Maximising Academic Potential
At Fettes we seek to provide exceptional teaching in order to inspire a lifelong love of learning in all our students.
The quality of education we deliver goes beyond achieving impressive academic results at GCSE, A Levels and the IB.
The Senior School is split into two: the Middle School (Third Form to Fifth Form ages 13-15+ years) and the Sixth Form (ages 16-18 years). The Middle School curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge students beyond the confines of the exam specification and encourage students to work independently and think critically, setting them up for success in the Sixth Form and beyond. Students build the knowledge and skills required for success but more importantly start to immerse themselves in the enjoyment of learning.
Third Form
(ages 13-14 years)
The Third Form curriculum gives our students the opportunity to continue with a full breadth of subjects ahead of making their choices for GCSE. All Third Formers study English, Mathematics, Geography, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, EET (Engineering, Enterprise and Technology), Computer Science, Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education. Students choose two languages from a choice of French, German, Spanish and Mandarin as well as taking Latin or Complementary Studies. They may choose to take Classical Greek as an additional subject.
GCSE Qualifications (for ages 14-15+ years)
At Fettes all students follow GCSEs (or International GCSEs known as IGCSEs). We choose the courses depending on which we believe will provide the optimal conditions for students to thrive in their subject. Both GCSE and IGCSE lead to equivalent qualifications. Usually students take 8-10 subjects, including all three sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry), English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, and a Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) culminating in public examinations. In addition, students choose 4 option subjects from Art, Drama, Music, History, English, Latin and Gratin (Greek and Latin), Economics, Computer Science, EET (Engineering, Enterprise and Technology), Physical Education, Classical Civilisation and Geography. The courses last for two years and are followed in the Fourth and Fifth Form when student are between 14 and 16 years of age. The Middle School curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge students beyond the confines of the exam specification and encourage students to work independently and think critically.
A Level & IB Sixth Form Pathways (for ages 16-18 years)
When student are between 16-18 years of age, they enter the Sixth Form at Fettes. At Fettes we offer both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Each course lasts for two years with students completing courses when in the Summer Term of the Upper Sixth.
A Levels
Students either take three or four A Levels with no restrictions on what choices they can make. Some student do three A Levels and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which can be useful for university entrance. A Levels allow students to focus and go deeper into fewer subjects. At Fettes, students are able to choose a humanities focused programme, a scientific suite of subjects or a combination of subjects.
The IB (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme)
The IB is an internationally recognised qualification that has been running for over 40 years. Students have to select 6 subjects: three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Students have to follow English (group 1), a modern or classical language (group 2), a humanity (group 3), a science (group 4), mathematics (group 5) and either a creative subject (group 6) or another subject from group 2, 3 or 4.
The IB includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) as part of the Core, which all students follow.
Internationalism, reflection and academic integrity are central to the IB and fully integrated into every subject.
Each student is allocated a tutor and their weekly one-on-one meetings cover academic progress as well as general support and advice.
Scholars
Paramecium is the name of our academic scholars’ meeting for Middle School students which takes place 4-5 times every term. At these gatherings our students hear from visiting speakers on a whole range of interesting topics.
"Considerable kudos is attached to being a scholar at Fettes"Alastair Armstrong Director of Teaching and Learning
2024 Examination Results
38
Average IB points
22%
A* at A Level or 7 at IB
55%
A*-A at A Level or 7/6 at IB
82%
Secured a place at their 1st choice university
24%
of GCSE grades were 9
72%
of GCSE grades were 9 - 7
