Senior School
Art, Design & Manufacture
“Art is not what you see, but what you can make others see." Edgar Degas.
Art, Design & Manufacture is a blended department where we inspire pupils to develop as artists, designers, critical thinkers, decision makers and creators. Pupils develop their abilities through observational drawing, mixed-media studies, print-making, painting, 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional design, textiles and ceramics. We will introduce you to experiences and outcomes to teach you how to use those acquired, key-transferrable skills and adapt them to your own individual creative development. Art, Design & Manufacture is everywhere. It's in the music we listen to, the films we watch, the cars we see on the road, the buildings we reside in, the clothes we wear and in all aspects of our everyday lives. It's exciting, dynamic and forward thinking and we will help you identify where your own creative footprint can have an impact within the next step of its continual progression within the world we live.
Biology
Biology teaching at The Academy builds on pupils’ awe and natural curiosity about themselves, other living organisms and the natural world around them. Our intention is to raise all pupils’ awareness of the importance of Biology in their life as responsible citizens. We hope to produce young people who don’t just know and understand some aspects of Biology but can also confidently express their opinions on topical viewpoints and can contribute in a positive manner to discussions about aspects of Biology which impact on their lives. At the same time, we endeavour to excite and encourage those who view the study of Biology as an important part of their future career aspirations.
Pupils will study Biology at all levels, from the microscopic dimensions of cells and their molecules, right up to how animals and plants interact with their living and non-living environment.
Business Education
Our courses provide a basis for further study in general areas such as business, social studies and management, and for professional qualifications including law and accountancy. They will also be of benefit to anyone contemplating a career in central or local government, commerce or industry.
Learning begins in S3; utilising a range of teaching strategies incorporating the use of ICT to promote the spirit of enterprise. Pupils are challenged to think creatively, developing their ideas both independently and working in groups. The department also offers opportunities to visit live business premises and we engage with external professionals who visit The Academy to share their real-life industry experiences.
The department offers courses in Business Management from National 5 to Advanced Higher, and Accounting and Economics at Higher only. S6 pupils are also offered the opportunity to compete in the Young Enterprise Scotland, Company Programme.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter, the study of all the materials the world is made from. The proper setting for the study of chemistry is the entire material universe, living and non-living. Chemists try to understand how substances combine and how new materials can be produced. The subject involves laboratory-based experiments and analysis, but it is much more than that; there is no change that occurs in our material universe which does not involve chemical processes. Everything is chemistry.
The general public has become increasingly aware of chemistry because of reports in the popular press about issues such as acid rain and global warming. Unfortunately popular accounts often lack depth and can contain misinformation. Whatever we feel about problems facing the modern world, an understanding of chemistry will enable us to respond to them appropriately.
Classics & Latin
In the Classics department we allow pupils the chance to learn for themselves why Classics has been set at the core of a quality education for a thousand years. The founders of so many aspects of modern culture and civilisation chose to model their principles on those formulated in our classical past. Our law, our politics, our moral codes, our principles of good and evil, and our methods of inquiry are all deliberately based upon the achievements of the great men and women who lived in and dominated the Mediterranean world roughly two thousand years ago. Study of Classics cannot fail to give any student a deeper understanding of aspects of the modern world with which she or he is most concerned. The opportunity to open up this broad and exciting avenue of study, which fewer and fewer schools now offer, is something that we take great pride in.
Computing Science
The development of Computing Science over the last few decades has been spectacular in both speed and scope. It has an effect on all aspects of our lives at home, at school and in the workplace. Computing Science encompasses a very wide field of study and provides us with many powerful hardware and software tools; the skills to use these tools effectively and to develop new and more sophisticated tools are increasingly in demand for a huge range of careers.
Computing Science is studied by all pupils in S1 and S2 at The Glasgow Academy. Beyond that, the department offers National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Computing Science courses for S3-6 pupils.
Drama
The Glasgow Academy's Drama Department is an innovative, inclusive and vibrant environment. We aim to develop your creativity, communication, versatility and imagination through a collaborative working model: all of which can have a significant and positive impact on developing your confidence and resilience. Access to the arts from both the curriculum and co-curricular programme is at the heart of what we do, encouraging you to have a lifelong love of drama and performance, whilst empowering you with key transferable skills which are of inestimable benefit in your personal life and future career.
English
All pupils at The Glasgow Academy study English for five years. We are in the fortunate position of getting to know our pupils very well indeed! Pupils remain with the same teacher throughout S1 and S2, then throughout S3 and S4: this allows us to build solid relationships, and to have a very secure knowledge of each individual's strengths and weaknesses.
We aim, through the study of literature, to develop awareness of the society in which they live and of other societies, thus enabling them to empathise with the feelings and situations of people belonging to different cultures, backgrounds and eras.
Ultimately, we aim to foster the self-confidence of each pupil and their belief in the worth of their own ideas.
"To handle a language skilfully is to practise a kind of evocative sorcery": Charles Baudelaire
Food Technology
Learning is skills based and practical cookery is offered through a weekly Tuesday Senior School club, PSE lessons in S3 and S5 and as a module for S6 as preparation for university. We focus on leaving school knowing how to cook at least four healthy, main meals. You can also take National 5 Hospitality (practical cookery) as an option in S3 and 4.
Food Technology is taught in the Prep School from Prep 2 - Prep 5 on a rotation. All pupils in Prep 6 get a double lesson weekly in practical cookery. We run a Prep 7 club on Tuesday 7 and 8 that pupils opt for. We look at all types of baking, such as bread, spring rolls with filo pastry, scones and sweet treats without the use of additives or hydrogenated fats.
Geography
There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography.
You would struggle to find an issue that isn’t linked to Geography: immigration, climate change, health, globalisation, development. These are just some of the topics we investigate in the Geography Department. We study human, physical and global geographies with the aim of providing an understanding of the processes that affect our planet, and the consequences that these might have for our students. Our aim as a department, is that you will be able to create your own opinions and understanding of the topics you study and have your knowledge challenged and rebuilt to better understand the world in which you live.
Geography is, in the broadest sense an education for life and for living. Learning through geography – whether through classwork or fieldwork – helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed, and more responsible as citizens.
History
To study History is to study change: historians are experts in examining and interpreting human actions and transformations of civilisations over time. History helps us understand and deal with complex questions by examining how the past has shaped (and continues to shape) global, national, and local relationships between societies and people. At Glasgow Academy we study a range of historical periods in S1-2 ranging from Ancient Civilisations to the transformation of Japan from a medieval to modern society as well as Civil Rights in Britain and America. At National 5 we study the Atlantic Slave Trade, Scotland and the Great War as well as Nazi Germany. At Higher we study the development of Britain, The Cold War as well as the impact of Migration and Empire on Scotland as well as Scotland’s impact on the World. At Advanced Higher we study the development of Russia from the Tsarist system to a Communist country finishing with the Soviet triumph in the Second World War.
Mathematics
The department seeks to teach maths in its own right, but also point students towards its applications in other curriculum areas and in a diverse range of real-life contexts. Our pupils will develop the ability to think logically, solve problems and work collaboratively with their peers. We believe in ensuring pupils enjoy learning this engaging subject and each have the opportunity to feel successful.
The subject is taught to a high level of challenge in all year groups and we offer a wide range of super and co-curricular opportunities. Our learners are taught with pupils of similar knowledge and ability, with setting under constant review. The fastest moving sets may explore topics outside the core syllabus and our teaching style and resources meet the needs of all learners irrespective of ability.
Modern Languages
Our pupils have a choice of studying French and Spanish up to National 5 level and all pupils have one period a week of Mandarin which they can then take in S2 and beyond.
Topics studied are of relevance to young people and include up-to-date modern themes and celebrations of cultural relevance.
We don’t just depend on the textbook; thinking skills and global issues are embedded into our courses and pupils take part in a variety of rich tasks in Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing.
Modern Studies
Modern Studies helps you to understand important issues in the world today. It looks at aspects of Politics, Sociology, Law as well as International Relations. It helps you gather information about these issues, evaluate the information you have and, most importantly, it helps you to make up your own mind and come to your own conclusions about these issues. Pupils study a range of topics in S1-2 ranging from running a Mock Election to looking at the rise of Russia as well as the development of international Terrorism. At National 5 we explore Democratic Scotland, Law and Order as well as China. At Higher we examine Democratic Britain, Social Issues in Britain as well as America. At Advanced Higher look closely at the Law-and-Order topic, specifically looking at the causes of crime and how society deals with criminal activity.
Music
Our Music department offers a wealth of opportunities for pupils to take part in and develop their musical skills, whether this be in the classroom, individual lesson or one of the many co-curricular choirs and ensembles.
Pupils are encouraged to join a group that is suited to them, as the department have ensembles from the highly competitive to groups that are open to all. Most importantly, our pupils are encouraged to strive for the very best they can achieve with the aid of our resident and visiting members of staff. This commitment to achieve our very best has resulted in numerous competition wins, opportunities to work with industry professionals (Scottish Opera, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, RSNO), and an enviable list of requests to perform in the wider community. We are fortunate to have a wealth of visiting instrumental and vocal staff, working with the BBC, RSNO, Scottish Opera and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus to name but a few.
Physics
Physics gives young people an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. We provide pupils with a wide knowledge and understanding of Physics and its applications, whilst developing an ability to apply this knowledge to unseen situations.
Pupils are first introduced to the topics of Mechanics, Light and Magnetism. We foster a spirit of scientific curiosity, show the need for careful observation and indicate the relevance of the physics learned to everyday life in its widest sense. We then lay firm foundations in the fundamental topics of Mechanics, Electricity and Heat whilst developing pupils' problem solving skills. National 5 Physics explores Electricity and Energy, Waves and Radiation and Dynamics and Space. The skills of scientific inquiry are integrated and developed by investigating the applications of physics. At Higher and Advanced Higher, pupils deepen their understanding of the processes behind scientific advances.
Physical Education
In PE we aim to stimulate and then maintain pupil interest and enjoyment in a range of physical activities and in the development of body and mind which physical activity brings.
We also aim to promote Health and Fitness, enabling pupils to gain an awareness of the effects of exercise on the body and the role of exercise in a fit and healthy lifestyle.
PE is taught from Nursery through to S4 as a core subject, and as a certificate subject at National 5 and Higher. S6 pupils have the opportunity to develop their experience of helping young people learn through assisting the PE teachers during a wide range of lessons. Pupils at Kelvinbridge, Milngavie and Newlands all benefit from specialist PE staff.
thinkfour
The award-winning thinkfour is a new learning platform which unpacks the complicated bits of SQA Highers into simple four-minute tutorials. Although originating in The Glasgow Academy, thinkfour offers free access to all SQA Higher pupils across Scotland.