✔ ✔
Classical Studies ✔    
Computing Science ✔ ✔ ✔
Design & Manufacture ✔ ✔ ✔
Drama ✔ ✔ ✔
Economics ✔ ✔ ✔
English ✔ ✔ ✔
French ✔ ✔ ✔
Furniture Making (NPA*)      
Geography ✔ ✔ ✔
German ✔ ✔ ✔
History ✔ ✔ ✔
Human Biology   ✔  
Latin ✔ ✔ ✔
Jewellery (NPA*)      
Mandarin ✔ ✔ ✔
Mathematics of Mechanics     ✔
Mathematics ✔ ✔ ✔
Modern Studies ✔ ✔ ✔
Music ✔ ✔ ✔
PE ✔ ✔ ✔
Philosophy ✔    
Photography (GCSE) ✔  
Physics ✔ ✔ ✔
Psychology   ✔  
RMPS ✔ ✔ ✔
Spanish ✔ ✔ ✔
Statistics     ✔

* National Progression Award