The Senior Phase Senior Phase Opportunities Tim McKay – Rector, Ellon Academy Dr Sally Middleton, Aberdeen University Amy Snell, Aberdeen University Student

Background and Profile Situated in rural Aberdeenshire Six-year non-denominational comprehensive school Ten associated primary schools – Approximately 10% of school roll are ‘out of zone’ placements School roll–1050. Stay on rate of 85% into S5 and 60% into S6 Free Meal Entitlement of 4% On-site College provision and close working partnership in Senior Phase with Aberdeen University High attainment – 33% 5+ Highers and 25% 1+ A. Highers Two key questions……. Do we meet the needs of all pupils? Do we meet the needs of all pupils? Are we preparing our pupils for work, college and university? Are we preparing our pupils for work, college and university?

A Successful School – Why Change? Reflecting the principles of Curriculum for Excellence, progress is now defined in terms of ‘how well’ and ‘how much’ as well as learners’ rate of progress. Young people will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding, skills, attributes and capabilities through a wide range of tasks and activities including dialogue and interactions with peers and teachers, practical investigations, performances, reports, oral presentations and discussions as well as specific assessment tasks, activities, tests and examinations…….. this approach will promote greater breadth and depth of learning, including a greater focus on the secure development of skills and knowledge to equip children and young people with the skills for learning, life and work required for the 21st century. Building the Curriculum 5

Learning Structure Broad General Education - S1 to S3 Personalisation & choice at the end of S2 for S3 through Curriculum Areas Subject choice ‘refresh’ at the end of S3 for S4 Combined S4-S6 experience as the ‘Senior Phase’ Promote breadth & depth across the Senior Phase Will change and adapt over coming months and years – evolution not revolution

‘Attainment’ Structure S1/S2 – CfE Level 3 Outcomes for most pupils S3 – CfE Level 3/4 Outcomes (depending on progress and ability) S4/S5/S6 – National Qualifications 4, 5, 6 or 7 (depending on progress and ability)

‘Achievement’ Structure S1/S2/S3 – Inter-Disciplinary Learning opportunities include: S1/S2 curricular electives, curricular ‘inserts’ & challenges S4/S5/S6 – Skills for Work college courses and Aberdeen University course units S1-S6 – Achievement opportunities include: Extra-curricular, D of E, leadership, World Challenge, volunteering, enterprise activities, stand alone courses & programmes of work

The Senior Phase Curriculum Pathway Options

S4 Curriculum (32 Periods) Choice 1 (5) Choice 2 (5) Choice 3 (5) Choice 4 (5) English (4) Maths (4) Core PE (2) RE (1) SE (1)

S5/S6 Curriculum (32 Periods) Choice 1 (5) Choice 2 (5) Choice 3 (5) Choice 4 (5) Choice 5 (5) Choice 6 (5) Wider Achieve Core PE (1) SE (1)

S4/S5/S6 Curriculum (32 Periods) Choice 1 (5) Choice 2 (5) Choice 3 (5) Choice 4 (5) Choice 5 (5) Choice 6 / Wider Achieve (5) Core PE (1) SE (1) Choice 1 (5) Choice 2 (5) Choice 3 (5) Choice 4 (5) English (4) Maths (4) Core PE (2) RE (1) SE (1) Aberdeen University Units / Course

Dr Sally Middleton & Amy Snell

Questions?