S4 Information Evening Tuesday 24 February 2015 Welcome

The Senior Phase Senior Phase covers S4 to S6 All pupils will leave with a portfolio of qualifications at their exit point from school, whether that be at the end of S4, S5 or S6 We aim for all learners to achieve the most they can at the highest level they can, and will provide various pathways to enable them to do so

Why return to school? Post-compulsory education Return as a positive decision –I want to achieve more qualifications –I want to take up opportunities for wider achievement –I want to play a role in the senior school

Current QualificationsNew Qualifications Replaced by (Revised) National 1 National 2 National 3

Senior Phase S4S5S6 National 3National 4National 5 National 4National 5Higher National 5HigherAdvanced Higher

Progression into S5 June period week (each period lasts 1 hour) 5 Higher and/or National courses, with 5 periods for each PLUS PSE with Guidance Teacher – five morning blocks in terms one and two Rota: PE/RME/health promotion/enterprise

Making Decisions for S5 Do I enjoy learning in this subject? What is appropriate level for me in subject? Overall, how many courses at each level? Take account of possible future pathways – investigate/explore/research Have high aspirations

Progression into S6 June 2016 Up to 5 courses – National, Higher or Advanced Higher Volunteering in school or community Supporting younger pupils, e.g. as peer mentor, paired reader, in-class supporter Committees Extra-curricular activities

Pupils’ Responsibilities Attendance and punctuality Dress code Demeanour and manners Keeping on track with learning – fully committed to studies Leadership in the school – a vital role

Assessment Courses split into Units Unit assessments, e.g. Oct, Jan, March (only one re-assessment allowed per task) Internal prelims – January/February 2016 SQA Examinations – May/June 2016 Full award depends on unit tests and final examination

Monitoring of Progress Target setting – pupil identifies own next steps in discussion with teacher Monitoring and tracking Reports Parents’ Evening Prelims Regular tracking with personal supporter Crucial role of parents

Additional Support Needs All SQA assessment arrangements are based on evidence of need Each subject teacher must provide up-to- date evidence of this need Arrangements relate to the current year of study only

Post-results Service Since August 2014, the Appeals Service has ceased to exist INSTEAD Administrative review of candidate’s script can be requested by school if PT feels an error has been made (NB This is not a re-mark) Exceptional circumstances consideration

Insight Will provide data on 4 measures: Percentage of positive sustained destinations Percentage of pupils leaving school with National 4 literacy and numeracy How we improve attainment for all How we combat any attainment gap linked to relative wealth

Options Calendar Options Booklet already issued Parents’ consultation evening 17 March Individual discussion with subject teachers Course Choice interviews withguidance teacher until 20 March Final date for completed course choice sheets is Tuesday 24 March

Progression beyond school exit point = a positive destination: Employment Apprenticeship College University

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