Dunfermline High School S3  S4 Course Choices 2014 (January 2014)

Curricular Structure Pupils will now choose 7 subjects (from current 11) S4 - not 6 as previously stated WHY? We will be moving to a 7:7 structure in S3:S4 from summer 2014, and to a 32 period week Current S2 and current S3 will make 7 course choices for 2014/2015 (including English and Mathematics)

How will this work? Increase to 32 period week - this enables pupils to study: 7 subjects x 4 periods per week + PE – 2 periods + SE – 1 period + RE – 1 period For one year only, S4 will do 5 periods of English and 5 periods of Mathematics (N5 only) and 4 periods of all other subjects

32 period week In session 2014/2015, the start and end times of the school day will remain exactly the same: –3 days of 6 periods x 53 minutes –2 days of 7 periods x 46 minutes (Interval and lunchtime adjusted slightly on these days) For session 2015/2016 onwards, 32 periods per week x 50 minutes (start and finish times are still to be finalised)

Why change now? When narrowing from 11 courses in S3 to 6 courses in S4, some S4 subjects may not be viable due to low numbers Narrowing from only 6 courses in S4 to 5 in S5/6 could reduce effective choice Need to deliver a curriculum that best meets the needs of our pupils

S4 Courses and Levels Available Pupils entering S4 will reduce from 11 to 7 subjects These courses are available at different levels National 5 (equivalent to Credit level at Standard Grade and Intermediate 2) National 4 (equivalent to General level at Standard Grade and Intermediate 1) National 3 (equivalent to Foundation level at Standard Grade and Access 3) It is essential that you understand how these equate to each other AND understand how pupils can progress from these levels in S5/S6

S3 (INCREASED SUPPORTED CHOICE) S4 (SENIOR PHASE: SUPPORTED CHOICE) S5/6 (SENIOR PHASE: SUPPORTED CHOICE) BROAD GENERAL EDUCATION 11 SUBJECTS English Mathematics + 9 choices from curricular areas NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 7 SUBJECTS English Mathematics + 5 choices NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 5 SUBJECTS National 5 National 4 National 3 Advanced Higher (N7) Higher (N6) National 5 National 4 PROGRESSION ROUTES FROM BROAD GENERAL EDUCATION TO SENIOR PHASE

Points to Consider Pupils should always be optimistic and have high (but realistic) expectations Current Progress in S3 –Current attitude, effort & commitment to school work, homework, studying, revision & meeting deadlines in each subject Recommended Level - pupils should be actively encouraged to take the subjects/courses in which they have the greatest chance of success at the highest level.

Other Points To Consider Future longer-term plans – Higher Education, Further Education, Training, Employment etc? Get information & advice (e.g. School Careers Library, Guidance Staff, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Do NOT make course choices based on what a pupil’s friends are choosing. Do NOT make course choices based on who the class teacher is in S3. Pupils may have different teachers in S4. CONSIDER ALL THE OPTIONS AND MAKE INFORMED CHOICES!

S3-S4 COURSE CHOICE TIMELINE JanuaryS3 Reports and Parents’ Evening details sent home 20 JanuaryS3 Parents’ Evening (4.45pm – 7.15pm) JanuaryS3 Guidance Interviews 27 JanuaryAbsolutely FINAL DATE for return of Choice Sheet (These MUST be completed & signed by parents/carers)