1. S3 Curricular Pathway INFORMATION EVENING
Monday 30 January 2017

3. S3 OPTION CHOICE

4. Preparing for the Senior Phase
How Parents Can Help?
Talking with your child about how they are getting on in Dunblane High and what subjects they enjoy and feel they can achieve success with.
Talking about their options and encouraging them to start thinking about what they might like to do in the future.
Generally it’s a good idea to encourage them to keep their options as open as possible. They may already have some ideas about what they want to do in the future, but these could change. And, for many young people it’s still too early to have specific career ideas or interests.

5. Preparing for the Senior Phase
How Parents Can Help?
If there are any family members, neighbours or friends that have careers that may be of interest to your child, encourage them to ask questions of them about their careers or if there is an opportunity for some work experience or visit to their workplace.
Encourage them to talk to their subject teachers, Pupil Support PT and careers adviser if they need more information or if they have any worries about their subject choices.
Encourage them to choose subjects in which they demonstrate an aptitude.

6. Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a subject because my friends are choosing it?
Should I choose a subject because I like the teacher?
Should I choose a subject because I need it for the job I want to do?
Should I choose a subject because I’m good at it or because I like it?
Can I change courses in S4 if I find I don’t like my first choice? 
Can I choose subjects in S5 or S6 that I did not choose in S4?

7. Mrs Wilkinson
SQA Coordinator

8. 7 NATIONAL COURSES (SCQF Level 5)
SQA NATIONAL COURSES
In 2017 our new S4 pupils will be entered for;
7 NATIONAL COURSES (SCQF Level 5)
The previous course assessment approach requires candidates to complete
internally assessed National Units (usually 3 in total) and
a course assessment, which is normally an examination question paper and/or coursework.
Removing the units and unit assessments means that the SQA need to strengthen the course assessments to maintain 24 credit points and protect the integrity of National courses.

14. SQA Assessment Arrangements – the changes?
Extension of existing question paper
Extension of existing item of coursework
A new question paper
A new item of coursework
There is no change to aims, rationale or content of courses.

15. SQA Assessment Arrangements – the changes? What are the Implications?
National Course
What are the Implications?
Timeline
National 5
Removal of units/unit assessments
No change to content
Possible extension of grades below C
No more RPA default N5-N4
N /18
Higher -2018/19
Adv H – 2019/20
National 4
There are currently no planned changes to National 4 courses Courses will remain internally assessed on a pass or fail basis
Not applicable

16. Mr Boyce
DHT Pupil Support

17. We would recommend that students choose subjects that they enjoy and in which they are doing well.
For more information visit:

18. S4 SENIOR PHASE SUBJECT OPTIONS

19. Possible Progression Pathways
Advanced Higher
Higher
National 5
National 4
National 3

20. S4 PERIOD ALLOCATION English x 5 Mathematics x 5
Other FIVE N5 Options x 4
Core PE x 1
Core RME x 1
PSHE x 1
TOTAL = 33 PERIODS

22. Mrs Sutherland
S3 Pupil Support

23. Planning for the S4 Senior Phase: 2016-17
DATE
ACTIVITY
Wk begin 3 October
S3 Subject Survey
Wk begin 7 November
S3 Interim Reports to Parents
Wk begin 24 November
Senior Phase Options’ Form Draft 1 issued.
Wk begin 1 December
Senior Phase Options’ Form & Options Booklet finalised
Friday 20 December
S3 Reports to parents
Thursday 22 December
Christmas Holiday begins
Thursday 5 January 2017
Term begins
January
All S3 Pupils have individual meeting with Careers Advisor
Wednesday 25 January
S3 PARENTS’ Evening
Monday 30 January
S3 PARENTS’ OPTION INFORMATION EVENING
Wednesday 1 February &
Thursday 2 February
S3 Options interview
Monday 8 May
S4 SENIOR PHASE BEGINS ~ new timetable for whole school

24. S3 OPTIONS INTERVIEWS McCarron Room
Wed 1 Feb
9.07 – K1 GIRLS
9.56 – K1 BOYS
11.00 – K2 GIRLS
11.48 – K2 BOYS
12.36– R1 GIRLS
14.04 – R1 BOYS
Thurs 2 Feb
9.07 – R2 GIRLS
9.56– R2 BOYS
S1 GIRLS
11.48– S1 BOYS
12.36 – S2 GIRLS
14.04 – S2 BOYS
Pupils should meet their parents in the Reception.