1. John Rutter HEADTEACHER INVERNESS HIGH SCHOOL

2. Curriculum for Excellence A complete educational experience from age 3 to age 18 Broad General Education phase lasts until the end of S3 Senior Phase, with qualifications, runs from S4 until S6

3. The Senior Phase All young people in Scotland have an entitlement to a senior phase of education which: provides opportunities to specialise prepares them well for achieving qualifications to the highest level they are capable of continues to develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work supports them to achieve a positive and sustained destination. The senior phase, which takes place from S4 to S6 in schools and includes ages 16 to 18 out of school, is the phase when the young person will build up a portfolio of qualifications.

5. Qualifications in S4 National 3: not graded – no examination. National 4: not graded – no examination but all National 4 courses have an Added Value Unit. National 5: graded A-D – most subjects have a Course Assessment normally marked by SQA.

6. Qualifications in S5/S6 National 4 and National 5 (and some National 3) Higher: graded A-D – most subjects have a Course Assessment normally marked by SQA Advanced Higher: graded A-D – most subjects have a Course Assessment (normally marked by SQA) and a large amount of course work

7. Other qualifications in the senior phase Other qualifications including: ASDAN SQA wider achievement awards vocational skills for work courses courses provided by UHI

9. Information issued to pupils: 19 January All pupils interviewed by Guidance teachers: beginning 19 January Parents' information evening Parents' consultation evening: 24 February 5pm Course choice sheets handed in: 27 February

11. Information (and reports) issued to pupils: 04 March All pupils interviewed by Guidance teachers: beginning 04 March Parents' information evening Parents' consultation evening: 11 March Course choice sheets handed in: 13 March

12. Four important things to think about Am I any good at the subject – is success likely in S4 and beyond? Do I enjoy the subject? Will it be useful for me in getting a job or going on to further education or training? Do my teachers (and guidance) think it will be good for me?

13. Four important things NOT to think about My friends are all doing this subject None of my friends are doing this subject I don’t like my current teacher I’ll do this one because I can’t think of anything else to do

14. Before choices are made, there is help available: Notes on subjects available from departments Discussions with subject teachers Discussions with guidance teachers Advice from senior management – please phone or email Plenty of websites such as:

21. Any questions... ?