Stewarton Academy Welcome S5 Information Evening

Agenda Tea & Coffee Welcome & Introduction - Mrs Leslie, Head Teacher S4 Results- Mrs Denovan, DHT Mentoring Programme- Mr Rose, DHT A Pupils’ perspective- K Duncan, Head Girl Alistair McQueen, Depute Head Boy Monitoring & Tracking- Mr Rose, DHT UCAS- Representative Question & Answers

The Challenges Ahead Build S4 success Step up to Highers –Increase in difficulty and work rate –Increase in homework demands –Improve time management skills –Increase in commitment/ dedication –Increase in study time –Increase in pressure to achieve 3 to 5 Highers

Who can help? Class Teacher Head of Department/Faculty Pupil Support Teacher Year Head Careers Officer School Nurse Support from home

What else do we do? The Mentoring Programme Monitoring & Tracking

The Mentoring Programme Rationale: “Mentoring of individuals and groups has proved successful in inspiring and motivating young people. A mentor can be many things – a positive role model, an advisor and an experienced friend. Simply having someone who takes a special interest can make an enormous difference.” (Excellence in Schools).

The Mentoring Programme Purpose: To support S5 students studying 3-5 Highers in achieving their full potential.

The Mentoring Programme Groups 61 Students studying 3 or more highers 10 groups with a maximum of 8 students Similar subject groupings where possible – Sciences, Maths, English, Social Subjects, Languages etc. Matched to Mentors subject expertise where possible. Mentors that teach or have taught the students.

The Mentoring Programme Mentors

The Mentoring Programme The Role of the Mentor  To act as a personal learning advisor to each member of the group. Its all about lending a hand

The Mentoring Programme The Role of the Mentor To hold regular meetings, approximately each fortnight, with the group/individuals.

The Mentoring Programme The Role of the Mentor To get to know, encourage, motivate and value each student in the group, enabling sound advice and guidance to be given in order to facilitate full potential being achieved.

The Mentoring Programme To listen to students, share experiences and help resolve difficulties that they may be experiencing.

The Mentoring Programme To act as a link to other staff such as subject teachers, PTPS, DHT and HT as appropriate.

The Mentoring Programme No.Week BegFocus of Discussion 1 1 Oct 12 Getting to know the group. 2 8 Oct 12 S4 Results analysis. S5 Courses – demands / difficulties 3 22 Oct 12 September target grades discussed - possible link to career intentions (realistic?). H/W – research possible university courses as appropriate. 4 5 Nov 12 Time management skills: coping with homework, NABs and managing the school/life balance. Study planner Nov 12 Involvement of S6 pupils / members of staff to address group concerns/ anxieties as appropriate. 6 3 Dec 12 November target grades discussed Jan 13 Study skills / Prelim preparation 8 21 Jan 13 Health Issues 9 18 Feb 13 Prelim evaluation / areas for improvement identified Mar 13 Coping with stress Mar 13 Discussion on final target grades / revisit study planner Apr 13 Relaxation advice. Final encouragement / hints. Pupil Evaluation.

The Mentoring Programme Other points to note: At each meeting students have an opportunity to raise / discuss any difficulties The programme is meant as a guide, content will be driven by the needs of the group. Meetings take place at a mutually agreed lunchtime.

The Mentoring Programme Home – school links: This Information Evening Liaison over programme content Contact via Year Head (attendance)

What else can you do? The Mentoring Programme Monitoring & Tracking

A Pupils’ Perspective Katie Duncan, Head Girl Alistair McQueen, Depute Head Boy

Monitoring & Tracking August / September 2012 Detailed Analysis of S4 Performance Calculation of “Grade Point Averages (GPA)” and “Unified Points Score (UPS)” Check courses are suitable Information passed to Faculties Faculties set Target Grades

Monitoring & Tracking November/ December 2012 Interim Report Issued – 7th November Parents’ Evening – 15th November Interim Report analysis Target Grades updated

Monitoring & Tracking February/ March 2013 Prelim Exams – start 21st January Final Target Grade updated Full Report issued – 5th March Full report analysis Course adjustment

Monitoring & Tracking May 2013 SQA Examinations August 2013 Comparison of Target grades/ Estimates against candidate performance.

What else can you do? The Mentoring Programme Monitoring & Tracking

Final Pointers Look after health – mental & physical Good routines are still important Part time jobs? Consider next steps – motivation. Encourage attendance at Mentor Groups Contact us Blog

Thank You