• Introduction – Mr Muir

• Broad General Education S1-3 – Mr Hardie

• S4 Option Choices – Mr Derrick

• The Journey Beyond S4 – Mr Birnie & Mrs P. Davie

• Questions and Discussion...

Curriculum for Excellence recognises that learning starts in pre-school and continues to the end of secondary and beyond. This is known as the 3-18 curriculum.

This is crucial as it recognises that pupils build on the skills and knowledge gained before starting secondary. It also identifies progression levels:

Level Stage

Early P1

First Primary 4

Second Primary 7

Third } S1 – S3Fourth

“Partnership working ensures young people build effectively on their previous learning as they move through primary school and on into secondary school.

Focused work in modern languages, social subjects, art and design and science means that young people have particularly good opportunities to develop their skills in these curriculum areas. The school is now building on this effective practice in other curricular areas.

As a result of the school’s exemplary work to increase parental engagement in learning, young people moving on from P7 to S1 and their parents feel confident, secure and excited about the transition to secondary education.”

Education Scotland

BGE Impact on the Curricular Pathway

Year 2014-15S1 17

S2 17

S3 13

S4 7

S5 5

S6 5

The ‘two from’ model allows young people the opportunity to personalise their learning by selecting curricular pathways they wish to explore in more depth. In addition it provides a breadth of learning across curricular areas while also promoting more in-depth study.

Courses in S3 prepare pupils for National 4 and 5 courses by developing skills that can be used in fourth year and beyond .

Pupils also take part in cross-curricular projects known as interdisciplinary learning (IDL) where they think about applying what they have learned in different areas, as well as keeping in touch with the content of subjects they have not continued.

 Social

Studies

 Science

TechnologiesHealth & Wellbeing

 Expressive

ArtsHistory

Mod Studies Geography

 

Biology Chemistry

Physics

Computing Science Graph

Communication Health and Food

TechBusinessDesign &

Manufacturing

Art & Design Drama Music

 

Course1 Course1 Course1 Course1

Course 2 Course 2 Course 2 Course 2

“The school has very successfully developed a curriculum which meets the needs of all young people within its local community.

The aims and principles of Curriculum for Excellence are firmly embedded in the work of the school. From S1 to S3, young people are experiencing a broad general education. Through the ‘two from’ Model, young people choose twelve subjects to study in depth during S3.

This model continues to give young people a broad experience. It also allows them to specialise and develop their knowledge and skills in aspects of subjects in which they are particularly interested.

This approach seeks to ensure they are well prepared for moving into S4 and beyond.”

Education Scotland

Pupil

The Curriculum

• Breadth & depth

• Personalisation & Choice

• Interdisciplinary Learning

Personal Support

• Guidance

• Support for Learning

• PSE programme

Self-evaluation

• E-Portfolios/profile

• Key adult interviews

• Monitoring & tracking

Parental Engagement

• Information evenings

• Reports

• Interviews

• Regular contact.

Pupil

All S3 pupils are currently undertaking assessments across each of their subjects. Results of these assessments, along with evidence gathered throughout S3 allow teachers and pupils to evaluate progress. Results and next steps will be shared in class and at the S3 parents’ evening on Tuesday 4th March at 7:00 PM.

Pupils will start to consider which curricular pathways they wish to follow in S4. They will be supported in this through PSE lessons and guidance teachers will be interviewing pupils and parents/carers. All interviews will be completed by late March.

Pupils will be updating their e-portfolios and producing an S3 profile. This is an opportunity to consider their strengths, what they have learned during the BGE and what steps they wish to take next.

English

4 periods

Maths

4 periods

Subject 1

4 periods

Subject 2

4 periods

Subject 3

4 periods

Subject 4

4 periods

Subject 5

4 periods

ENGLISH MATHS

Core PE

2 periods

Core RMPS

1 periods

Core PSE

1 periods

Backup 1 Backup 2

• In S4 all pupils will follow mandatory courses in English and Maths (4 periods each)

• All pupils will continue to undertake core classes in PE (2 periods), RMPS (1 period) and PSE (1 period)

• In preparation for next session pupils should pick FIVE courses which they would like to take in S4 (4 periods each)

• Please place these in order of preference

• Pupils should also, pick two ‘backup’ subjects, in case their combination of subject choices is not possible

• Pupils should pick the subjects which they feel they will be successful in, which best suit their skills, and which allow them the best chancesof progression towards their future work, training, college oruniversity pathway

Formerly Standard Grade Foundation

Formerly Standard Grade General or Intermediate 1

Formerly Standard Grade Credit or Intermediate 2

Unit Assessments are required for all National Qualifications. The number of units will vary depending on subject/level.

They assess the learning within each subject during the course of the year

Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school, following SQA quality assurance to meet national standards

They ensure that required skills, knowledge and understanding have been achieved

Unit Assessments are carried out by schools in accordance with SQA guidelines and requirements

One of seven methods of assessment can be used (see methods of assessment)

Added Value Unit Assessment

Added Value Unit Assessments are required for National 4 qualifications (together with Unit Assessments), and assess the application of learning across the course.

Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre, following SQA quality assurance to meet national standards

They ensure that required skills, knowledge and understanding have been achieved

Added Value Unit Assessments are set by the SQA and will use one of the seven methods of assessment

They are carried out by schools/colleges in accordance with SQA guidelines and requirements.

Course Assessment

Course Assessments form part of National 5 qualifications (together with Unit Assessments), and assess the application of learning across the course.

They usually consist of two components from the seven methods of assessment. Many courses have an Assignment and a Question Paper (exam) which are marked by the SQA. For practical reasons, other sources have components which are assessed by schools. A few subjects are entirely assessed by schools in accordance with SQA guidelines and requirements

They are graded from A to D or as No Award

They are set by the SQA.

Methods of Assessment:

• Assignment• Case Study• Practical Activity• Performance• Portfolio• Project• Question paper/test

• S3 Assessments• S3 – S4 Transition Information Evening• S3 Parents’ Evening, 4th March 2014• Option Choice Interviews• S4 begins – end May/start June 2014• Unit Assessments• Parent Interim Report• S4 Parents’ Evening• Prelim Examinations• Full Report Card• Added Value Unit Assessments• Assessment Verifications• SQA National 5 Examinations April/May 2015

• Education Scotland• NPFS Nationals in a Nutshell• My World of Work/ Skills

Development Scotland• Guidance/SMT/PTs/Class Teachers• School website• Library• University/College/Employers