1. Mearns Academy S3 into S4 Parents’ Information Evening Tuesday 10 January 2017

2. David Martindale Head Teacher

3. Tonight’s Meeting
To outline key tasks and conversations which help create the timetable and the curriculum
To confirm that support given from teachers and importantly Guidance Teachers
To support parents in supporting your child
To confirm that we understand this is a difficult and sensitive time making realistic choices.
To ask any questions.

5. Successful Learners Confident Individuals Responsible Citizens Effective Contributors

6. S1/S2 – Curriculum for Excellence
English
Maths
Science
Health & Wellbeing
Languages
Technolo-gies
Expressive Arts
Personal & Social Education
Religious & Moral Education
S1/S2 – Curriculum for Excellence

7. S3 – Curriculum for Excellence. with personalisation & choice English
S3 – Curriculum for Excellence with personalisation & choice English Maths Science Health & Wellbeing Languages Technologies Expressive Arts Personal & Social Education Religious & Moral Education
It may be possible, in some circumstances, to ‘bank’ National 4 attainment (evidenced by the end of S3) until the end of S4.

8. MOVING INTO SENIOR PHASE
age 3 – 15
Broad General Education
S3 Personalisation in some curricular areas
Senior Phase age 15 – 18+ (S4 and beyond) 6 National Courses +Core subjects PE
RME
PSE

9. THE SENIOR PHASE Gareth Campbell Depute Head Teacher

10. New Qualifications SCQF Level SCQF 7 Advanced Higher SCQF 6 Higher
Intermediate 2 or
Standard Grade - Credit
SCQF 4
Intermediate 1 or
Standard Grade - General

11. What qualifications are on offer?
National qualifications started in 2014
Pupils will sit examinations in S4, S5 & S6
- National 3 Internally assessed
- National 4 Internally assessed
- National 5 *Unit Passes and Final Exam
- Higher *Unit Passes and Final Exam
- Advanced Higher *Unit Passes and Final Exam
*Subject to future change and clarification from the SQA required.

12. SQA - Basket of Qualifications Pupil Pathways
Nat 5 English
Higher English
Advanced Higher Computing
Nat 5 Computing
Higher Computing
Advanced Higher Music
Nat 5 Music
Higher Music
Advanced Higher Business
Nat 5 Maths
Higher Maths
Nat 5 Business
Higher Business
Nat 5 Biology
6 National Qualifications
5 Highers
3 Advanced Highers

13. SQA - Basket of Qualifications Pupil Pathways
Nat 5 English
Higher English
Nat 5 Computing
Nat 5 Music
Higher Music
Advanced Higher Music
Nat 4 Maths
Nat 5 Maths
Nat 4 Business
Nat 5 Business
Higher Business
Nat 4 Biology
Nat 5 Graphical Communication
Higher Graphical Communication

14. SQA - Basket of Qualifications Pupil Pathways
Nat 4 English
Nat 5 English
Leave school having secured a positive destination.
Nat 4 Computing
Nat 5 Computing
Nat 4 Maths (Nat 5 Units)
College Course NQ
Nat 5 Drama
Work Placement
Nat 4 Music

15. Sample S4 Courses Mearns Academy
Administration & IT
History
Art & Design
Hospitality
Biology
Mathematics
Business Management
Modern Studies
Chemistry
Music
Dance PE
Drama
Physics
English
Practical Woodworking
French
Design and Manufacturing
Geography
RMPS
Graphic Communication

16. Mrs Logue Depute Head DYW College Courses Foundation Apprenticeship

17. Form issued to pupils
Discussion to take place at home
Support from PTG
Speak to class teachers
Completed form to be submitted to PTG
Timetable created
Any pupils choices who clash will be spoken to

18. What S4 choices might look like
What am I interested in?
What am I good at?
What would be best to study for my future plans?
What will I work at best?
What do my teachers recommend?
What does my parent/carer say?
What can I do to keep my options open?

19. Maximising Success at Nat 5
English and a Maths course – compulsory
Aiming for options at National 5 through personalisation and choice
All learners still will follow school courses in PE, RME and PSE

20. When choices are made
All pupils in S4 can start a course at the appropriate level – Nat 3, Nat 4 or Nat 5
Build on their skills from S3 and work hard to be presented at the highest level.
Maths and English supports Numeracy and Literacy
Engage with PE, healthy body, healthy brain

21. Staying on Track Guidance Teacher there for Support.
PSE – Study Skills, Health, Employability
Three Tracking Windows and Grade Reports
Show My Homework, Parent Letters.
National Parent Forum of Scotland (Nationals in a Nutshell)
SQA Website
Class Teachers
Positive Destinations

22. Key Dates 12 January Information Evening
27 February S3 Tracking Report
Course Choice Form Issued
7 March S3 Parents’ Evening
9 March Choice Form submitted
5 June New timetable begins

23. Guidance Input Angela Wotherspoon Depute Head Teacher

24. Guidance Staff Input PSE
Knowledge of the pupils – through discussion and teacher feedback
Knowledge of their strengths and any areas for improvement
My World of Work
S3 Report issued
S3 Parents Evening

25. Other Agencies Skills Development Scotland Careers Library
Careers Adviser appointments available for pupils through Guidance

26. Don’t Panic!
Think about the questions below and it should become a lot easier:
• What subjects do I enjoy most?
• What subjects am I good at?
• What are my skills and interests?
• What do I like doing outside school?
• Career aspirations?
• Choose subject (s) because you want to and not because your friends choose it
• Don’t choose a subject because you like the teacher
• Where can I get advice?

27. Opportunity for Questions