1. Parents’ Information Evening 2017
Senior Phase Options
Parents’ Information Evening 2017

2. This Evening
The things to consider when deciding whether to return to school
Progression between the levels
The options process
Widening the choices available
Questions

3. Leaving School – Key Dates
If you are 16 by the 30th September 2017, you may leave on the 31st May 2017
If you are 16 between the 1st of October and the 28th of February 2018, you may leave at Christmas

4. Opportunities Available
Options if you are leaving school:
Full time job
Training scheme
College or university
Pupils choosing these options should arrange an appointment with Gail Connelly (Skills Development Scotland)

5. Returning to School? The Right Reasons: The Wrong Reasons:
Improve qualifications for entry to university/college
My friends are returning
Nothing better to do
Improve qualifications and hence improve job prospects
To get an EMA
To go to the Prom

6. Progression Natural progression through the Senior Phase
Courses articulate through the levels, offering a recognisable, coherent structure
Courses are available at four levels in S5/6
Not all subjects will be able to offer at all the levels

7. The Four Levels Sliding scale of difficulty: National 4 National 5
Higher
Advanced Higher

8. Courses and Units Most courses are made up of 2 or 3 units
Each unit has approximately 40 hours teaching
Each unit is internally assessed
Normally only one reassessment
Most courses (except National 4) have a final exam in May/June which is externally assessed
You must pass each unit assessment and the final exam to gain an overall award

9. Progression depends on performance in S4*
Progression from S4
Progression depends on performance in S4*
S4 Qualification: In S5 you can choose:
National Higher
National National 5
National National 4 (or alternative)
*Please note that not every pupil will have the ability to progress through all the levels. If in doubt, advice should be sought from subject teachers.

10. Progression depends on performance in S5*
Progression from S5
Progression depends on performance in S5*
S5 Qualification: In S6 you can choose:
Higher Advanced Higher/Other Highers
National Higher
National National 5
National National 4 (or alternative)
*Please note that not every pupil will have the ability to progress through all the levels. If in doubt, advice should be sought from subject teachers.

11. Consortium Arrangements
We work in partnership with local schools to widen choice for Senior Phase pupils
Common start/finish times/period times
Travel between schools more viable
Pupils travel by taxi between schools
Increases viability of courses which low numbers of pupils choose
Advanced Higher

12. Partnership with College
New College Lanarkshire provides some courses within the school:
Hairdressing
Construction
Childcare
Psychology/Sociology
All courses have a minimum uptake requirement

13. Preparation for Options
Dummy run using a draft option sheet completed by all S4 and S5
New courses publicised
Advice given to pupils from Pupil Support staff, Careers Adviser, teachers, parents, visiting speakers, etc
Results collated and adjustments made to the option sheet to create the best fit for our students

14. What happens next?
Revised final options sheet will be distributed to all S4 and S5 pupils who intend to return
Options booklet online
Choices must be made by Friday March 10th
New timetable to start in June, after the SQA exams
Changes to initial choices, in light of SQA results, to be made in August

15. Options Form

16. S4 > S5 Options
A subject must be chosen from each column (five in total)
English or Media must be chosen in Column A
Pupils must consider workload issues. Five Highers in one year is extremely challenging
Two year plan?

17. S5 > S6 Options S6 are encouraged to fill their timetable
Allowed one study column at the discretion of the school
Advanced Higher students should have a study column per Advanced Higher
Mentoring and Peer Education
Informed choices /clear plan

18. Volunteering Opportunities
This year, volunteer placements have been an option for S5 and S6 pupils
Instead of one column choice
Saltire Award
Pupils are encouraged to find the placement themselves
Offers an opportunity for extended work experience
Boosts confidence
Practical, work-based skills

19. Making the right choices
Advice from parents, relatives, Pupil Support, subject specialists, Gail Connelly
Check university/college prospectuses and use entry requirements to guide your choices
Keep an eye on jobs websites
Choose subjects you are good at and enjoy
If you are expecting to stay on until the end of S6, plan for two years, not one.

20. Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Who qualifies?
Students who stay in full time education post-16
Family circumstances
100% attendance (self-certificate up to 5 days)
Satisfactory progress in studies
Good conduct
Punctual
£30 per week, paid into student’s account

21. Communication Interim reports Parents’ Evening Text messages
School website/Twitter
Note of Concern
Assessment fail/resit
Change of level notification
Full final report

22. The Final Outcome A positive destination for all our pupils:
University
College
Modern apprenticeship
Employment
Training Scheme