Senior Phase Course Choice – Guide for Pupils, Parents and Carers

The Senior Phase of school education is a period of preparation for work, college, or university. Our Senior Phase should provide you with the opportunity to obtain qualifications as well as to continue to develop the attributes and capabilities that will enable you to move into a positive and sustained destination beyond school. At Liberton, we constantly review our curriculum as we try to meet the needs and aspirations of every young person rather than them having to fit in to what we can offer. To maximise our capacity to provide relevant and progressive pathways through the Senior Phase for all of our young people we deal with S4, S5 and S6 as one group – a single cohort Senior Phase. We run a 28 period week, National 3, 4 and 5 courses require 4 periods per week and this allows us to run six National courses and have two periods of Physical Education, a period each of Personal and Social Education and Religious and Moral Education. Higher courses require five periods per week, which means pupils, can study five Highers and have two periods of Physical Education and a period each of Personal and Social Education and Religious and Moral Education. Young people only studying Nationals can study six subjects and those studying only Highers can study five subjects. Pupils studying a mix of Highers and Nationals would normally study five subjects; we can be flexible with this and will consider alternative arrangements on request. National Parent Forum of Scotland The website of the National Parent Forum of Scotland has jargon free detailed course information on all National and Higher courses. This information can be found here: https://www.npfs.org.uk/downloads/ Pathways Programme: Vocational Courses and Other Awards We also offer a range of certification that recognises wider achievement. These are run in PE, RMPS or as part of our Pathways Programme that seeks to develop a range of skills and SQA accreditation for personal development and employability. National Progression Awards (NPAs) National Progression Awards are offered at level 5 and level 6 and are the equivalent of National 5 or Higher at grade C but do not have a final exam. They assessed by four unit assessments. These courses articulate very well with college courses such as NCs, HNCs and HNDS. The rationale for choosing an NPA would be:

The pupil’s performance is between National 4 and National 5 and the NPA presents the best opportunity to attain the highest qualification possible.

The NPA offers a very specialised vocational experience not available as a National 4/5 course.

Some NPAs at level 6 are better preparation for Higher courses that the National 5. Skills for Work Courses Skills for Work Courses are offered at National 5 level. These courses focus on generic employability skills needed for success in the workplace. The courses offer young people opportunities to learn skills through a variety of practical experiences that are linked to vocational areas. Skills for Work courses help young people to develop their self-confidence. They also aim to provide a very positive

learning experience. A chance to work on practical skills that relate to the world of work provides real benefits to learners. JET The Job, Education and Training (JET) programme offers pupils the chance to attend a Work

Experience Placement 1 day per week, every Friday throughout the school year. Pupils will also

attend one period per week of JET training in school and spend the rest of their time in school

working towards National Qualifications. On successful completion of JET, they will also be awarded

the SQA’s NPA at SCQF Level 4 or Level 5.

Princes Trust XL The Princes Trust Achieve programmes is delivered 4 periods per week in school and provides a

flexible approach to supporting pupils to achieve a range of personal and employability skills and

gain the Personal Development and Employability (PDE) Award (recognised by the SQA).

Pre Apprenticeships Pupils can study Pre-Apprenticeships in partnership with Edinburgh College. They will spend time on

work placement on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in one of a range of industries. The remainder

of their time will be spent in school. Placements will be tailored to the needs of individual pupils and

the school will approach particular employers in response to these needs. Pupils will be working

towards industry-recognised National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and can progress on to a

Modern Apprenticeship on leaving school. Pre-Apprenticeships are aimed at pupils studying at

National 4/5 level.

Foundation Apprenticeships Pupils can study Foundation Apprenticeships in partnership with Edinburgh College. They will spend

time at College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in addition to attending an employer-led work

placement. The remainder of their time will be spent in school. Pupils will be working towards

industry-recognised qualifications over 2 years at SCQF Level 6 (which is recognised by 11 Scottish

Universities as being equivalent to a Higher) and can also progress on to a Modern Apprenticeship or

further study. Foundation Apprenticeships are aimed at pupils studying at a minimum of 2 Highers

and 3-4 National 5 courses. The following Foundation Apprenticeships are being offered in session

2018/19:

Accounting

Business Skills

Civil Engineering

Creative Digital Media

Engineering

Financial Services

Food and Drink Operations

IT Software

Scientific Technologies

The link to more information from Edinburgh College is: http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/Schools/Are-You-Still-At-School/Foundation-Apprenticeships School College Partnership Pupils can study courses at Edinburgh College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. An SCP

brochure for pupils and parents will be available for distribution in January. Examples of the courses

that may be included are:

Life Drawing

Digital Media Editing

Introduction to Studio Photography

Computer Games and Software Development

Sound Production

Technical Theatre in Practice

Automotive Skills

Trades: Practical Skills

Electrical Skills

Play and Child Development

Creative Hairdressing and Make Up Trends

Professional Cookery

Skills for Work Travel and Tourism

The link to more information from Edinburgh College is:

http://doc.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/schools/SCP%20courses.pdf

South East Scotland Academy Partnership Pupils can study in partnership with Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University and Napier

University (for the Engineering Academy only) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and the

occasional Friday afternoon. They will also gain experience from an industry-relevant work

experience placement and industry visits. The Academies are suitable for S5/6 pupils who are

committed to studying a 1-2year programme. Successful completion of the Academies gives pupils

direct access to Queen Margaret University or Edinburgh College on leaving school. Entry

requirements vary. Academies are available in the following areas:

Creative Industries

Health and Social Care

Food Science and Nutrition

Hospitality and Tourism

Engineering

Further information can be found here:

http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/Schools/Are-You-Still-At-School/Academies

Career Ready

“Career Ready is a UK wide charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people. We offer a structured programme of employer engagement that enables schools and colleges to meet their statutory duty for careers. We have worked with experts in education and business to develop high quality, employer-endorsed materials, which deliver a set of Skills for Career Success to help our students compete with the best in the country.”

We are able to offer the opportunity to around six S5 pupils each year to join the Career Ready programme. They are teamed up with a Business Mentor for two years and participate in a four week, paid Internship during the summer holidays between S5 and S6. In addition, candidates participate in a number of Masterclass workshops which focus on key aspects of employability.

Further information is available on the Career ready website:

www.careerready.org.uk

Progression Pathways through the Senior Phase Our Senior Phase aims to meet the needs and aspirations of all of our young people with a range of pathways leading to the right sustained positive destination post school. As pupils move through the Senior Phase, it is important that they do so progressing each year to the highest possible level of qualification. This progression of qualification levels is shown below;

SCQF 3 4 5/6 6 7

Qualification National 3 National 4 National 5 NPA Level 5/6

Higher NPA Level 6

Advanced Higher HNC

We have developed examples of Senior Phase experiences from S4 to S6 that mix the academic and

vocational as well as benefiting from the many partnerships that we have developed with a wide

range of agencies. These have been organised around the major employment sectors in Edinburgh.

We have examples of pathways for; Trades, Engineering, Computing, Sport and Leisure, Tourism and

Hospitality, Creative Industries, Child Care and Business and Finance. We are currently working

examples relating to the Sciences.

Trades

Engineering

Computing

Sport and Leisure

Tourism and Hospitality

Creative Industries

Business and Finance

Child Care

These pathways are illustrative, the choice combinations are advisory and not compulsory and these

examples not fully cover the wide range of subjects at all levels that we offer.

The Course Choice Process

The course choice forms will be given to pupils the week beginning 20.02.18. Each pupil will then

meet with their Guidance Teacher and make their choices, they will then take the form home to be

signed by their parent or carer.

When making their choices you should consider the following;

It is important to think ahead and plan the route through the Senior Phase, do not just think

about the year ahead.

You need to balance what they are good at, what they enjoy with possible careers choices.

If you are unsure about a career, try to keep careers options open by ensuring breadth of

study.

Get the career information you need from Katie McKenzie from Skills Development Scotland.

Careers information can be found here:

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/parents/topics

Be ambitious, set achievement goals.

Do NOT base choices on what their friends are doing.

Do NOT base choices on who the teacher might be.

We have taken a different approach to the choice form this year, the subjects will not be organised

in columns – there will be a free choice and we will then organise a column structure that gives the

best fit.

For pupils in S4 English and Mathematics are compulsory. Pupils in S5 and S6 have a completely

free choice as long as they have an English and Mathematics qualification in S4. Pupils should not

pick subjects that they have not studied in S3 without permission from Mr Kelly the Head Teacher,

Mr Russell or Mrs Robertson.

Name: KAT Class:

Guidance Teacher

Special Requests

S4 Course Choice Sheet

Pupils are strongly advised to pick 4 subjects based on what they currently study in S3 to allow for progression.

Any pupil who wishes to study new subjects must seek approval of Mr Kelly, Mrs Robertson or Mr Russell.

Please place a tick next to 4 subjects from the list below. OR 3 subjects and 1 wider achievement option.

Please also indicate a second choice subject with a number 5. Nationals

Admin & IT

Art

Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

Computing Science

Cyber Security (NPA level 5)

Dance

Design & Manufacture

Engineering Skills Not offered at National 4

French

Geography

Graphic Communication

Health & Food Technology

History

Hospitality

Media

Modern Studies

Music Technology/Performance

Music Performance

PE

Physics

Practical Woodworking

Practical Metal Work

Psychology – only available for students studying Nat 5 English

Not offered at National 4

RMPS

Spanish

Sports Coaching (NPA level 5)

Sport & Recreation (NPA Level 5)

Travel & Tourism

Wider Achievement Options

Pathways Programme

Princes Trust XL

JET

Pre-Apprenticeships

School College Partnership

Please return to school by Friday 9th March 2018

Parent/Carer Signature

Name: KAT Class:

Guidance Teacher

Special Requests

S5 Course Choice Sheet

Pupils selecting 1 or more Highers should place a tick next to 5 subjects from the list below. OR 4 subjects and 1 wider achievement option.

If you are selecting National 4/5’s only you must tick 6 subjects. Or 5 subjects and 1 wider achievement option. Pupils are strongly advised to pick subjects based on what they currently study in S4 to allow for progression. Any pupil

who wishes to study new subjects must seek approval of Mr Kelly, Mrs Robertson or Mr Russell.

Please also indicate a second choice subject with a number 5. National 4/5 Higher

Admin & IT

Art

Biology

Human Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

Core Skills Communications

Computing Science

Cyber Security (NPA Level 5)

Dance

Design & Manufacture

English

Engineering Skills

French

Geography

Graphic Communication

Health & Food Technology

History

Hospitality

Maths

Applications of Mathematics

Media

Film & Media (NPA Level 6)

Modern Studies

Music Technology/Performance

Music Performance

PE

Photography

Physics

Practical Woodworking

Practical Metal Work

Psychology

RMPS

Spanish

Sociology

Sports Coaching (NPA Level 5)

Sport & Recreation (NPA Level 5)

Travel & Tourism

Wider Achievement Options

Primary Volunteering

Pathways Programme

Princes Trust XL

JET

School College Partnership

South East Scotland Academies

Please return to school by Friday 9th March 2018

Parent/Carer Signature

Name: KAT Class:

Guidance Teacher

Special Requests

S6 Course Choice Sheet

Pupils selecting 1 or more Highers/Adv. Highers should place a tick next to a minimum of 4 subjects from the list below. OR a minimum of 3 subjects and 1 wider achievement option.

If you are selecting National 4/5’s only you must tick a minimum of 5 subjects. Or a minimum of 4 subjects and 1 wider achievement option.

National 4/5 Higher Advanced Higher

Admin & IT

Art

Biology

Human Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

Computing Science

Core Skills Communication

Cyber Security (level 5 NPA)

Dance

Design & Manufacture

English

Engineering Skills

French

Film & Media (NPA Level 6)

Geography

Graphic Communication

Health & Food Technology

History

Hospitality

Maths

Applications of Mathematics

Media

Modern Studies

Music Technology/Performance

Music Performance

PE

Photography

Physics

Practical Woodworking

Practical Metal Work

Psychology

RMPS

Sociology

Spanish

Sports Coaching (NPA level 5)

Sport & Recreation (NPA Level 5)

Travel & Tourism

Wider Achievement Options

Primary Volunteering

Pathways Programme

Princes Trust XL

JET

School College Partnership

South East Scotland Academies

Please return to school by Friday 9th March 2018

Parent/Carer Signature