S6 Experience

Our S6 Experience prepares pupils for the future so, whatever comes next, they leave Kelvinside Academy with the fundamental skills to grow and succeed.

Make it count

S6 pupils are offered a broad and stimulating environment in which they are encouraged to take responsibility, to explore their individual interests and strengths, and to discover new things. Given a little more independence, pupils thrive as they establish self-discipline and gain a balanced perspective on the broader aspects of learning and life. S6 is a year for pupils to work towards achieving the qualifications required to meet the ever-increasing demands of university entry requirements. It is also an opportunity to upgrade levels, to add breadth to study, or to take Advanced Higher courses, where subject knowledge is developed, and a more independent learning style is encouraged. It is important that the year is full, meaningful and academically challenging.
Academic
Pupils can undertake Advanced Highers, delving deeper into the subjects that have captured their interest via workshop style teaching which serves as an introduction to the type of learning experiences encountered at university. We aim to develop not just a pupil’s academic knowledge, but to foster an ethos where pupils understand how they learn, encouraging them to think of themselves as life-long learners and giving them the skills to succeed in the next stage of their life.
Leadership
Opportunities to develop and display leadership skills are a key feature of S6 life at KA; opportunities are extensive and varied including the captaincy team, prefect roles and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) leaders.
Community
Opportunity to show moral leadership through participation in our vast community involvement both inside and outside of school. Our S6 pupils participate in Volunteer Tutor Organisation, Young Enterprise, S6 Fundraising Committee, and working with Junior School pupils.
Mackenzie House
The S6 Centre is a separate school building that gives S6 pupils a measure of independence and responsibility which prepares them for life beyond school.

There are areas for quiet individual study, for collaborative meetings, for small teaching tutorials and for relaxing. The building also features a kitchen for the all-important cups of tea!
PSE & UCAS
This weekly programme is run by Mr Simpson, Head of S6, to prepare pupils for life beyond school. A key focus of this is practical preparation for university as they are led through the UCAS application process and assigned a staff ‘referee’.
Other options for life beyond school – including apprenticeships and gap years – are also explored and these sessions also cover many important topics, including budgeting, study skills, entrepreneurship and leadership.
MVP Programme
S6 pupils can participate in the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Programme. The majority of pupils normally opt into this peer mentoring programme that gives them the chance to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of violence. A focus is on the role of the ‘bystander’ and discussion take place around moral courage and leadership.
Foundation Apprenticeships
S5 & S6 pupils can choose one or two year Foundation Apprenticeship courses at college. These align with our school timetables and pupils attentend college two days a week.
Minerva Award
As part of the S6 programme at KA, pupils undertake the Minerva Award, which includes a minimum academic commitment.
It is a formal recognition of their achievement throughout the year. We recognise this through a point system, with points being awarded for a range of academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Summer Term Programme
Once exams are over, June is a busy time for S6 pupils. Whilst they no longer attend timetabled classes, a programme of S6 events features workshops, a trip to the Wilderness Campus, sailing trips, various days out, and the recent addition of the S6 Expedition which pupils plan themselves throughout the year.
Contact our team TO BOOK A VISIT
The best way to experience Kelvinside Academy and discover our truly unique approach to education is to see it yourself.