Perthshire schools

[Jadeak]

Hello were hoping to relocate to Perth from Lancashire and have been looking at morrisons academy for our daughter , does anybody have any information on the school please? I've heard it's smaller than dollar? And not as expensive as glen almond for senior day pupils thank you

Hello again! How's your move going?

St L's have an all IB sixth form meaning the whole year group does the IB. Not split like for example Fettes. Gives a good team spirit amoung the kids I think. St L's also offers the IB for all abilities so you don't have to be terribly academic! generally they're the IB experts in Scotland and have great results with all types of students.

Sorry I'm maybe being a little vague - did you have a specific query? Have you spoken to them or seen the school? In my experience they're very happy to chat. Perhaps ask to speak to the IB head?

Beaconhurst don't do the IB (I don't think so anyway?!) don't know too much about them, very small, very sporty.

Sorry not sure how helpful that is??!

My DD1 did the IB at St Leonards and DD2 is in her final year doing it right now. DD2 was in year 6 when she moved to St Leonards and she loves it.

The IB is not an easy choice. The pupils have to choose 6 subjects: 3 at higher level and three at standard level. They must do maths, english, a science and a language (DD does biology and Spanish) she also chose history and economics. On top of this the do 4000 word extended essay and a Theory of Knowledge essay plus they must do extra curricular stuff for CAS (creativity, action, service).

It is very hard work but can pay off if the student is a good all rounder. DD1 went to Glasgow after her IB and achieved a First. She said her first 2 years were a doddle as she was so good at self directed study, writing essays etc.

I would have to say that quite a number of DD2's cohort moved to the state school in St Andrews to do Highers after GCSE's for a number of reasons. Some didn't want to do science or a language, some felt it would improve their uni application chances, some just would not have managed it.

Beaconhurst is a really small school on the edge pf Stirling uni. I don;t know much about it but a friends DD went there. She was more keen on drama and creative stuff and it seemed to suit her.

DD's best friend from childhood went to Morrisons and loved it. She has just left and is studying dentistry now. I think Strathallan is a very sporty school as is Kilgraston.

Thank you both for your posts, very helpful indeed. When we looked round dollar, we were really impressed and loved the feel of it there. I'm just concerned with regards to the curriculum in Scotland, our daughter currently takes 2 subjects she is unable to take at dollar. Which are physical education and religious studies and therefore is having to try and choose different subjects. This is proving quite difficult, we have been advised she can study physical education from 5th year but not earlier.

The concerns We had with regards to St Leonard's were the IB and We had already heard that many pupils leave For the 5th year. We like the fact at dollar she would be likely to stay there until university.

Plus we have not found a suitable rental property, even though we are looking within a 30 mile radius of the school!

Thanks again for your help j :)

Goodness sounds like you've still got lots to think about! Best of luck with it all.

All I would say is that at St L's it isn't "many" that leave after GCSE. The vast majority of the year stay on. It changes from year to year how many go but it's usually about 15% of the year, which in practice isn't that many at all.

Same dilemma 2 years on. What did you decide.? We are a bit disappointed with initial contact with Dollar.