Getting the Most Out of Senior Phase Ben Davis, Acting Headteacher St. Joseph’s Academy, Kilmarnock March 21, 2014

I love S6! It’s pure Maths and Physics and some Geography…I want to study Aeronautical Engineering at Glasgow and be an engineer in the Navy. Everyone else in my family is a beautician or hairdresser which is totally not me. My Scottish Baccalaureate project is ‘Educating the Engineering Workforce - why it is worth it.’ Abbie, S6

What’s Different? Enterprise, employability & business partnerships College links IDL Partnerships and support Pupil voice and leadership Range and type of learning experiences Experience of transition to SP

I am most proud of cooking for Sir Peter Housden in S4 and working with the cook school. It also means a lot that I won the British U-16 weightlifting championships three years running. School is much more enjoyable in S5. With more responsibility I feel more trusted and respected so I can do more. Ryan, S5

What’s Working? IDL through English, HE, Biology and Creative Arts Links to businesses and supportive partners Greater range of options Personal support & mentoring Transition Sharing learning Growing flexibility & using data (e.g. SIMD) Emphasis on values and mental health

I’ve learnt to take the lead in a group; I’ve learnt how to cope with all the little things that people overlook, the ing, the organisation, the pressure, the decision- making, the general management of my own work. The project helps bridge the gap between school life and adult life. In my opinion every 6th year should be given a project like this. You meet some amazing people: people that see the best in you and actually care. I went to University confident and I could tackle my Uni work differently from others in my class could and I think this was a massive benefit. I am currently in second year studying 3D: Computer Animation at Glasgow Caledonian University. Scott

Pathways One and two year courses Employability and enterprise routes College routes Support for these routes by specialist staff

‘At St. Joseph’s I have met lots of inspiring people, both teachers and pupils, and this spurs me on to want to make full use of my skills in life. I have had lots of opportunities to speak out at events which has boosted my confidence.’ Mahrukh, S6

What next? Developing transition experience in S3 Extending employer and enterprise links Wider range of courses for less able More IDL for most able University links REACH & YASS Sustainability of courses