january 2014 calderglen high school s4/s5 options information working together to inspire learning...

JANUARY 2014

Calderglen High School S4/S5 OPTIONS INFORMATION

Working Together to Inspire Learning and Shape the Future

S4…….Where are we now?

Michael Brady/Jacquie Bradley-Heeps S4 DHTs

Our Formal Exam Experience diet is well underway

The objective is to give pupils a realistic experience of exam procedures

The results of these will inform the Parental Reports – due out early March

Parents evening 5th March – enable discussion with teachers about pupils’ progress

S4……What next?

Presentation levels – National 4/5 will be finalisedThis will include: Pupils, Parents, Pupil SupportFinal exam in May for National 5 pupilsNo formal exam for National 4 pupils

Findings …… All of this information will inform provisional option

choices – this process will begin March 11th.

S4 PSHE/CAREERS

Pupils will work alongside PSHE teachers in preparation for the Options process - as in previous years.

This time, pupils will move from 7 to 5 subjects

Specific curricular information will be provided by class teachers to inform Options

This will determine the route each individual pupil takes

S4 CAREERS SUPPORT

Unlike previous years, pupils now have transitional choices to make:

Speak to Pupil Support Manager

Maureen McMullen, Skills Development Scotland

Information on school websiteEmail Maureen - appointmentDialogue to ensure choices are appropriate and

young people take the correct path for them

Leaving School

POST-COMPULSORY EDUCATION:Pupils whose birthdays fall between:

1st March 1996 – 30th September 1996 Are eligible to leave school in June 2014

Pupils whose birthdays fall between: 1st October 1996 – 28th February 1997 Are eligible to leave school Christmas S5


Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

Website www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk for advice for parents to help support your child.

Helpline - 0845 8 502502 (local call rate)

Skills Development Scotland in Schools and CS Centres


Happy to help…..

If you have any questions about S4, please contact us:

Michael Brady: [email protected]

Jacquie Bradley-Heeps:[email protected]

Options Programme Timeline

Monitoring report early NovemberOptions information 28th January In school exams end 31st JanuaryFull report 4th MarchConsultation evening 5th MarchProv. options interviews 10th – 21st MarchSQA exams 29th AprilProv. S5 Timetable early JuneSQA results early AugustOptions finalised mid August


New Qualifications


It’s All About Progression

Building on prior knowledge and skills gained is vital to pupil

progression.--- AND SO ---

Narrowing of subjects from 8 in S3 to 7 in S4 to 5 in S5.

Picking ‘new’ subjects in S5 is discouraged, although in some cases, a related subject may be acceptable.

--- BUT ---Constraints of exam results, career aspirations,

class sizes, class viability may have an impact on this.


Progression and your child

At the end of S4, your son/daughter will have 7

qualifications at Nat 3, Nat 4 or Nat 5.

---Ideally, they should choose 5 of those subjects to progress in S5.


New Progression Routes


Attained in S4 Progression in S5

National 3 National 4

National 4 National 5OR Nat 4 in related

subject

National 5 HigherOR Nat 5 in related

subject

HigherAdvanced

HigherOR Higher in related

subject

S4 Results Really Matter

Will a pupil scraping a ‘C’ pass at

Nat 5 in S4 find Higher in S5 too

challenging?I don’t know!Pupils in that position will be

advised on their most appropriate

S5 course by subject specialists.S4 exam results will really matter!


Options Process

Provisional Option Form issued 4th March.Options booklet available on website 4th March.Family discussion taking heed of Reports advice

and Consultation Evening conversations.Choose 1 subject in each of Columns A to E.Choice ratified/moderated at Options interview.Provisional timetable begins in June.SQA results in early August.Provisional choice confirmed/amended in light

of SQA results/career aspirations/class viability/class size.


S5 Workload

5 subjects = 15 units all internally assessed

+5 Prelim exams

+5 SQA external exams


Warning for the Future - Obstacles to Progress

Insufficient hours dedicated to home study

Irregular attendance (90%) / lack of punctuality

Reluctance to attend supported study

Misjudging the jump from S4

Part time work

Time spent on X-Box/Facebook


Supporting Learners

School supported study at lunchtimes or after school.

Subjects and levels to suit pupil needs.

School website with subject details and revision.

S6 study buddies in Library.

Resources on shared area & Scholar.

Subject specific study packs.

Study Advice evening in September.


EMA

This year’s information for example

A weekly payment of £30

Born between 1st March 1992 and 28th February 1996

Household income is below £20,351 for 1 dependent

or £22,403 with 2 or more dependents

Form from school office - post to address on form!


Thanks

Thank you for attending this evening.

Thank you for listening.

I hope you have found this evening informative.


january 2014 calderglen high school s4/s5 options information working together to inspire learning...

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