Managing Transitions: Working Together

L Barr, Depute Head Teacher February 2015

      The Aim of the Options Process Process Overview Qualifications Structure  SQA Structure  NQ Structure Which subjects, which level?

Factors that Limit Choice Finish this session successfully!

 To ensure that all pupils embark on appropriate programmes of study in S5/6:  ▪ ▪ in order to gain qualifications that: Reflect their academic potential, Provide for progression within and beyond school.

 Options Process: January / February 2015  Initial course/level selections  Options Review: August 2015  Impact of SQA results  Progress Review: October 2015  Early indications of progress  Prelims: February 2016  ‘Plan B’ if needed

Navigating the maze...

12 11 10 9 8 7 6

SCQF

5 4 3 2 1

Previous generation of qualifications

Doctorate

New generation of

Doctorate

qualifications

Masters Masters Honours Degree Ordinary Degree Higher National Diploma Honours Degree Ordinary Degree Higher National Diploma Advanced Higher Higher Credit bands 1 and 2 Intermediate 2 General bands 3 and 4 Intermediate 1 Foundation bands 5 and 6 Access 3 Access 2 Access 1 Advanced Higher Higher National 5 National 4 National 3 National 2 National 1

 Structure:  3 ▪ ▪ ▪ UNITS: testing coverage Minimum competence – below the course level Internally assessed Pass/Fail/Re-sit  Externally assessed exam / coursework: testing depth and skills  Award Bands:         

1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: A upper A lower B upper B lower C upper C lower D Fail Fail

The hard choices ...

 7 courses in S4 to 5 courses in S5 to 4 or 5 courses in S6  Pupils do best in subjects:  They are good at,  They enjoy,  That are relevant to their ‘next steps’.

 But ...

 These 3 things do not always coincide.

 There are limitations to the combinations available.

 Progression  Nominally: ▪ National 4 ▪ ▪ National 5 Higher » » » National 5 Higher Advanced Higher  But we must consider: ▪ Overall award levels from S4 ▪ Individual subject performance in S4

 Progression:  5 Highers => almost all Nat 5 at A/B (around 20% of S4 achieve 5 passes at Higher)  3+ Highers=> almost all Nat 5 passes, some at A/B (around 40% of S4 achieve 3+ passes at Higher)  1+ Highers => 1 or more Nat 5 passes (around 60% of S4 achieve 1+ passes at Higher)

 Nationally:  SG 1 overall (Nat 5 A/B) approximately 90%  SG 2 overall (Nat 5 C) approximately 50%

 Key Resources  Staffing  Accommodation  Uptake  Timetabling Constraints  Option Column Structure  Number of permutations  Success in S4 =  Increased range of options  Increased chances of success

       Work Experience Progress Reports Consultation Evening Careers Evening Careers advice College/University advice Interview with Guidance Teacher

 Support for the Options Process  Support for Senior Pupils

    Decision Time - stay or leave National Qualifications in school Higher/Further Education Specific Training/Employment       Making an informed decision Advice/information Future plans and needs Personality Aptitudes/ skills Previous success

 Two Year Plan  S5 – 5 subjects of 6 periods (plus 2 periods of PE, 5 half days of PSHE)  S6 – 4 or 5 subjects, 1 period of PSHE (plus partnership activities)

        Photography Leadership in Sport Practical Metalwork Hospitality Scottish Studies Financial Education Literacy and Scots Language Spanish

        Prefects School Captains House Captains Buddies Peer Support/Paired Reading Committees/Working Groups Primary Activities Community Activities

 Return of Option Choice forms 12 February for S4 and 18 February for S5.

 New Timetable: Tuesday 5 May for S1-3 Monday 1 June for S4-S5.

        Clear targets in each subject.

Identify and address areas of weakness.

Have a ‘distraction free’ study environment.

Develop good study techniques and habits.

Establish a study timetable.

Specimen Papers / past papers/ revision materials Make use of supports  Websites: SQA, BBC Bitesize  Friends, siblings, parents,  Teachers.

BE POSITIVE!

Managing Transitions: Working Together

L Barr, Depute Head Teacher January 2015