1. Senior Options Information
Bellshill Academy
Senior Options Information
8th March 2016
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2. Raising standards, transforming lives
Where are we now?
A number of unit assessments are now complete Prelims exams completed for N5 & Higher courses The objective was to give pupils a realistic experience of exam procedures Updated tracking reports issued to parents
Raising standards, transforming lives

3. Raising standards, transforming lives
What next?
Presentation levels – National 4/5 & Higher will be finalised
This will include: Pupils, Parents, Pupil Support
Final exam in May for National 5 & higher pupils
No formal exam for National 4 pupils
All of this information will inform provisional option choices
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4. Raising standards, transforming lives
Tutor /Careers
Pupils will work alongside Pupil Support staff and Tutor teachers in preparation for the options process - as in previous years.
This time, S4 pupils will move from 7 to 5 subjects
S5 into S6 pupils select 5 subjects
Specific curricular information will be provided by class teachers to inform options
This will determine the route each individual pupil takes
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5. Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
Website for advice for parents to help support your child.
Skills Development Scotland Officer in
School - Caron Smyth
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6. Options Programme Timeline
Prelims 18th - 29th January
Tracking report issued 25th February
Consultation evening 8th March
Options interviews 15th March
SQA exams 4th May
Senior Timetable begins 6th June
SQA results Early August
Options finalised Mid August
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7. Raising standards, transforming lives
New Qualifications
National 3
National 4
National 5
Higher (CfE)
Advanced Higher(CfE)
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8. It’s All About Progression
Building on prior knowledge and skills gained is vital to pupil progression.
--- AND SO ---
Narrowing of subjects from 8 in S3 to 7 in S4
to 5 in S5/S6.
Picking ‘new’ subjects in S5 is discouraged, although in some cases, a related subject may be acceptable.
--- BUT ---
Constraints of exam results, career aspirations, class sizes, class viability may have an impact on this.
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9. Progression and your child
At the end of S4, your son/daughter will have 7 qualifications at Nat 3, Nat 4
or Nat 5
---
Ideally, they should choose 5 of those subjects to progress in S5
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10. New Progression Routes
Attained in S4
Progression in S5
National 3
National 4
National 5
OR Nat 4 in related subject
Higher
OR Nat 5 in related subject
Advanced Higher
OR Higher in related subject
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11. S4/S5 Results are important
Will a pupil scraping a ‘C’ pass at
Nat 5 in S4 find Higher in S5 too
challenging?
Pupils in that position will be
advised on their most appropriate
S5 course by subject specialists
S4 exam results will really matter!
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12. Raising standards, transforming lives
Options Process
Provisional Option Form developed early February
Options booklet available on website 22nd February
Family discussion taking into account the advice from tracking reports and the Parent Consultation Evening conversations
Choose 1 subject in each of Columns A to E
Choice ratified/moderated at Options interview 15th March
Provisional timetable begins in June
SQA results in early August
Provisional choice confirmed/amended in light of SQA results/career aspirations/class viability/class size
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13. Raising standards, transforming lives
S5/S6 Workload
5 subjects = 15 units all internally assessed +
5 Prelim exams
5 SQA external exams
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14. Warning for the Future - Obstacles to Progress
Insufficient hours dedicated to home study
Irregular attendance (90%) / lack of punctuality
Reluctance to attend supported study
Misjudging the jump from S4
Part time work
Time spent on Xbox/Facebook
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15. Raising standards, transforming lives
Supporting Learners
School supported study at lunchtimes or after school
Easter School
Subjects and levels to suit pupil needs
School website with subject details and revision
Resources on GLOW & Scholar
Subject specific study packs
Study advice evening in September
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17. Raising standards, transforming lives
Thank you
Raising standards, transforming lives