Pathways


In S1 and S2, pupils experience a broad curriculum that covers 8 curricular areas. Pupils follow a Broad General Education that enables learners to experience success in learning, with courses planned around Experience and Outcomes.

As pupils progress from S2 into S3, they personalise their curriculum through coursing conversations with PSLs, encouraging a broad coverage of curricular areas. Subjects are recommended through progression of Experiences and Outcomes (mainly at third and fourth level), equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills required to embark on their SQA qualifications journey, where appropriate.

JGHS aims to provide a wide and varied Senior Phase Curriculum that builds from the BGE offer and offers our young people appropriate pathways to a relevant curriculum that provides specialisation, depth and rigour; prepares them for achieving qualifications to the highest level of which they are capable; continues to develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work; and supports them to achieve a positive and sustained
destination.

We offer an increased range of NQs, NPAs, Skills for Work, and Foundation Apprenticeships, and have developed strong links with Edinburgh College with many pupils studying qualifications through the School College Partnership.

Pupils are also offered flexible options through JET, LEAPS and Career Ready, and we are also part of a consortia arrangement that enable pupils the opportunity to enrol in Advanced Higher courses in other schools.

We continue to work closely with our SDS and DYW partners to offer suitable pathways including university, higher education, further education, work-based learning and transition to employment.


Faculty Learning Pathways

These diagrams provide a visual overview of progression routes. Full course descriptions and qualification routes are available on the Course Choice page.

  • James Gillespie’s High School faculty learning pathways title slide
  • Science faculty learning pathways from BGE Science through National, Higher and Advanced Higher courses
  • English and Literacy faculty learning pathways from BGE English through National, Higher and Advanced Higher courses
  • Mathematics and Numeracy faculty learning pathways from BGE Maths through National, Higher and Advanced Higher courses
  • Gàidhlig faculty learning pathways from BGE Gàidhlig through National, Higher and Advanced Higher courses
  • Social Subjects faculty learning pathways for Geography, Environmental Science and History
  • Modern Languages faculty learning pathways for French, Spanish, Mandarin and German
  • Health and Wellbeing faculty learning pathways for PE, Dance and Food Technology
  • Performing Arts faculty learning pathways for Drama, Media Studies and Music
  • Design and ICT faculty learning pathways for Computing Science, Woodworking, Graphic Communication, Design and Art
  • Humanities faculty learning pathways for RMPS, Modern Studies and Business

Course Choice

You can find information regarding all of our certificated subjects on our course choice information page.

SCQF Levels

What are SCQF levels? Learn more about the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Curriculum & Pathways

Information about curriculum and pathways at JGHS.

Curriculum Event

Recording of our Curriculum Pathways Event 2025.