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James Gillespie’s High School’s Design and ICT faculty provides students with a creative and practical learning environment. The Art and Design programme encourages creativity, problem-solving, and personal expression, while Computing Science develops digital literacy and computational thinking. The Design and Technology department focuses on innovation and practical design skills, preparing students for future careers. Collaborative projects, competitions, and industry connections support student development in both creative and digital fields.

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The English Department at James Gillespie’s High School fosters a love of reading, critical thinking, and social awareness. The curriculum spans novels, short stories, non-fiction, film, plays, and poetry, with a focus on textual analysis, critical essays, and creative writing. Students engage in group activities and individual work, developing discussion, listening, and presentation skills. Personal reading is encouraged through library periods and dedicated class time, supporting students’ growth as both readers and writers.

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At JGHS, we offer a broad and engaging education through Gaelic, aiming to be the leading centre for up-to-date, well-resourced courses that balance topic breadth with deep language acquisition. We involve the wider Gaelic community in supporting a diverse extracurricular programme. Our goal is for students to leave fluent, confident, and committed Gaelic speakers. Pupils study a variety of subjects through Gaelic, including Geography, History, Modern Studies, Drama, RME, Art, and PE, with around 13% of the student body involved in Gaelic Medium Education (GME).

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The Health and Wellbeing faculty at JGHS focuses on developing practical life skills, with S1/S2 pupils learning food preparation, nutrition, and hygiene. S1 students also explore textile and design skills by creating a sustainable recycling bag, while S2 pupils showcase their cookery talents in a healthy meal competition. Physical Education offers a broad curriculum that promotes healthy lifestyles, develops life skills, and nurtures talent, providing students with transferable skills for further education and employment in a fun, supportive environment.

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The Humanities faculty at JGHS offers a wide range of subjects that foster critical thinking and real-world skills. The Modern Studies and Politics department covers political, social, and global issues, with courses from S1 to S6, including Higher Politics and the Scottish Baccalaureate in Social Sciences for S6 students. The RME department encourages students to explore religious beliefs and values, promoting reflection and critical evaluation. Psychology helps students understand human behaviour, memory, and mental health, with courses at National 5 and Higher levels. Additionally, the Business Education department introduces students to essential skills in economics, marketing, and finance, preparing them for further qualifications in Admin, IT, and Business Management.

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Mathematics is the study of numbers, structures and change. We use it in our everyday lives, and in a wide range of academic subjects, to understand the world around us. By discovering patterns Mathematicians can use logic and conjecture to solve a multitude of problems and make new discoveries.

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The Modern Languages faculty at JGHS offers a diverse range of language courses, including German, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in each language, with opportunities to explore the culture and traditions of the countries where these languages are spoken. The curriculum encourages communication, critical thinking, and global awareness, preparing students for further study or work in a multilingual world. Courses are available across all year groups, with options for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications.

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The Performing Arts faculty at JGHS offers a wide range of opportunities in both Music and Drama. Music is an integral part of school life, with over 700 students participating in the annual Christmas Concert and more than 300 receiving instrumental tuition. The curriculum covers a variety of musical styles, and students regularly achieve high results in National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher exams. In Drama, the focus is on skill development, creativity, and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore acting, directing, and production. The subject builds confidence, teamwork, and reflective practice, preparing students for careers in theatre or other creative industries.

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The Science faculty at JGHS offers a dynamic and engaging curriculum in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, providing students with a deep understanding of the natural world. Through hands-on experiments and theoretical learning, students explore topics ranging from the complexities of life in Biology to the laws of motion in Physics and the chemical reactions in Chemistry. The faculty encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, with courses available at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels. Our aim is to inspire future scientists and equip students with the skills needed for further education or careers in science, technology, and research.

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The Social Subjects faculty at JGHS offers a diverse range of courses that encourage critical thinking and global awareness. In Geography, students explore how societies interact with and impact their environments, using case studies from Scotland, Europe, and beyond. Environmental Science combines scientific and social disciplines to tackle global issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource management, while History helps students understand how the past shapes the present and future, developing valuable research, analytical, and reasoning skills. These subjects foster curiosity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

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