Parents’ Information Evening 2017 Senior Phase Options Parents’ Information Evening 2017

This Evening The things to consider when deciding whether to return to school Progression between the levels The options process Widening the choices available Questions

Leaving School – Key Dates If you are 16 by the 30th September 2017, you may leave on the 31st May 2017 If you are 16 between the 1st of October 2017 and the 28th of February 2018, you may leave at Christmas

Opportunities Available Options if you are leaving school: Full time job Training scheme College or university Pupils choosing these options should arrange an appointment with Gail Connelly (Skills Development Scotland)

Returning to School? The Right Reasons: The Wrong Reasons: Improve qualifications for entry to university/college My friends are returning Nothing better to do Improve qualifications and hence improve job prospects To get an EMA To go to the Prom

Progression Natural progression through the Senior Phase Courses articulate through the levels, offering a recognisable, coherent structure Courses are available at four levels in S5/6 Not all subjects will be able to offer at all the levels

The Four Levels Sliding scale of difficulty: National 4 National 5 Higher Advanced Higher

Courses and Units Most courses are made up of 2 or 3 units Each unit has approximately 40 hours teaching Each unit is internally assessed Normally only one reassessment Most courses (except National 4) have a final exam in May/June which is externally assessed You must pass each unit assessment and the final exam to gain an overall award

Progression depends on performance in S4* Progression from S4 Progression depends on performance in S4* S4 Qualification: In S5 you can choose: National 5 Higher National 4 National 5 National 3 National 4 (or alternative) *Please note that not every pupil will have the ability to progress through all the levels. If in doubt, advice should be sought from subject teachers.

Progression depends on performance in S5* Progression from S5 Progression depends on performance in S5* S5 Qualification: In S6 you can choose: Higher Advanced Higher/Other Highers National 5 Higher National 4 National 5 National 3 National 4 (or alternative) *Please note that not every pupil will have the ability to progress through all the levels. If in doubt, advice should be sought from subject teachers.

Consortium Arrangements We work in partnership with local schools to widen choice for Senior Phase pupils Common start/finish times/period times Travel between schools more viable Pupils travel by taxi between schools Increases viability of courses which low numbers of pupils choose Advanced Higher

Partnership with College New College Lanarkshire provides some courses within the school: Hairdressing Construction Childcare Psychology/Sociology All courses have a minimum uptake requirement

Preparation for Options Dummy run using a draft option sheet completed by all S4 and S5 New courses publicised Advice given to pupils from Pupil Support staff, Careers Adviser, teachers, parents, visiting speakers, etc Results collated and adjustments made to the option sheet to create the best fit for our students

What happens next? Revised final options sheet will be distributed to all S4 and S5 pupils who intend to return Options booklet online Choices must be made by Friday March 10th New timetable to start in June, after the SQA exams Changes to initial choices, in light of SQA results, to be made in August

Options Form

S4 > S5 Options A subject must be chosen from each column (five in total) English or Media must be chosen in Column A Pupils must consider workload issues. Five Highers in one year is extremely challenging Two year plan?

S5 > S6 Options S6 are encouraged to fill their timetable Allowed one study column at the discretion of the school Advanced Higher students should have a study column per Advanced Higher Mentoring and Peer Education Informed choices /clear plan

Volunteering Opportunities This year, volunteer placements have been an option for S5 and S6 pupils Instead of one column choice Saltire Award Pupils are encouraged to find the placement themselves Offers an opportunity for extended work experience Boosts confidence Practical, work-based skills

Making the right choices Advice from parents, relatives, Pupil Support, subject specialists, Gail Connelly Check university/college prospectuses and use entry requirements to guide your choices Keep an eye on jobs websites Choose subjects you are good at and enjoy If you are expecting to stay on until the end of S6, plan for two years, not one.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Who qualifies? Students who stay in full time education post-16 Family circumstances 100% attendance (self-certificate up to 5 days) Satisfactory progress in studies Good conduct Punctual £30 per week, paid into student’s account

Communication Interim reports Parents’ Evening Text messages School website/Twitter Note of Concern Assessment fail/resit Change of level notification Full final report

The Final Outcome A positive destination for all our pupils: University College Modern apprenticeship Employment Training Scheme