1. Senior Phase Course Choice
Parent Presentation
25th January 2018

2. Aims:
To explain the types of qualifications your son or daughter will be undertaking
To introduce you to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
To explain the Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service
To explain the Post Results Service

3. What’s different from S4?
Where you can take courses:
Majority of pupils will complete their exams at Balerno but you can also study at another school or college
The types of courses on offer:
New courses such as Skills for Work – Early Education and Childcare

4. S5/6 SQA Qualifications
Almost all pupils will be at presented at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher
New Higher format for :
No units
Changes to length of the exam in May
Amendments to the assignments/folio/performance elements
Advanced Highers remain the same for , changes for

5. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
What is SCQF?
A framework to recognise lifelong learning.
Can help you to understand and compare a range of qualifications.
Covers achievements from school, youth clubs, college, university and the workplace.
Shows that qualifications have the same worth wherever
they have been achieved.

6. Why do I need to know about the SCQF?
This information will appear on your son’s or daughter’s SQA certificate
The certificate will refer to SCQF levels
The certificate will recognise your son’s or daughter’s SCQF credits
1 credit = 10 hours of study,
so the 240 hours of learning for a Higher is 24 credits.
Recognises wider achievement
Helps employers understand different types of qualifications
Helps universities/colleges identify the level your child has studies at in a particular subject.

8. Recognising wider achievement

9. Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service
Takes place before results are published
Applies only if we believe a candidate has suffered as a result of an exceptional circumstance (bereavement, serious illness, etc.)
School informs SQA immediately
Alternative evidence (e.g. coursework, classwork, assessments) is submitted to SQA
SQA will consider evidence (and results of other pupils) in determining whether to change/award grade

10. Post Results Service Available after results are issued
•Specific criteria on whether request is submitted
•Requires reasonable evidence that SQA has made a mistake
•Two types of request can be made:
•Clerical Check
•Marking Review of the Script
•Mark/grade can go UP OR DOWN

11. Please find further information on SQA qualifications and SCQF on the school website. The information can be found in the Parents/Carers tab under SQA and Exam information.

12. Aims: To share the basics of the coursing and timetabling process
To share the key dates for your child
To give you the opportunity to ask questions
To help us to work together to get the best possible course portfolios for all students

13. The Process Evaluation of what currently exists
Careful study of current options
Proposed curriculum and course choice created and discussed
Course choice issued to pupils
Responses analysed to work out:
Number of classes required in each subject
Any classes that are not viable
Classes that need to be added or provided in different columns
Any other issues raised by pupils and parents

14. Levels of Study National 4 achieved = progression into National 5
National 5 achieved = progression into Higher
Higher achieved = progression into Advanced Higher
But…
Evidence suggests success most likely at the next level if an A or B achieved
Please encourage your child to listen to teacher recommendations…they are based on knowledge of the courses and your child’s skills

15. Key message (or a plea from us to you!)
The columns you receive home are not final – they are the next step in the consultation process. Please reassure your child not to panic.
You will be asked to note any issues/concerns regarding what your child wants to do that the columns don’t currently allow…please do this!
Every concern is looked at and discussed – we want your child to get the best possible outcome too
We will share solutions with you/your child and we will contact you if there is no possible solution
Please do not get upset with us until then… 
Please do contact us and come in to chat it through – we are always willing to communicate and explain

16. Key Dates for S4 - 5:
W/C 29th January: Course choice booklets available on the school website and choice forms distributed to pupils
2th February: S4 reports issued; reports will include recommended levels of study for S5
W/C 19th February: 1:1 meetings with PSLs. Completed forms should be handed in at this meeting.
23rd February: All S4 coursing complete
W/C 17th April: Final decisions made on courses and parents/pupils informed of changes
14th May: New timetable starts

17. Key Dates for S5 - 6:
W/C 29th January: Course choice booklets available on the school website and choice forms distributed to pupils
27th February: Parent consultation meetings with recommendations for S6 where appropriate
W/C 5th March: 1:1 meetings with PSLs. Completed forms should be handed in at this meeting.
9th March: All S5 coursing complete
W/C 17th April: Final decisions made on courses and parents/pupils informed of changes
14th May: New timetable starts

18. QUESTIONS?