Course Choice
This guide has been prepared so that you know what subjects are offered at Deans Community High School. You will find information on subject content, skills developed and possible progression pathways for each of the subjects within each Curricular Area.
In January/February you will be required to complete an electronic form detailing your course choices for the next academic year. Students going into S3, S5 and S6 will take part in a personal interview with one of the senior management team to discuss their course choices and what they hope to achieve from their S5/6 courses prior to completing the electronic form.
S1 - S2 Students | S3 Students | |||
All S1 and S2 pupils experience a Broad General Education (BGE) which is organised into 8 Categories.
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S4 Students | S5 Students | S6 Students |
| All S4 Students will study English and Maths | Undertake 5 certificated courses from column options making progression from their S4 subjects | Undertake a minimum of 4 certified courses |
Students will be asked to indicate a first and second choice of subject to drop from the subjects they studied in S3. Pupils will study 7 qualifications | All pupils will take part in the core programme of Moral ad Personal Education and PE | Students are advised to take only one advanced higher with a maximum of two |
| All pupils will take part in the core programme of Moral ad Personal Education and PE | ||
| Some students may undertake a Skills for Work or West Lothian College Course following recommendation from their Head of House. | Opportunities to work with younger students;
| Opportunity to look at studying additional qualifications virtually |
S6 prefects' school community involvement;
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West lothian College
Through our partnership with West Lothian College you can choose to study at college one or two afternoons each week.
Click on West Lothian College (opens new window) to find out more about the courses offered by West Lothian College
Virtual Campus 2026-27
The following subjects are available through the Virtual Campus. If you are interested in studying any of the courses below please speak to Mr O'Donnell or Mrs Fleming.
Please note: Courses will only run if numbers and resources are sufficient.
| Course | Subject level | Course | Subject level |
| Biology | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | Philosophy | Higher (SCQF 6) |
| Business | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| Chemistry | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| Computing | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| Geography | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| History | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| Maths | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| Physical Education | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| Physics | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) | ||
| RMPS | Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) |
Virtual Campus is not the same as studying a subject within your own school and applies a different operating model. It is an extended/additional online programme offered to young people who can't access a course within their own school, therefore widening access to the courses available throughout West Lothian Council.
Information for Parents/Carers.
| Summary of what to expect |
| Regular tracking/progress updates completed by class teacher and disseminated by own school throughout the year. |
| One Parent/Carers evening following prelim (likely to be the end of January) to meet with the class teacher about progress/strengths and next steps. |
| West lothian Academy point of contact - Mrs Fleming |
| Discuss fully with your child at course choice time - is this the right course and way of learning for your child? |
| All agreed ASN support will be provided in discussion with yourself, your child, your child's school and class teacher. |
Information for Students.
| What to expect and your role if studying on the West Lothian Academy |
| Full column allocation |
| Two periods each week of 'live learning' via Microsoft teams |
| Must attend all 'live learning' classes with cameras turned on |
| Responsible for your own learning and using allocated periods effectively and efficiently |
| Conduct yourself safely, responsibly and appropriately at all times |
| Other allocated periods provided for self-study as communicated and supported by class teacher (Microsoft Teams and Class Notebook) |
| Regular tracking updates received via own school (completed by class teacher) |
| In-person taught tutorials (approx. twice per term) at a centre venue, transport provided |
| Exams/Prelims taken in own school |
| All agreed ASN support requirements in place |
| Commit to the course for the full year/session - withdrawing from course is not within expectations, think carefully at course choice time. Is this the right way of learning for you at this stage? |
| If you are interested in studying any Modern languages Advanced Higher, please speak to Mrs Fleming. This can be considered via a slightly alternative route to the West lothian Academy model in partnership with Edinburgh College |
| Due to the live learning element on either a Tuesday afternoon, students can choose up to two (maximum) West Lothian Academy courses |
Open University - YASS
There is an opportunity to study via the Open University - Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS). Please refer to the link below and speak to Mr O'Donnell or Mrs Fleming if this is something you would like to consider.
The Open University (opens new window)
My World of Work
Subject choices and levels can influence employment opportunities and college and university courses in the future. It is important that you take the time to think about the subjects that you may need in order to pursue a particular career path when you leave school.
My World of Work: My careers options (opens new window)
If you have a particular course or career in mind, have a look at the college or university prospective to find out entry requirements.
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