Parent Presentation 25th January 2018 S4 Course Choice Parent Presentation 25th January 2018

Aims: To explain the types of qualifications your son or daughter will be undertaking To introduce you to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

S4 SQA Qualifications Almost all pupils will be presented at National 4 and/or National 5 National 4 Pupils complete units assessments Pupils complete an Added Value Unit On successful completion, pupils achieve an ungraded course award National 5 Pupils complete an assignment/folio/performance element assessed in school Pupils sit an exam in May/June On successful completion pupils achieve a graded course award A-D

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) What is SCQF? A framework to recognise lifelong learning. Can help you to understand and compare a range of qualifications. Covers achievements from school, youth clubs, college, university and the workplace. Shows that qualifications have the same worth wherever they have been achieved.

Why do I need to know about the SCQF? This information will appear on your son’s or daughter’s SQA certificate The certificate will refer to SCQF levels The certificate will recognise your son’s or daughter’s SCQF credits 1 credit = 10 hours of study, so the 240 hours of learning for a Higher is 24 credits. Recognises wider achievement Helps employers understand different types of qualifications Helps universities/colleges identify the level your child has studies at in a particular subject.

Recognising wider achievement

Please find further information on SQA qualifications and SCQF on the school website. The information can be found in the Parents/Carers tab under SQA and Exam information.

Aims: To share the basics of the coursing and timetabling process To share the key dates for your child To give you the opportunity to ask questions To help us to work together to get the best possible course portfolios for all students

The Process Evaluation of what currently exists Careful study of current options Proposed curriculum and course choice created and discussed Course choice issued to pupils Responses analysed to work out: Number of classes required in each subject Any classes that are not viable Classes that need to be added or provided in different columns Any other issues raised by pupils and parents

Key message (or a plea from us to you!) The columns you receive home are not final – they are the next step in the consultation process. Please reassure your child not to panic. You will be asked to note any issues/concerns regarding what your child wants to do that the columns don’t currently allow…please do this! Every concern is looked at and discussed – we want your child to get the best possible outcome too We will share solutions with you/your child and we will contact you if there is no possible solution Please do not get upset with us until then…  Please do contact us and come in to chat it through – we are always willing to communicate and explain

Levels Your child won’t pick a level, just a subject As a general guideline… Pupils should have achieved curriculum level 3 to progress to N4 Pupils should have achieved curriculum level 4 to progress to N5 Teachers will have been able to advise on expected levels Final decisions are based on performance

Key Dates: W/C 29th January: course choice booklets available on the school website. Course choice forms distributed to pupils. W/C 5th February: PSLs 1:1 meeting with pupils NB the forms should be handed in at this meeting 9th February: Coursing complete W/C 17th April: Final decisions made on courses and parents/pupils informed of changes 14th May: New timetable starts

QUESTIONS?