Welcome to Form VI
Form VI is a truly special stage in the Dollar Academy journey.
It is a year that brings increased responsibility, self-direction, and a deepening of the skills that prepare pupils for life beyond school. We see it not only as a time for academic excellence but also as a critical step in helping young people grow into thoughtful, responsible, and confident adults.
While we take immense pride in supporting our pupils to achieve exam results they can be proud of, our vision for education goes far beyond academic success. Our aim is to nurture individuals who will go on to make a meaningful impact in their communities and in the wider world. We recognise that the transition from school to university or employment can be a significant leap, and Form VI plays a crucial role in preparing our pupils for this challenge.
From the beginning of their time at Dollar, pupils are encouraged to develop independence, self-discipline, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Form VI is where these qualities come to the fore. It is a year designed to bridge the gap between school and the wider world.
Advanced Highers
Only available to pupils in Form VI, Advanced Highers allow pupils to deepen their knowledge in a subject studied at Higher in Form V.
Advanced Highers are highly regarded by universities in the UK and around the world, with an A at Advanced Higher carrying more weight and UCAS points than an A at A Level. Advanced Highers, with their emphasis on project work, are excellent preparation for university and beyond.
Highers
Form VI pupils can choose to study additional subjects at Higher, too.
Sometimes pupils want to broaden their knowledge, or they may have changed their mind about what they want to go on to study at university.
Specialist Modules
Our diverse range of modules are designed to support and inspire our final year pupils and include coding, philosophy, medical physics and psychology.
Some modules, including Cybersecurity, Applied Research in Chemistry, Costume Design, International Sustainability Diploma, Sports Leadership, Lifeguarding and Barista Training are SQA (or equivalent) certified and carry UCAS points.
Specialist Support with University Applications
Dollar pupils apply for courses all over the world. If applying to a British university, pupils will soon become familiar with the UCAS process and will be paired up with a dedicated UCAS Advisor to help them navigate this process. From first discussions to submitting that crafted application, we have plenty of experience in this area. Pupils who want to go on to study subjects such as medicine, law, art, dentistry, veterinary science and those who are applying to Oxford or Cambridge will be assigned to specialist advisors and will receive mock interviews to ensure they are as prepared as possible.
The classroom and the world of work are two very different environments, although focusing our teaching on relevant skills helps close this gap. We assist pupils in finding work placements covering a broad range of disciplines via support from our extensive network of Former Pupils and parents. Our Form VI pupils also benefit greatly from the expertise of our Careers Adviser who provides a comprehensive careers guidance, information and advice service.
Leadership
All Form VI pupils are given the opportunity to become Prefects. Prefect duties include helping younger pupils in the Prep and Junior Schools, conducting school tours for prospective families and supporting key events in the school calendar.
Form VI pupils can apply to become a Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) or Mentor for Violence Prevention (MVP) within the school community, and receive specialist training for these roles. MHAs support the PSE programme for the younger pupils, teaching them about techniques to manage stress and anxiety, while MVPs support the PSE programme by talking about important issues such as bullying, racism and homophobia with the aim of empowering our younger pupils to speak up and act when they see something that’s not right.
A number of specific leadership roles are available to Form VI pupils. Membership of the Top Six presents an opportunity to be part of the strategic leadership of the school, working with Senior staff and pupils to ensure the smooth running of a number of events. These pupils also act as figureheads of the school, representing the pupil body and The Academy within the wider community. Form VI pupils are also the captains of a number of our sports teams, including the First XI hockey and First XV rugby teams. These teams have played a prominent role in a number of national competitions and the pupils have competed in finals at Murrayfield, Rosslyn Park and the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.
Our CCF offers a variety of leadership roles including RSM, CSM and Senior Cadets. Form VI pupils take on pastoral leadership roles in the boarding houses as Heads of House. There are academic opportunities for leadership such as Editor in Chief of the Galley, our award-winning school magazine, and Modern Language and English Ambassadors as well as Study Buddies for younger pupils in a number of departments. The Charities Committee is solely for Form VI pupils and this group is responsible for fundraising initiatives in the school and in the village. Each year they raise money for causes both local, national and international. Our Pupil Council is made up of 6 committees, each one chaired by two Form VI pupils who run meetings and meet with the Rector and the COO to ensure pupil voice is heard. The committees are: Welcoming, Health & Wellbeing, Get Involved, Academic, EDI, Community & Sustainability.
Events
In addition to the regular annual events, Form VI have their own dedicated social events throughout the year, notably the Burns Supper in January and the Leavers Ball at the end of the academic year in June. Final year pupils with an interest in drama can also take part in the annual Form VI Play.
The Form VI ‘Activities Week’ in June includes practical sessions on topics including managing personal finances, first aid, nutrition and cooking on a budget, as well as activities such as puppy yoga, bubble football and abseiling from the Playfair roof.
Volunteering
Pupils in Form VI have a timetabled period each week where they volunteer. Tasks include assisting at the local foodbank, helping out at baby and toddler groups, volunteering at the local museum, tree-planting, litter-picking, burn cleaning, playing a musical instrument during coffee mornings, and visiting and shopping for those people in the village who are housebound.
As well as supporting a number of local organisations, pupils also learn that their actions can make a tangible difference, instilling a sense of purpose and allowing them to connect with the local community on a personal level.
Our Charities Committee, run by a dedicated team of Form VI pupils, fundraise for a wide variety of local, national and international causes. Around £5000 is raised each year via a range of initiatives across the whole school. The Sponsored Walk, which takes place every two years, raises a significant additional amount – usually around £60,000.
Privileges
Form VI is a unique year at Dollar, with a focus on preparing pupils for life beyond the school gates. Form VI pupils enjoy a friendly, supportive rapport with their teachers. This more informal yet respectful relationship encourages open communication, greater independence, and helps pupils grow in confidence and maturity. This prepares them not just for university, but for life beyond school.
As well as having their own dedicated corridor of lockers within the Playfair Building, Form VI have access to the Form VI Centre, a space dedicated to both quiet study and relaxation. Pupils are expected to manage their time wisely and use this space in a way that supports their learning and wellbeing. Study periods (or “free” periods) are a valued part of Form VI life. Pupils may choose to use this time for independent study, rest, or to visit town – these decisions are theirs to make, with our support and guidance.
Form VI pupils also have special access to other areas of the school, including eating with staff in the Glendevon Lounge at lunchtimes and accessing Playfair through the Bronze Doors.
