S2 into S3 Course Choice - 2018

What subjects to choose? Think about the subjects you most enjoy. Consider the subjects which you are best at. If you know what you might like to do after school then which subjects do you think would best prepare you for this? If you have no idea what you wish to do after school then maybe you should consider which choices may help you keep your options open? Seek advice from your parents, Key Adult, subject teachers, PSL, colleges, universities, extended family, etc.

Can I choose anything? There are some fixed columns and some ‘free’ choices. Your teachers will provide you with work to suit your ability as you progress through the Broad General Education (S2 into S3) and ensure your progress throughout your National courses. (S3 into S4) You should consider advice on which subjects to choose and try to balance your subject choices to suit your abilities, interests and needs.

Can I change my mind? Once you have made your choices we ask that no changes are requested until after the holiday in April. Therefore, consider carefully and do your research! Once into the new timetable, procedures for making requests for changes will be issued. (requests in writing to PSL) It is not in our interest to block any well-considered changes early in S3. What if I want to change half-way through S3?

Sources of Information/Help Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will provide an input to PSE lessons. Careers Adviser – Ailsa Morgan – Tuesday drop-ins at library Visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk - Subject choice tools Visit www.jamesgillespies.co.uk - Course Choice Information (booklet)

How to fill in the form Listen carefully as your PSE teachers explain the form to you and how to fill it in. Use the box to note down any issues. Hand it in on time. The process of allocating pupils to classes will commence from the deadline so latecomers could be at a disadvantage. Going to be absent? Plan ahead.

Worth considering… Will choices now affect future options? (Medicine/Vet Medicine?) Should I focus on a particular group of subjects? (ie. Performing Arts) For the remainder of the year, how should I approach the subjects I have not chosen? (changes? Reports in May!) Subjects to highlight: Language Skills for Life and Work Administration & IT Hospitality Dance Practical Craft Skills Psychology (no National 4)

S4 into S5 / S5 into S6 Course Choice - 2018

What subjects to choose? Think about the subjects you most enjoy. Consider the subjects which you are best at. If you know what you might like to do after school then which subjects do you think would best prepare you for this? If you have no idea what you wish to do after school then maybe you should consider which choices may help you keep your options open? Seek advice from your parents, Key Adult, subject teachers, PSL, colleges, universities, extended family, etc.

What to avoid Choosing subjects mainly because you like the style of a particular teacher – staffing is always changing and there are no guarantees you will have that teacher next session! Choosing subjects just because your friends are choosing them - there is no guarantee that you will end up in the same classes anyway! (there may be multiple classes of the same subject at the same time) Choosing subjects without first having done some research/enquiry – know what you are signing up for!

Research Research Research Research Re…..... Why are you coming back? Find your why! What do you need? What will help you develop/move you forward? What do you enjoy? If you can’t answer any of the above with any of the courses on offer, then S5/S6 may not be the right next step for you… Range of offerings through Edinburgh College, Skills Development Scotland, employment and other training agencies – we can help you to a next step/positive destination. Be brave. Be selfish! If you would like to return...

Returning to S5 You are signing up to a full timetable: 5 subjects (5 hours each per week) 1 x PE, 1 x PSE, 1 x Study / Activity Reasonable exceptions will be considered in consultation with parents, Pupil Support Leaders, Year Head and other relevant staff (2016/17 = 30/220) Recoursing post-results in August 2018 over several weeks Withdrawals from courses not advised until post-prelims Health & wellbeing / wider life of the school / personal interests

Returning to S6 You are signing up to a timetable of 15 points, 12 of which are academic: 1 x PSE Advanced Highers = 5 points Highers & National 5’s = 4 points National 4 and weekly work placement = 3 points Other as agreed on case by case basis (ie. 1 point for every hour as a departmental assistant/points towards employment outside of school, etc.) Involvement in other personal development activities are over and above (committees, befriending, etc.) Recoursing post-results in August 2018 over several weeks Withdrawals from courses not advised until post-prelims – advice from universities Health & wellbeing / wider life of the school / personal interests

The travel column… Work experience – Self-found placement paperwork available from Pupil Support College courses – Schools College Partnership Life Drawing, Broadcast Media & Photography, Child Development, Access to College courses, Electrical Skills, Automotive Skills, Sport & Fitness, Retail & Events and more. QMU Academies – Health & Social Care, Hospitality & Tourism, Creative Industries Foundation Apprenticeships – Financial Services, Business Skills, Civil Engineering, Information Technology, Creative & Digital Media Neighbourhood school – limited offerings AH Computing, AH Drama, AH Mechanics and others. Liaise with Mr Warden.

Courses to highlight: Scottish Studies – SCQF Level 5 Literacy Cyber Security/Computer Games Development (NPA) Hospitality: Practical Cake Craft Travel and Tourism Geography AS Level Art and Design Economics/CSLA – S6 Baccalaureate - requirements

Where do I get my form and who do I hand it into? S4-5 course choice: S4-5 pupils will be given will be issued their form during key adult on Tuesday 7th February. S4-5 pupils will hand these in to the office as soon as possible but by Monday 20th February at the latest. Additional forms will be available from the office. Late forms may increase your chance of missing out on your first choices.

What happens next? Lists will be sent to departments and PSLs will discuss the your choices with you If there are any issues or changes needing made this will be organised via your PSLs You are not guaranteed all your subject choices and following exam results in August there may be some shuffling but picking your subjects with advice and getting your choice sheets in on time will help reduce these problems