Qualifications
The High School of Dundee prepares pupils for the Scottish Qualifications Authority examinations.
In Forms 3 and 4, pupils follow a two year course, before sitting either Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 examinations at the end of Form 4. These qualifications are broadly equivalent to GCSE, or to the old O-level qualification. Departments elect to follow either the Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 course, depending on which they feel offers the best preparation for Higher within that subject, so a pupil may study for either type of qualification, depending on his on her subject choices.
In Form 5, pupils complete the one-year Higher course in up to five subjects. The Higher is accepted as an entry qualification by universities, and it is therefore possible for pupils following the Scottish system to leave at the end of Form 5 and enter university straight away. However, at the High School of Dundee it is much more common for pupils to remain at school for a final year.
Form 6 pupils may choose to study up to three subjects at Advanced Higher – broadly equivalent to an A-level – or they may choose to study a mixture of Higher, Advanced Higher, and other qualifications. For some university degrees, an Advanced Higher may be required for entry.