1. Tuesday 14 January 2014

2.  Welcome  FAQs  Background  Next steps: key issues  If you have any questions please note them on the post-it notes and we will make the answers available on the school website

3.  Skills for life  Qualifications for the future  Wider achievement  Personal support  Offering different routes

4. Literacy Numeracy Health & Wellbeing The Monifieth High School Learning Triangle Interpersonal Skills Thinking SkillsCommunication Skills

5. http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/59033.html

6. S6 Advanced Higher HigherNational 5 S5 Higher National 5 National 4 S4 National 5 National 4 National 3 Senior Phase Qualifications

7.  The new qualifications will be less prescriptive; with more personalisation and choice  One year course  Courses are made up of 2 or more units. Each unit is internally assessed (pass/fail)  National 4 has an additional ‘value added’ unit which combines different elements of a Course into an overall assessment. There is no external exam at National 4

8.  National 5 and above: courses assessment consists of:  External exam marked by SQA  ‘added value’ element - Assignment completed and marked in school  National 5/ Higher/Advanced Higher are graded A-D  Some subjects (e.g. PE, Administration) do not have an external exam

10. Skill-based Highers & National 4/5?  5 Highers in S5?  Extra Highers “from scratch” in S6?  3 Science Highers?  Approved by Scottish Government, HMI, SQA?  www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/cfe

11. “The University of Aberdeen currently does not stipulate a minimum number of Standard Grade and/or Intermediate 2 qualifications. This will be extended to include National 5 subjects. “ “We remain committed to promoting a fair admissions policy to ensure we give equal consideration to candidates who apply on time and who possess the necessary knowledge and skills, irrespective of the route travelled through the Senior Phase, S4 to S6.” “In at least one of the Senior Phase years – S4 or S5 or S6, there is an expectation that a minimum of three Highers or Advanced Higher subjects are studied and presented for examinations.”

12. National 5 qualifications : English and Maths are required (currently Grade B minimum); Biology and Physics are recommended but not compulsory (Grade B minimum). Higher qualifications : Chemistry (Grade B minimum). Two subjects are required from Biology/Human Biology, Maths, Physics. Two further Highers in most other subjects – applicants should check with the Medical Admissions office if clarification required. These may be taken across the Senior Phase – S4 to S6 There is no requirement, and therefore no advantage given, to obtaining the three sciences required in one sitting. Maths is regarded as a science.

13. WIDER ACHIEVEMENTS

14. Mindset Planning Organisation Exercise Perspective Diet Technique Focus Resilience THE SUCCESS DIAMOND

15. Support the school and pupils during school inspections Play a role in the appointment of head teachers and depute head teachers Report back to all the parents in the school Encourage links between the school, parents, pupils, pre-school groups and the wider community Represent the views of all parents Support the school in its work with pupils

16. Lobby for an improved transport service to help more of our rural based pupils take part in after schools clubs and activities Provide regular feedback on the recently introduced Tracking Reports across the senior phase Assist staff to develop a range of parent friendly study guides across all subject areas Feedback on progress being made with the new national qualifications system for - National 4 and 5 Review proposals for new course structures, timetables and choices Help us set up up a new network - 'Friends of Monifieth High‘ in 2014

17.  We meet each term  Next Meeting  Tuesday 27 th January at 7pm  School Library  Everyone is welcome

18. Monday 13 th January: Report, “Preparing for Senior Phase: S4” booklet & S4 Option Sheets issued Tuesday 21 st January: S3 Parents’ Evening January: Discussion in SE Interviews: 27 -31 January Tuesday 4 th February: return S4 Option Sheet This evening: please stay, ask and chat!