1 Strathearn School Belfast Form 4 Information Evening 2014

2 PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING Introduction Mrs Graham (VP, Pastoral) Pastoral Miss Gibson (Head of Key Stage 4) Assessment Mrs Connery (VP, Teaching and Learning) Careers Mrs Hearst (Careers Adviser) Conclusion Mr Manning

3 Introduction Mrs Graham

4 AIMS OF FORM 4 PARENTS’ INFORMATION EVENING  To give parents an understanding of the GCSE experience  To help parents offer practical support to their daughters  To strengthen the home – school partnership

5 GUIDANCE ON PIERCINGS: Earlobe refers to lower part of ear as indicated. Piercings are not permitted in any other part of the ear. Nose studs are not permitted Girls may wear one simple, small stud in each ear lobe only. Other piercings are not permitted. These include nose studs nose rings eyebrow piercings lip studs tongue piercings. Advice to pupils and parents: Pupils should think carefully before having piercings carried out anywhere but in the ear lobe. They should ensure that if they need to wear a retainer for a prolonged period that this does not extend into term time. Pupils will be asked to have any piercings that do not meet regulations removed.

6 Pastoral Miss Gibson

8 What we offer…. Teaching and Learning Content / delivery of all courses Revision guide and help (subject and tutorial) SEN / Learning Support Tutor Communication with parents / formal and informal

What has changed from Key Stage Three? A Key Stage Four Student has to:- take more responsibility for her learning Handle a much greater volume of work Organise notes, handouts and information for each subject Organise and plan her time over a longer period to meet a deadline e.g. controlled assessment Plan and carry out revision for regular tests and exams

10 What we offer…. Pastoral All Teachers have a role Line of referral Tutors / Head of Section / VP Pastoral / SEN Offering Support / Encouragement Monitoring / Sanctions

11 Pastoral provision and Tutorial programme Who’s who in Form Four 4S Dr McBride 4T Mrs Muldrew 4R Mrs Ingram 4A Miss Grier 4H Ms Murphy

12 What we expect of your daughter…. A positive attitude- believing she is capable of academic success Arrive at school on time every day Complete all work on time Seek help when needed using channels provided Wear appropriate uniform every day Behave in accordance with our Positive Behaviour Policy

13 How you can help? Encourager Sympathetic ear Attendance Monitor Act as go between

14 How your daughter can help herself Organisation and planning Marathon not a sprint! Keep on top of work Use of planners Seek appropriate help Maintain a healthy work / life balance

16 When things go wrong…… For example….. (a) Organisation (b) Relationship difficulties (c) Family/ personal issues Pupils adopt an all or nothing approach Dealing with stress / resilience

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18 Curriculum and Assessment Mrs Connery

19 The differences Key Stage 3Key Stage 4 17 Subjects (limited choice) All timetabled Directed study 9 GCSEs (some optional choices) All timetabled Directed study Homework amount Controlled Assessment Mocks External Examinations

20 Assessment and Reporting in Form 4 December : Short Report May:Internal examinations June:Full Reports June:Parent Consultation Afternoon

21 What is ‘Controlled Assessment’?

22 Information Guides For pupilsFor parents 22 Controlled Assessment Coursework - A guide for parents

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24 Useful Addresses

25 Key Stage 4 Careers Programme Mrs Hearst

26 Careers Suite Open 8.30am until 3.30pm Including break and lunch time No appointment necessary Computer software programmes- JED Access to the Internet Careers Library – many books, publications and journals which the girls may borrow

27 Form 4 Introduction to what constitutes a career Careers areas of interest to the pupils

28 Form 5 -During September – Unit of Employability within Learning for Life and Work programme -Questionnaire to determine priorities for the interview programme -Career Guidance interviews – October to February

29 Form 5 Cont’d -Lunch time drop in sessions -How do I choose my A Levels -September to March – range of speakers on various career areas. -Seminars on nursing and midwifery, teaching, art applications and gap years

30 And finally -Please encourage the girls to use the facilities in careers suite -Please look at the careers calendar and the useful websites on the careers section of the school website GCSEs are a useful snapshot of academic performance for admission onto university courses so girls should try hard to achieve the best grades possible.

31 Concluding Remarks Mr Manning