Transcript Dunfermline High School S3S4 Course Choices 2014

Dunfermline High School
S3S4 Course Choices 2014
(January 2014)
Curricular Structure
• Pupils will now choose 7 subjects (from current
11) S4 - not 6 as previously stated
WHY?
• We will be moving to a 7:7 structure in S3:S4
from summer 2014, and to a 32 period week
• Current S2 and current S3 will make 7 course
choices for 2014/2015 (including English and
Mathematics)
How will this work?
• Increase to 32 period week - this enables pupils to
study:
• 7 subjects x 4 periods per week
+ PE – 2 periods
+ SE – 1 period
+ RE – 1 period
• For one year only, S4 will do 5 periods of English
and 5 periods of Mathematics (N5 only) and 4
periods of all other subjects
32 period week
• In session 2014/2015, the start and end times of
the school day will remain exactly the same:
– 3 days of 6 periods x 53 minutes
– 2 days of 7 periods x 46 minutes
(Interval and lunchtime adjusted slightly on these days)
• For session 2015/2016 onwards, 32 periods per
week x 50 minutes (start and finish times are still
to be finalised)
Why change now?
• When narrowing from 11 courses in S3 to 6
courses in S4, some S4 subjects may not be
viable due to low numbers
• Narrowing from only 6 courses in S4 to 5 in
S5/6 could reduce effective choice
• Need to deliver a curriculum that best
meets the needs of our pupils
S4 Courses and Levels Available
• Pupils entering S4 will reduce from 11 to 7 subjects
• These courses are available at different levels
National 5
(equivalent to Credit level at Standard Grade
and Intermediate 2)
National 4
National 3
(equivalent to General level at Standard Grade
and Intermediate 1)
(equivalent to Foundation level at Standard
Grade and Access 3)
• It is essential that you understand how these equate to
each other AND understand how pupils can progress
from these levels in S5/S6
PROGRESSION ROUTES FROM
BROAD GENERAL EDUCATION TO SENIOR PHASE
S3
S4
S5/6
(INCREASED
SUPPORTED CHOICE)
(SENIOR PHASE:
SUPPORTED CHOICE)
(SENIOR PHASE:
SUPPORTED CHOICE)
BROAD GENERAL
EDUCATION
NATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
NATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
11 SUBJECTS
7 SUBJECTS
5 SUBJECTS
English
Mathematics
+ 9 choices
from curricular areas
English
Mathematics
+ 5 choices
Advanced Higher (N7)
National 5
Higher (N6)
National 4
National 5
National 3
National 4
Points to Consider
• Pupils should always be optimistic and have high
(but realistic) expectations
• Current Progress in S3
– Current attitude, effort & commitment to school work,
homework, studying, revision & meeting deadlines in each
subject
• Recommended Level - pupils should be actively
encouraged to take the subjects/courses in which
they have the greatest chance of success at the
highest level.
Other Points To Consider
• Future longer-term plans – Higher Education, Further
Education, Training, Employment etc?
• Get information & advice (e.g. School Careers Library,
Guidance Staff, Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
• Do NOT make course choices based on what a pupil’s
friends are choosing.
• Do NOT make course choices based on who the class
teacher is in S3. Pupils may have different teachers in S4.
CONSIDER ALL THE OPTIONS AND MAKE
INFORMED CHOICES!
S3-S4 COURSE CHOICE TIMELINE 2014
9 January
S3 Reports and Parents’ Evening details sent home
20 January
S3 Parents’ Evening (4.45pm – 7.15pm)
21-24 January
S3 Guidance Interviews
27 January
Absolutely FINAL DATE for return of Choice Sheet
(These MUST be completed & signed by parents/carers)