Mearns Academy S3 into S4 Parents’ Information Evening Tuesday 10 January 2017

David Martindale Head Teacher

Tonight’s Meeting To outline key tasks and conversations which help create the timetable and the curriculum To confirm that support given from teachers and importantly Guidance Teachers To support parents in supporting your child To confirm that we understand this is a difficult and sensitive time making realistic choices. To ask any questions.

Successful Learners Confident Individuals Responsible Citizens Effective Contributors

S1/S2 – Curriculum for Excellence English Maths Science Health & Wellbeing Languages Technolo-gies Expressive Arts Personal & Social Education Religious & Moral Education S1/S2 – Curriculum for Excellence

S3 – Curriculum for Excellence. with personalisation & choice English S3 – Curriculum for Excellence with personalisation & choice English Maths Science Health & Wellbeing Languages Technologies Expressive Arts Personal & Social Education Religious & Moral Education It may be possible, in some circumstances, to ‘bank’ National 4 attainment (evidenced by the end of S3) until the end of S4.

MOVING INTO SENIOR PHASE age 3 – 15 Broad General Education S3 Personalisation in some curricular areas Senior Phase age 15 – 18+ (S4 and beyond) 6 National Courses +Core subjects PE RME PSE

THE SENIOR PHASE Gareth Campbell Depute Head Teacher

New Qualifications SCQF Level SCQF 7 Advanced Higher SCQF 6 Higher Intermediate 2 or Standard Grade - Credit SCQF 4 Intermediate 1 or Standard Grade - General

What qualifications are on offer? National qualifications started in 2014 Pupils will sit examinations in S4, S5 & S6 - National 3 Internally assessed - National 4 Internally assessed - National 5 *Unit Passes and Final Exam - Higher *Unit Passes and Final Exam - Advanced Higher *Unit Passes and Final Exam *Subject to future change and clarification from the SQA required.

SQA - Basket of Qualifications Pupil Pathways Nat 5 English Higher English Advanced Higher Computing Nat 5 Computing Higher Computing Advanced Higher Music Nat 5 Music Higher Music Advanced Higher Business Nat 5 Maths Higher Maths Nat 5 Business Higher Business Nat 5 Biology 6 National Qualifications 5 Highers 3 Advanced Highers

SQA - Basket of Qualifications Pupil Pathways Nat 5 English Higher English Nat 5 Computing Nat 5 Music Higher Music Advanced Higher Music Nat 4 Maths Nat 5 Maths Nat 4 Business Nat 5 Business Higher Business Nat 4 Biology Nat 5 Graphical Communication Higher Graphical Communication

SQA - Basket of Qualifications Pupil Pathways Nat 4 English Nat 5 English Leave school having secured a positive destination. Nat 4 Computing Nat 5 Computing Nat 4 Maths (Nat 5 Units) College Course NQ Nat 5 Drama Work Placement Nat 4 Music

Sample S4 Courses Mearns Academy Administration & IT History Art & Design Hospitality Biology Mathematics Business Management Modern Studies Chemistry Music Dance PE Drama Physics English Practical Woodworking French Design and Manufacturing Geography RMPS Graphic Communication

Mrs Logue Depute Head DYW College Courses Foundation Apprenticeship

Form issued to pupils Discussion to take place at home Support from PTG Speak to class teachers Completed form to be submitted to PTG Timetable created Any pupils choices who clash will be spoken to

What S4 choices might look like What am I interested in? What am I good at? What would be best to study for my future plans? What will I work at best? What do my teachers recommend? What does my parent/carer say? What can I do to keep my options open?

Maximising Success at Nat 5 English and a Maths course – compulsory Aiming for options at National 5 through personalisation and choice All learners still will follow school courses in PE, RME and PSE

When choices are made All pupils in S4 can start a course at the appropriate level – Nat 3, Nat 4 or Nat 5 Build on their skills from S3 and work hard to be presented at the highest level. Maths and English supports Numeracy and Literacy Engage with PE, healthy body, healthy brain

Staying on Track Guidance Teacher there for Support. PSE – Study Skills, Health, Employability Three Tracking Windows and Grade Reports Show My Homework, Parent Letters. National Parent Forum of Scotland (Nationals in a Nutshell) SQA Website Class Teachers Positive Destinations

Key Dates 12 January Information Evening 27 February S3 Tracking Report Course Choice Form Issued 7 March S3 Parents’ Evening 9 March Choice Form submitted 5 June New timetable begins

Guidance Input Angela Wotherspoon Depute Head Teacher

Guidance Staff Input PSE Knowledge of the pupils – through discussion and teacher feedback Knowledge of their strengths and any areas for improvement My World of Work S3 Report issued S3 Parents Evening

Other Agencies Skills Development Scotland Careers Library Careers Adviser appointments available for pupils through Guidance

Don’t Panic! Think about the questions below and it should become a lot easier: • What subjects do I enjoy most? • What subjects am I good at? • What are my skills and interests? • What do I like doing outside school? • Career aspirations? • Choose subject (s) because you want to and not because your friends choose it • Don’t choose a subject because you like the teacher • Where can I get advice?

Opportunity for Questions