1 Welcome! Parents’ Evening – S2 into S3 Course Choices Thursday, 4 th February 2010

2 Tonight’s Agenda Curriculum for Excellence S3 Curriculum: Core Content S3 Curriculum: Options S3 Curriculum: Other Options High Expectations Senior Timetable Profile Timescale Role of parent/carer Pitfalls to avoid Help

3 Challenge and enjoyment Personalisation and Choice Depth Progression Breadth Coherence Relevance Curriculum for Excellence: Principles of Curriculum design

4 Languages Mathematics Science Social Studies Technologies Expressive Arts Religious and Moral Education Curriculum for Excellence: Curriculum Areas Health & Wellbeing across learning Literacy across learning Numeracy across learning

5 S3 Curriculum: Core Content Compulsory subjects: English – 4 periods per week – leads to Standard Grade Maths – 4 periods per week – leads to Standard Grade Science (Biology, Physics or Chemistry) – 3 periods per week – leads to Standard Grade / Intermediate 1 SVS – 1 period per week – leads to Standard Grade PE – 2 periods per week – non-exam PSE – 1 period per week – non-exam RP – 1 period per week – non-exam

6 S3 Curriculum: Options Optional subjects (4 3 periods): Modern Languages : French Additional Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics Social Studies: Geography, History, Modern Studies, RP Technologies: Computing, Craft & Design, Graphic Communications, Home Economics Expressive Arts: Art and Design, Drama, Music, PE

7 S3 Curriculum: Other Options Optional alternative courses: XL Club ASDAN Bronze Award Early Education and Childcare Uniformed and Emergency Services College and extended training and/or work placements

8 High Expectations Be clear – choose wisely Read the Booklet; talk to people! Possible interview Assertive Mentoring – Ms Fowler

9 S4S5S6 CreditHigherAdvanced Higher GeneralIntermediate 2 Higher FoundationIntermediate 1 Intermediate 2 No AwardAccessIntermediate 1

10 SeniorTimetable Profile At least 4 academic subjects = 5 lessons each per week (20-25) Core Subjects = PSE, PE, RMPS = 1 lesson each per week (3) Possible enrichment / vocational / citizenship option = 5 lessons per week (5) S5 and S6

11 Timescale This week Tuesday 23 rd February During February Deadline for CC Forms New S3 Curriculum Information Evening – Thursday 4 th February S2 Parents Evening Discussion in PSE lessons – about making good choices * Individual CC interviews with House Staff, Senior Staff, or Mentor By Monday 1 st March 2010

12 Role of parent / carer What does your son/daughter enjoy? What is he/she good at… –In school? –Out of school? What is he/she suited to? Does he/she have any post-school ideas? Encourage him/her to find out about courses, jobs and qualifications

13 Pitfalls to avoid.. Do not make a choice because... Your friend is taking it You like (or don’t like) a certain teacher You feel “pressured” to do it The subject is “easy” Remember : You will have to do the work yourself

14 Help is available from: Teaching staff, Senior staff and House teams School website Careers Scotland –Steven Smith Colleges & Universities Library Internet – PlanIt & Progress

15 And Finally… Any general questions? Staff from departments are waiting in the Dining Hall to speak to you about their subjects – please take some time to chat to them Senior staff and House Staff will stay on in the Main Hall to answer individual questions