Senior Course Choices What do you need to know?

Decisions, decisions!

Questions to ask yourself? Am I aiming high enough? Am I putting all my efforts into being successful? How can I achieve the very best set of qualifications which will set me up for the future? What do I want to do in the future?

Did you know? On average people change their jobs 12 times in their career. Skills, flexibility and soft skills are really important – can you make a contribution, work together, take responsibility? What careers ideas do you have?

Making good decisions An idea of where you want to be in the future What you are good at What you enjoy and are interested in Seek the advice of teachers A good combination of subjects to build upon

Making good decisions Avoid Choosing just to be with friends Ignoring a course because you think you dislike the teacher Choosing a course just because you think it’s easy. Choosing or avoiding a course because you think it is for males or females only.

Free choice You will receive a list of subjects and will be able to make a free choice. This means that: – You will have a number of choices and a reserve – the order you choose is very important. – A computer will look at all the subjects choices across S4,5,6 and work out how we can maximise the number of choices for everybody.

Please note There is no guarantee all courses will run. If a course is oversubscribed we will choose on the basis of how important that subject is to you. You may not receive all of your choices, and may be asked to reconsider later in the process.

In S4 Everyone automatically studies English and Maths. You will have four choices to make. The majority of courses are at National level – in most classes we will offer both National 4 and 5, and will help you to push yourself to achieve highly. Decisions about final levels are not made at this early stage. Choose a reserve as well. There are other courses at Borders College available.

On first glance? What might you choose?

In S5 You have a choice of Nationals and Highers. If you choose Highers, then you should study 5 subjects. If you have a mix of Nationals and Highers, then you will choose 5 subjects. If you choose to study Nationals only, you should choose six subjects. If you have National 4 English or Maths we encourage you to study further in these subjects. Choose a reserve as well. There are other courses at Borders College and through Queen Margaret Academy available.

In S6 You can choose Nationals, Highers or Advanced Highers. There are other courses and subjects available – South East Scotland Academies – Scottish Baccalaureate in Science – YASS (Open university courses) We ask you to take five choices in S6, with a few exceptions. Have you researched future courses/careers?

Information and Support The booklet ‘Getting Qualified’ has plenty of information in it which you can read through carefully. A key part of the process is the discussion you have with your carer or parent – it’s really important you share ideas with them.

Information and Support You will receive an interview with your Pastoral Teacher. We are aiming to complete these as follows: – Week beginning - 7 th March - start current S4 interviews. Full-time college interviews. – Week beginning - 14 th March – current S3 interviews – Week beginning - 21 st March – current S4 and S5 interviews

In the interview Reflect on plans, not just this year, but ongoing. Consider possibilities and settle on a set of choices. Ensure your form is signed at home and given in.

Parents’ Evenings and Reports Use these to decide on your subjects and gain any extra information about your progress. – S5 – 2 nd March - tomorrow night. – S3 – 9 th March – next week. Look at your recent Progress Report carefully. – What am I good at? – Will I meet the entry requirement for Higher/AH?

Internet support Nationals in a Nutshell Highers in a Nutshell South East Scotland Academies Young Applicants in Schools Scottish Baccalaureate in Science

Borders College courses – at EyHS Horticulture – NPA award (equivalent to a National) Construction and Engineering – (Pre- Apprenticeship award) – over two years Hairdressing and Beauty – City and Guilds VRQ Level 1 award ALL take place here

Borders College Schools Academy You can find information online. Some are Thursday afternoons, some are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Paper copies available. Speak with your Pastoral teacher if interested.

Applying for full-time study Deadline for applications is 15 th March to guarantee an interview. A full range of courses is available. Search online for this. Indicate if you are leaving school in May if this applies to you.

Careers Advice You can see your pastoral teacher or see the school office to make an appointment.

To think about? What do I need to do now to make the best choices for me?

Key messages Think carefully Do your research and speak to others Prepare for your interview with the Pastoral staff – have an idea of a future plan as well as the choices for this year Stick to the deadlines 24 th March at 3:45pm.