1. S4/5 Parents Subject Choice Information Evening
7.00 pm Tuesday 6th March 2018

2. Qualification Framework
SCQF Level
Curriculum for Excellence
Previous Qualifications
Other equivalent awards
1/2
National 1/2
Access 1 and 2 3
National 3
Foundation S Grade Access 3 4
National 4
General S Grade
Intermediate 1
SVQ1 5
National 5
Credit S Grade
Intermediate 2
Modern Apprenticeship
SVQ2 6
Higher
Foundation Apprenticeship
SVQ3 7
Advanced Higher
Higher National Certificate
Modern Apprenticeship SVQ3

3. Assessment in the New Qualifications
In September 2016, Scottish Government announced changes to National Qualifications
Unit assessments would be removed from courses at
National 5: Session
Higher: Session
Advanced Higher: Session
In each course, one or more of the following changes has been/will be made:
Extension of the existing examination paper
Extension or modification of the existing item of coursework
Addition of a new examination paper
Addition of a new item of coursework

4. Some examples of changes
National 5:
An examination in some subjects which had none; for example:
Administration and IT,
Hospitality – both Cake Craft and Practical Cookery
Practical Woodworking
National 5 and Higher:
D pass is now 40% to 49%
Longer examinations in most subjects : for example
Mathematics: Paper 1 by 30min, Paper 2 by 15min
Sciences: increased by 30min
Changes to coursework : for example in
Graphic Communication
Administration and IT

5. Assessment National 1/2/3/4 are entirely internally assessed.
3 units
plus, for National 4, a value added task.
They are pass/fail.
National 5/Higher/Advanced Higher
an external examination
some have coursework.
Graded A to D,
A, B and C being passes;
D is classed as an award.

6. S6 – Minimum 4 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H, AH.
S4 – S6 The Senior Phase
(S4 – 6 subjects English and Maths plus 4 others at N3, N4, N5.)
S5 – 5 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H.
S6 – Minimum 4 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H, AH.

7. Progression Routes For pupils the progression can be…
N4 > N5 > H > AH
Some pupils may find “upward” progression is not “automatic” in some subjects.
There will be subjects you can start in S5 and S6 at N5 or Higher with no previous study.

8. How to Choose! What am I good at? What do I enjoy?
What do I plan to do in S5 and S6 if I stay on?
What career might I follow after school?

9. How Not to Choose! I like/dislike that teacher!
My pal is doing that so I will as well so I am in their class.
My brother/sister/parent liked that subject.

10. Advanced Higher or More Highers?
We would advise pupils going into S6 to:
Consider additional Higher courses as well as Advanced Highers.
Consider 5 courses.
Why?
Universities can request additional Higher passes in different subjects rather than Advanced Higher in the same subject and 5 courses shows commitment.
Offers?
Offers are on what you are studying in S6.

11. Planning for the Future: Next Steps
Automotive Maintenance & Repair Principles Level 2 (SCQF Level 5)
Need National 4 in Maths, English and preferably also with a Science or Technical Studies.
Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Sector (VRQ Level 1 Diploma)
Applicants are expected to have a minimum of three National 4 qualifications. Students must want to become a beauty therapist, and be genuinely interested in the profession.

12. Planning for the Future: Next Steps
Foundation Apprenticeship Mechanical Engineering SCQF Level 6
This course is suited to school pupils who expect to continue at school until the end of S6 and who are on track to achieve passes in related National 5 awards in S4.  Applicants should be expecting to achieve an A or B pass in N5 Maths and will be expected to work towards Higher Maths in S5 or S6.  Pupils would benefit from studying Higher Physics during S5 or S6.
Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6
The Foundation Apprenticeship from current S4 planning on continuing at school until the end of S6.  Applicants should be expecting to achieve a pass in N5 English.  
Applicants should consider which Highers will be required alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship to support future progression pathways.  Higher Human Biology could support progression to Nursing studies.

13. Planning for the Future: Next Steps
HNC Childhood Practice
Applicants should have two Highers including English and N5 Maths.
HND Animal Care
Applicants must hold a minimum of two Highers (one of which should be Biology). If science is not at Higher, it is a requirement to have a qualification at National 5.
HND Textiles
Typical applicants will be expected to have a minimum of two Higher passes - one of which should be Higher Art.

14. Planning for the Future: Next Steps
Medicine Glasgow University
Standard academic entry requirements: AAAAA or AAAABB by the end of S5 AND achieve Grades A and B in two Advanced Highers AND one additional higher in S6 or BBB in three Advanced Highers in S6. All to be taken at the first sitting.
Other mandatory requirements: Not considered for entry from S5. S5 grades must include Chemistry and Biology, and either Maths or Physics. It is acceptable to take Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics as crash Highers in S6, a minimum Grade B would be required provided Grades AAAAA or AAAABB are achieved by S5. Applicants must have English at National 5 B.

15. Planning for the Future: Next Steps
Chemical Engineering Heriot Watt University
Higher AAAB Maths and Chemistry required. Physics strongly advised at least at National 5. (This is minimum - more may be needed)
MA in Arts & Sciences, Aberdeen University
Higher AABB or three AH at BBB obtained at a single sitting required or if obtained over two sittings must exceed this. English at National 5 is also required. (This is minimum - more may be needed)
For some degrees a specific subject is required, for example National 5 Mathematics needed for entry to Accountancy, Economics, Finance.

16. Finding Out About Careers...
College/University websites

17. Finding Out About Courses…
School website….

18. The Choice Form…..
Level
National 3
National 4
National 5
Higher
Advanced Higher
Art and Design
Practical Craft
Graphic Communication
Practical Woodworking
Administration and IT
 Business
Computing Science
Accounting
Business Management
Business Management Computing Science
English  
English
Health and Food Technology
Hospitality: Practical Cookery
Geography
History
Modern Studies
Lifeskills Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics with Mechanics*
French
Spanish
Drama
Music
Physical Education
Physical Education – Performance Development unit & Sports Leader Awards/Recreational Fitness: this is given 2 periods but could be one by negotiation with Department/Guidance. Once selected pupils will choose whether to attempt one or both awards or take the course purely for recreation (Note: this does not count as one of a pupils four courses for S6)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Some subjects do not currently have progression to Higher
Physical Education – Performance Development unit & Sports Leader Awards/Recreational Fitness will not be counted as a full course.

19. How to Complete the Form
Choice
number
Subject
Level 1
English H 2
Maths 3
Chemistry 4
Physics 5
Graphic Communication
RESERVE
CHOICE
Computing Science
S4 should choose 5 courses from the list
Put your choices in order of importance to YOU
Make sure you put the level
Consult your Guidance Teacher to ensure you make the best choices.
Write a RESERVE choice in final box.

20. How to Complete the Form
S5 should choose a minimum of 4 courses from the list
Put your choices in order of importance to YOU
Make sure you put the level
Consult your Guidance Teacher to ensure you make the best choices.
Write a RESERVE choice in final box.
Choice number
Subject
Level 1
Maths AH 2
Physics 3
Biology H 4
Business Management 5
(if wanted)
 YASS
RESERVE CHOICE
 Modern Studies
Psychology Higher runs through Community Education as an evening class and counts as a course. Put it as a choice. However note that if the course does not run in August you will be asked to choose an alternative
The Open University's Young Applicants in Schools Scheme. (or YASS for short) Additional to courses. Put as 5th choice or note in the request box

21. Planning for the Future
Choice for S5
English H
Maths H
Chemistry H
Physics H
Graphic Communication H
Possible choice for S6
Maths AH
Chemistry AH
Business Management H
Modern Studies H
Choice for S5
English N5
Geography H
Art & Design H
Biology H
Accounts N5
Possible choice for S6
English H
Art & Design AH
Accounts H
Business Management H

22. Exceptions… Additional Support
If a pupil is identified as needing additional support then this becomes one of the 5 or 4 choices.
This applies to most pupils who have attended small groups with a Learning Support teacher in S3.
Pupils should know if it applies to them.
If anyone is unsure please contact Guidance Staff.

23. YASS Courses – S6
These are units or courses offered to S6 by the Open University…
Offer different, specific areas of study.
Demonstrate independent learning.
Universities like them.
More details at

24. Please Note
It is hoped that we will be able to provide most if not all pupils with their first four choices.
However due to timetable considerations we cannot guarantee that every combination of courses will be possible or that every course listed will run. This will depend on the numbers opting for the course and the available staffing.

25. Key Dates Tuesday 6th March S4/5 Parents Information Evening Friday
Issue of S4,5,6 “Estimate Reports.”
Thursday
22th March
Return of S5/6 Choice Forms
Monday
4th June
New TT S5 and S6.