The curriculum at Mintlaw Academy aims to prepare learners for life beyond school, for the world of work and for their lives outwith work by:

extending and reinforcing knowledge and understanding
developing a wide range of skills such as creativity, problem solving, and using ICT effectively
extending and reinforcing flexibility, social confidence and competence and the ability to work with others
promoting positive attitudes and values
enabling them to assess their progress, identify future needs and be actively involved in addressing those needs.
As set out in 'A Curriculum for Excellence' published by the Scottish Executive Education Department in 2004, the aspiration for all children and for every young person is that they should be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society and at work.  By providing structure, support and direction to young people's learning, the curriculum should enable them to develop these four capacities.  The curriculum should complement the important contributions of families and communities.

S1/2 Curriculum - No of 40 minute periods

English  - S1 (5) S2 (5)
Mathematics - S1 (5) S2 (5)
Science - S1 (4) S2 (4)
Modern Languages - S1 (4) S2 (4)
Technical - S1 (4) S2 (4)
Home Economics - S1 (2) S2 (2)
History - S1 (1.3) S2 (2)
Geography - S1 (1.3) S2 (2)
Modern Studies - S1 (1.3) S2 (2)
Art & Design - S1 (2) S2 (2)
Music - S1 (1) S2 (1)
Physical Education (PE) - S1 (2) S2 (2)
Religious, Moral & Philosophical Education (RMPS) - S1 (2) S2 (2)
Personal & Social Education (PSE) - S1 (2) S2 (2)
Drama - S1 (2) S2 (1)
ICT - S1 (2) S2 (1)
S3/4 Curriculum

The S3/4 curriculum is divided into Core and Elective Elements.

In the Core, all pupils will study the following subjects:

English (5 periods), Maths (5 periods), PE (2 periods), RMPS (2 periods) and PSE (2 periods).

In the Elective Element, pupils choose an additional 6 course (4 periods each) to study over the two years.  Some pupils will have the opportunity to study vocational courses at Banff & Buchan College.

S5/6 Curriculum

In S5 and S6, pupils are expected to take either 4 or 5 courses, most of which are at Higher Level