1. Monifieth High School Preparing for Senior Phase S4
Wednesday 30th January 2013

2. Agenda Welcome FAQs Background Next steps: key issues
If you have any questions please note them on
the post-it notes and we will make the answers
available on the school website

3. Curriculum for Excellence at Monifieth High School
Skills for life
Qualifications for the future
Wider achievement
Personal support
Offering different routes

4. Literacy The Monifieth High School Learning Triangle Numeracy Health &
Wellbeing
Thinking Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills

5. S4-6 S2-3 Curriculum Areas Subjects S1-2 Fourth Level Third Level P5-7
Skills
Knowledge
Relevance
Fourth
Level
Third
Level
S4-6
S2-3
Second
Level
S1-2
P5-7
First
Level
Curriculum Areas
Subjects
P1-4

8. What’s different about the new qualifications?
The new qualifications will be less prescriptive; with more personalisation and choice
Courses are made up of 2 or more units. Each unit is internally assessed (pass/fail)
National 4 has an additional ‘value added’ unit which combines different elements of a Course into an overall assessment. There is no external exam at National 4
National 5 and above: courses assessment consists of:
External exam marked by SQA
‘added value’ element - Assignment completed and marked in school
National 5/ Higher/Advanced Higher are graded A-C

9. S6 S5 S4 Senior Phase Qualifications Higher National 5 Advanced Higher

10. Jeremy will explain that the Draft S4 Option Sheet was issued for information only (apologies that this was not made sufficiently clear). The actual S4 Option Sheet will be issued on Wednesday 6th February, and will be completed in discussion with PCS.

11. Skill-based Highers & National 4/5? 
5 Highers in S5? 
Extra Highers “from scratch” in S6? 
3 Science Highers? 
Approved by Scottish Government, HMI, SQA? 

12. University of Aberdeen Curriculum for Excellence Statement
“The University of Aberdeen currently does not stipulate a minimum number of Standard Grade and/or Intermediate 2 qualifications. This will be extended to include National 5 subjects. “ “We remain committed to promoting a fair admissions policy to ensure we give equal consideration to candidates who apply on time and who possess the necessary knowledge and skills, irrespective of the route travelled through the Senior Phase, S4 to S6.” “In at least one of the Senior Phase years – S4 or S5 or S6, there is an expectation that a minimum of three Highers or Advanced Higher subjects are studied and presented for examinations.”

13. University of Aberdeen Curriculum for Excellence Statement Medicine
National 5 qualifications : English and Maths are required (currently Grade B minimum); Biology and Physics are recommended but not compulsory (Grade B minimum).
Higher qualifications : Chemistry (Grade B minimum).
Two subjects are required from Biology/Human Biology, Maths, Physics.
Two further Highers in most other subjects – applicants should check with the Medical Admissions office if clarification required. These may be taken across the Senior Phase – S4 to S6
There is no requirement, and therefore no advantage given, to obtaining the three sciences required in one sitting. Maths is regarded as a science.

14. WIDER
ACHIEVEMENTS

15. What happens next... “Preparing for Senior Phase: S4” booklet
Wednesday 6th February: S4 Option Sheets issued
Wednesday 13th February: S3 Parents’ Evening
Thursday 14th February: return S4 Option Sheet
January/February: Discussion in SE
This evening: please stay, ask and chat!