Dunoon Grammar School
Find out what courses are available at Dunoon Grammar School.
SfW Hairdressing Nat 4
SfW Hairdressing Nat 4
What skills will you gain?
There is a steady demand for hairdressers and barbers in salons big and small throughout Scotland. Throughout this course, you will learn about customer care, shampooing, conditioning, basic scalp massage and blow-drying, general salon duties, reception skills, and health and safety issues. You'll also look at current fashion trends and styles.
What units will I study?
- Hairdressing: Salon Awareness
- Hairdressing: Working in the Salon
- Hairdressing: Employability Skills
- Hairdressing: Creativity
Entry Requirements?
You should be able to demonstrate previous successful independent study at SCQF level 3. There are limited spaces available on this course and you will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks. You will also be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course.
Where will it take me?
- Skills for Work: Hairdressing National 5 at school
- An SVQ in Hairdressing at college
- A Modern Apprenticeship in a salon
SCQF Credit Points
24
SfW Early Learning and Childcare Nat 4
SfW Early Learning and Childcare Nat 4
What skills will you gain?
This course builds on the knowledge and skills needed to work with children and young people aged 0-16 years. You will gain a basic understanding of the key milestones in children’s development and learning. With guidance from your lecturer, you will learn to develop relevant skills such as team working and helping to plan play experiences while learning about the care and development of children.
What units will I study?
- Play in Early Learning and Childcare
- Working in Early Learning and Childcare
- Child Development
- Contemporary Families
Entry Requirements?
'You should be able to demonstrate previous successful independent study at SCQF level 3. You will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions.
Where will it take me?
- Early Education and Childcare course at National 5
- FA Social Services (Children and Young People)
SCQF Credit Points
24
SfW Hairdressing Nat 5
SfW Hairdressing Nat 5
What skills will you gain?
The hairdressing industry includes people who cut and style hair for both men and women, as well as people who work to improve the health of the hair and scalp. There is a steady demand for hairdressers and barbers in salons throughout Scotland and abroad.
You will learn about general salon duties, reception skills, health and safety issues, customer care, shampooing, conditioning, basic scalp massage, blow-drying, and hair colouring. You will also investigate current fashion trends and styles and will develop skills in working with others
What units will I study?
- Working in a salon environment
- Salon skills
- Introduction to colour
- Creative trends
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 4 qualifications, preferably including Hairdressing. There are limited spaces available on this course and you will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks. You will also be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course.
Where will it take me?
- An SVQ in Hairdressing at college
- A Modern Apprenticeship in a salon
SCQF Credit Points
24
SfW Early Learning and Childcare - SCQF Level 5
SfW Early Learning and Childcare - SCQF Level 5
What skills will you gain?
This is an introduction to working with children aged 0-12 years. You will gain an understanding of the key milestones in children’s development and learning. With guidance from your lecturer, you will learn to develop relevant employment skills such as team working and helping to plan play experiences while learning about the care and development of children.
What units will I study?
- Child Development
- Working in Early Education and Childcare
- Play in Early Education and Childcare
- Care of Children
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 4 qualifications, one of which should be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions.
Where will it take me?
- Higher Childcare and Development - at school
- NC Early Education and Childcare – at college
- SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) – at college
SCQF Credit Points
24
SfW Maritime Skills SCQF Level 5
SfW Maritime Skills SCQF Level 5
What skills will you gain?
The maritime sector includes people who work in commercial sea fishing, workboats, aquaculture, marine leisure businesses, ports and harbours, as well as those working in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy.
This introductory course will let you develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work in all areas of the maritime industry. If you have an interest in boats and enjoy learning in a hands-on setting, then this course will introduce you to many basic maritime skills. You will work with our industry professionals, benefitting from their real-life experience afloat. We can help you make informed choices regarding a career in the maritime industries.
What units will I study?
- Seamanship: An Introduction
- The Maritime Environment
- Small Boat Engineering
- Health and Safety in the Maritime Sector
- Employability Skills and Careers in the Maritime Sector
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 4 qualifications. There are limited spaces available on this course and you will be invited for interview
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks.
Where will it take me?
- Certificate in Maritime Skills - at College
- A Modern Apprenticeship in Workboats and Aquaculture – work based
- Employment in the marine, fishing industry, Merchant Navy or Royal Navy
SCQF Credit Points
24
SfW Health Sector Skills SCQF Level 5
SfW Health Sector Skills SCQF Level 5
What skills will you gain?
The Health Sector is one of the largest employers in the country and provides employment opportunities through a varied range of disciplines. Primary and secondary care in the NHS are the most common routes to employment, but this course will cover other areas such as complementary therapies, the retail pharmaceutical industry and the community and voluntary sectors.
You will learn about the services provided by the Health Sector in your local area, the life sciences industry and their role in the diagnosis and treatment of illness, the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
You will also look at the health and safety risks to workers in the Health Sector and learn about the range and diversity of careers in non-clinical roles in the Health Sector.
What units will I study?
- Employability Skills in the Health Sector
- Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
- Improving Health and Wellbeing
- Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Working in Health Sector Settings
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 4 qualifications, one of which must be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join either from your local UHI Argyll centre or in the school.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks.
Where will it take me?
- A Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare – at school
- A Modern Apprenticeship in the Health sector – work based
- Access to Nursing course – at UHI Argyll campus
- Nursing Degree – at university
SCQF Credit Points
24
NPA Business and Marketing SCQF Level 5
NPA Business and Marketing SCQF Level 5
What skills will I gain?
This NPA (National Progression Award) will provide you with knowledge and skills, which are directly relevant to current and/or future practice in the area of Business and Marketing. You will also be able to broaden knowledge and skills by undertaking study in the following areas: market research, promotion, event organisation, customer care and selling skills.
What units will I study?
- Management of Marketing and Operations
- Marketing: Basic Principles Understanding
- Skills for Customer Care
- Selling Skills
- Understanding Business
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 4 qualifications, one of which must be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local UHI Argyll Learning Centre.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you participating in (mock) workplace scenarios.
Where will it take me?
Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills - at school Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration – work-based
SCQF Credit Points
30
NPA Cyber Security SCQF Level 5
NPA Cyber Security SCQF Level 5
What skills will I gain?
This course will raise your awareness of cyber security. You will improve your cyber hygiene and enable you to identify security weaknesses safely, legally, and ethically.
What units will I study?
- Data Security
- Digital Forensics
- Ethical Hacking
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 4 qualifications, one of which must be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
You will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local UHI Argyll Learning Centre.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.
Where will it take me?
Once you have successfully completed the course, you may wish to consider the PDA at SCQF Level 7 in Cyber Resilience.
SCQF Credit Points
18
SfW Beauty Higher
SfW Beauty Higher
What skills will you gain?
The focus of this course is on experiencing the salon environment and on development of your practical skills. You'll also get practical experience in communication and customer care.
You'll gain experience in facial treatments, hand & nail care, nail painting, and makeup application. You will identify current make-up trends from a variety of sources and have the opportunity to experiment to produce a 'look' which reflects these trends. This course also involves a detailed look at anatomy of the skin, hands and face which will help you develop an understanding of the effects of the practical skills you'll learn.
What units will I study?
- Facial Techniques
- Facial Treatment Packages
- Nail Finishes
- Creative Current Make-Up Trends
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 5 qualifications, which must include NPA Beauty level 5. You will benefit from having Nat 5 English. You must also be over 16 years old at the start of the course (August). There are limited spaces available on this course and you will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, observations of you carrying out practical tasks, and open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.
Where will it take me?
- NC Beauty
- A Modern Apprenticeship
SCQF Credit Points
24
FA Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6
FA Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6
What skills will you gain?
The care sector has one of the fastest growing workforces in Scotland with over 199,600 social service workers in Scotland today working in a range of settings. One in 13 people employed in Scotland work in social services.
There are many different career opportunities and career pathways across this range of settings. Job roles in adult services include personal assistant, care assistant, support worker, supervisor, senior care worker, team leader, care home manager, centre manager and service manager.
Social Services offer a challenging and rewarding career providing support and help to people who need it, helping them to live full and valued lives in the community.
What units will I study?
- Social Services in Scotland
- Safeguarding People
- Communication in Care Relationships
- Safe Practice and Wellbeing in Social Services
- Human Development and Social Influences
- Support Effective Communication
- Support the Health and Safety of Yourself and Individuals
- Develop your own Knowledge and Practice
- Support the Safeguarding of Individuals
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 5 qualifications, one of which must be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, observations of you participating in (mock) workplace scenarios and open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.
Where will it take me?
Successful completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship could provide progression to advanced entry to a Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare.
SCQF Credit Points
61
NPA Computer Games Development SCQF 6
NPA Computer Games Development SCQF 6
What skills will I gain?
You will acquire an understanding of the concepts and fundamental principles involved in digital gaming planning and design. You learn how to recognise and distinguish differences between numerous gaming platforms, environments and genres. You will plan and design a level in a digital game and be introduced to the role of the games designer. You will acquire an understanding of the different types of media asset required for developing a digital game. You will learn how to plan and produce media assets for use in a game development environment. You will gain an understanding of the processes involved in the final stages of development of a digital game. You will learn how to use your chosen game development environment to bring together all the parts and produce a working game. You will gain an understanding of the evaluation process and then you will then go on to plan, create and deliver a promotional activity.
What units will I study?
- Computer Games: Design
- Computer Games: Development
- Computer Games: Media Assets
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 5 qualifications, preferably including a computing, administration or IT subject. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local UHI Argyll Learning Centre.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course.
Where will it take me?
Successful completion of this award could count towards an NC Computing with Digital Media or eventually HNC in Interactive Media or support your application into direct employment within the Web Development Sector.
SCQF Credit Points
18
NPA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6
NPA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6
What skills will I gain?
Do you love being creative? Have you thought about working in film, TV, radio, publishing, games or online media?
The NPA in Creative and Digital Media could be your foot in the door. Employers are looking for people who understand visual communication for their brands, how to build communities through web and social media platforms and have design and technical skills. You’ll try out creative roles and build the practical skills and experience you need to do the job well.
If you want to progress your studies you'll have the option to continue on to the Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.
What units will I study?
- Creative industries: an introduction - Scotland
- Storytelling for the creative industries
- Understanding the creative process
- Understanding a creative brief
Entry requirements?
You should already have three National 5 qualifications, preferably including a computing, administration or IT subject. You will be invited for an interview.
How will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local UHI Argyll centre.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course.
Where will it take me?
On completion of this course, you may progress onto HNC or HND in Digital Media
SCQF Credit Points
30
Higher Sociology SCQF Level 6
Higher Sociology SCQF Level 6
What Skills will I gain?
The course will help you develop:
- an understanding of society through gaining knowledge and understanding of sociological perspectives, theories and concepts
- the ability to challenge common-sense explanations about human social behaviour using sociological understanding and evidence
- an understanding of cultural and social diversity, including the significance of relationships among individuals, groups and institutions in a changing social world
- an understanding of the role of sources of information, research evidence and research methods used in sociology
- research skills, including the ability to select, organise, analyse and evaluate information ¨ thinking and communication skills used in sociology
What units will I study?
- Human Society
- Culture and identity
- Social Issues
Entry requirements
You must already have Higher English, plus three National 5 qualifications which would ideally include Nat 5 Psychology. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions.
Where will it take me?
Higher Sociology is suitable preparation for entry to higher education courses in Social Sciences or further study in other academic and vocational subjects.
SCQF Credit Points
24
Higher Psychology SCQF Level 6
Higher Psychology SCQF Level 6
What skills will you gain?
Psychology is defined as ‘the scientific study of the mind and behaviour’. As well as a basic interest in human behaviour, you should have a basic grasp of scientific principles and the ability to analyse and evaluate theories and research studies. Assessment will involve describing relevant knowledge, analysing and evaluating this knowledge in terms of its scientific content, practical applications, ethical considerations etc. You will design an experiment/non-experiment based on a SQA candidate brief and write up a research report. This is worth 40% of the final mark and is marked externally. There is also a requirement to complete one piece of practical coursework.
What units will I study?
- Individual Behaviour
- Research
- Social Behaviour
Entry Requirements?
You must already have Higher English, plus three National 5 qualifications which would ideally include Nat 5 Psychology. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
Classes are delivered via video-conferencing
How will I be assessed?
You are required to submit a project assignment in April which will be worth 40% of your total mark, and undertake a formal written exam at the end of the course worth 60% of the overall mark.
Where will it take me?
Higher Psychology is suitable preparation for entry to higher education courses in psychology or further study in other academic and vocational subjects.
SCQF Credit Points
24
FA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6
FA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6
What skills will I gain?
Do you love being creative? Have you thought about working in film, TV, radio, publishing, games or online media?
A Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media could be your foot in the door. Employers are looking for people who understand visual communication for their brands, how to build communities through web and social media platforms and have design and technical skills. You’ll try out creative roles, shadow experienced professionals, or do a special project. You’ll build the practical skills and experience you need to do the job well.
What units will I study?
- Work effectively with others in the creative industries
- Ensure responsibility for actions to reduce risks to health and safety
- Communicate using marketing/sales channels
- Use digital and social media in marketing campaigns
- Edit audio and video material
- Media project
- Foundation Apprenticeship certification unit
Entry requirements?
You should already have three National 5 qualifications, preferably including a computing, administration or IT subject. You will be invited for an interview.
How will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local UHI Argyll centre.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, observations of you participating in (mock) workplace scenarios and open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.
Where will it take me?
On completion of this course, you may progress onto HNC or HND in Digital Media
SCQF Credit Points
63
FA Social Services (Children & Young People) SCQF Level 6
FA Social Services (Children & Young People) SCQF Level 6
What skills will you gain?
On this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll learn to support children and young people in early years and childcare settings. You’ll investigate safeguarding, health and safety, wellbeing, play, communication and child development, and how to use this safely and professionally in real workplaces. You’ll also develop wider work skills like teamwork, problem solving, planning, reflection and professional behaviour in a regulated care environment.
What units will I study?
You will work towards a National Progression Award (NPA) plus SVQ units at SCQF Level 6:
- Safeguarding of Children and Young People (HF5D 46) – 6 credits
- Play for Children and Young People (HF5A 46) – 6 credits
- Communication with Children and Young People (HF5F 46) – 6 credits
- Development of Children and Young People (HF59 46) – 3 credits
- Promote the Wellbeing and Safety of Children and Young People (HF5E 46) – 3 credits
- Support effective communication (H5KP 04) – 10 credits
- Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals (H5NB 04) – 10 credits
- Develop your own knowledge and practice (H5L5 04) – 8 credits
- Support the safeguarding of children (H5L4 04) – 9 credits
Entry Requirements?
You should already have three National 5 qualifications, one of which must be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How and where will I study?
This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed continuously through written tasks, projects and a portfolio for the NPA units, plus observation and assessment of your practice in a real or simulated workplace for the SVQ units. You’ll gather evidence during placement to show that you can work safely, communicate well and support the care, learning and development of children and young people to national standards.
Where will it take me?
When you finish, you will have a good degree of knowledge and work experience which will make you an ideal candidate for the Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7.
The FA can also help you move on to further study such as HNC/HND Social Services or Childhood Practice, and related degrees or Graduate Apprenticeships in social services and early years.
SCQF Credit Points
61
NPA Beauty & Hairstyling SCQF Level 4
NPA Beauty & Hairstyling SCQF Level 4
What skills will you gain?
The NPA Beauty and Hairstyling contains three units, 2 Beauty and one hairstyling. Learners will have the opportunity to develop practical skills in skin care, makeup application, manicure with polish application, creating nail designs; and hairstyling using heat treatment and plaiting braiding and twisting. There will be the opportunity to gain experience about skin types and conditions; skin products and cleansing routines; face shapes and basic makeup skills to create a natural makeup look. Incorporated within this will be learning on health and safety legislation to ensure a safe working environment. Manicure skills include looking at nail shapes and conditions, preparing self and clients for treatment, basic treatment to hand and nail including hand massage and polish application while adhering to Health and Safety regulations. There will also be the opportunity to use additional techniques to achieve a creative nail finish. Through practical activity, learners will gain knowledge and skills in the use of thermal hairstyling equipment and how to create braids, plaits, and twists. Learners will gain confidence by refining practical skills on mannequins prior to working with real clients. All practical will include working with peers in the capacity as clients.
What units will I study?
- Facial Skin Care and Make-Up
- Manicure and Creative Nail Finishes
- Hairstyling: An Introduction
Entry Requirements?
Applicants should be able to demonstrate previous successful independent study at SCQF level 3. Applicants will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
Course assessment is by observation of practical tasks and written assignments which will be open book. Assessment is on a continuous basis
Where will it take me?
Through further study access to Beauty and/or Hairstyling industry.
SCQF Credit Points 18
NPA Make Up & Eye Treatments SCQF Level 5
NPA Make Up & Eye Treatments SCQF Level 5
What skills will you gain?
This course provides learners with practical and theoretical skills across three key areas of beauty therapy: make-up application, facial skin care, and eye treatments. Delivered in a realistic working environment, the emphasis is on developing professional techniques, client care, and industry-standard practices.
Key Areas of Study:
- Make-Up Application: Techniques for planning and performing make-up to industry standards, understanding face shapes, colour theory, skin types, and contraindications.
- Facial Skin Care: Knowledge of skin structure, skin types, treatment effects, and contraindications. Practical skills include cleansing, toning, exfoliation, masque application, basic facial massage, and moisturising.
- Eye Treatments: Practical skills in eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyebrow shaping, and strip and cluster lash application, supported by knowledge of facial anatomy, hair structure, and eye shapes.
- Professional Practice: Health and safety procedures, hygienic salon practices, professional appearance, and effective communication and consultation techniques.
- Client Care & Reflective Practice: Conducting consultations and skin analysis, selecting appropriate products, advising on aftercare and homecare, and improving performance through reflection.
What units will I study?
- Developing Make Up Skills
- Developing Skills in Eye Treatments
- Facial Skin Care Treatments
Entry Requirements?
Applicants should hold three National 4 qualifications, preferably including an NPA Level 4 in a Beauty related subject. Applicants will be invited for an interview.
Applicants must be 16 years old in August at the start of the course.
How will I be assessed?
Course assessment is by observation of practical tasks and written assignments which will be either closed or open book. Assessment is on a continuous basis.
Where will it take me?
Students who are successful in passing this course can progress on to Skills for Work: Beauty Higher SCQF 6
SCQF Credit Points 18
Nat 5 Psychology
Nat 5 Psychology
What skills will you gain?
Psychology is defined as ‘the scientific study of the mind and behaviour’. Assessment is by exam which is worth 70% of your marks. The question paper will allow you to demonstrate the following skills knowledge and understanding: psychological concepts, theories and terminology; explain human behaviour; using research evidence to explain human behaviour; interpret basic descriptive statistics in psychological research, including the ability to calculate the mean, median and mode. The assignment which is worth 30% of your final mark requires you to produce a report based on background research on a topic in psychology. You are not required to carry out the research for this assignment.
This course includes:
- Individual behaviour
- Research
- Social behaviour
Entry Requirements:
You should already have three National 4 qualifications, one of which must be English. You will be invited for an interview.
How will I be assessed?
You are required to submit a project assignment in April which will be worth 30% of your total mark, and undertake a formal written exam at the end of the course worth 70% of the overall mark.
Progression
On completion of this course, you may progress onto:
- Higher Psychology
- Further study in other academic and vocational subjects
Duration
1 year
SCQF Credit Points
24
Dunoon Grammar School Prospectus 2026
View the Dunoon Grammar School Prospectus 2026 online