S4/5 Parents Subject Choice Information Evening

1. S4/5 Parents Subject Choice Information Evening 7.00 pm Tuesday 6th March 2018 Welcome

2. Qualification Framework

3. Assessment in the New Qualifications • In September 2016, Scottish Government announced changes to National Qualifications • Unit assessments would be removed from courses at • National 5: Session 2017-18 • Higher: Session 2018-19 • Advanced Higher: Session 2019-20 • In each course, one or more of the following changes has been/will be made: • Extension of the existing examination paper • Extension or modification of the existing item of coursework • Addition of a new examination paper • Addition of a new item of coursework

4. S4 – S6 The Senior Phase • (S4 – 6 subjects English and Maths plus 4 others at N3, N4, N5.) • S5 – 5 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H. • S6 – Minimum 4 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H, AH.

5. Progression Routes • For pupils the progression can be… N4 > N5 > H > AH • Some pupils may find “upward” progression is not “automatic” in some subjects. • There will be subjects you can start in S5 and S6 at N5 or Higher with no previous study.

6. How to Choose • What am I good at? • What do I enjoy? • What do I plan to do in S5 and S6 if I stay on? • What career might I follow after school?

7. How Not to Choose • I like/dislike that teacher! • My friend is doing that so I will as well so I am in their class. • My brother/sister/parent liked that subject.

8. Advanced Higher or More Highers? We would advise pupils going into S6 to: • Consider additional Higher courses as well as Advanced Highers. • Consider 5 courses. Why? • Universities can request additional Higher passes in different subjects rather than Advanced Higher in the same subject and 5 courses shows commitment. Offers? • Offers are on what you are studying in S6.

9. Foundation Apprenticeships • NESCol run all of them – recognition of impact on school time • We are offering 3 through Aberdeenshire Council partnership • Creative and Digital Technology • Children and Young People • Engineering (over 2 years for S5 pupils) • As with any other school-based choice, apply for it by indicating so on the choice form

10. Suggested new model for FA Delivery and Possible Delivery Options for August 2019 • FA to have parity of esteem with Higher - subject choice offer and timetable as would any other higher/SP course. • Timetabled delivery in school to be the ‘default’ delivery model for the Aberdeenshire Council FA offer • One-year FAmodel in partnership working to allow schools to personalise their needs. (The Engineering FAs will be a two year model)

11. What will it look like?

14. Planning for the Future: Next Steps • Automotive Maintenance & Repair Principles Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) - NESCol • Need National 4 in Maths, English or a technical subject. • Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Sector (VRQ Level 1 Diploma) - NESCol • Applicants are expected to have a minimum of three National 4 qualifications. Good communication and practical skills are required, with the ability to develop and learn essential skills. Students must want to become a beauty therapist, and be genuinely interested in the profession.

15. Planning for the Future: Next Steps

16. Planning for the Future: Next Steps • HNC Childhood Practice - NESCol • Applicants should have two Highers (one of which must be English) and N5 Maths. • HND Animal Care - SRUC • Applicants must hold a minimum of two Highers (one of which should be Biology). 1week related work experience • HND Textiles - NESCol • Typical applicants will be expected to have a minimum of two Higher passes - one of which should be Higher Art.

17. Planning for the Future: Next Steps • Medicine – MBChB - University of Glasgow • S5 academic entry requirements: No entry from S5. Minimum S5 academic entry requirements: AAAAA/AAAABB • Standard S6 academic entry requirements: S6 Conditional Offers require applicants to achieve EITHER two Advanced Highers (one at Grade A and the other at Grade B) AND one Higher at Grade B OR three Advanced Highers at Grades BBB. There are no subject requirements for Advanced Highers in S6. • Other mandatory requirements: Applicants are not considered for entry to Medicine from S5. Higher grades must include Chemistry AND Biology AND either Mathematics or Physics. It is acceptable to take Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics as Highers in S6, provided grades AAAAA or AAAABB are achieved by S5. A minimum grade B would be required in any required Higher subject studied in S6. Advanced Highers are normally only considered from S6. Biology and Human Biology are NOT considered as separate subjects at Higher. English at National 5 level at Grade B or above. UCAT. Interview. Applicants who are successful at interview will be made Conditional Offers based on S6 results.

18. Planning for the Future: Next Steps • Chemical Engineering - MEng - Heriot Watt University • Higher AAAB Maths and Chemistry required. Physics strongly advised at least at National 5.(This is minimum - more may be needed) • Arts & Social Sciences – MA - University of Aberdeen • Higher AABB or BBB obtained at first sitting required or if obtained over two sittings must exceed this. English at National 5 is also required.Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers may be required to meet the conditions of a Standard Offer. • For some degrees a specific subject is required, for example National 5 Mathematics needed for entry to many Accountancy, Economics, Finance and for Sport and exercise science. - Robert Gordon University

19. Finding Out About Careers... • www.planitplus.net • www.myworldofwork.co.uk/ • www.ucas.com • College/University websites

20. Finding Out About Courses… • School website…. www.westhillacademy.aberdeenshire.sch.uk

21. Physical Education – Performance Development unit & Sports Leader Awards/Recreational Fitness will not be counted as a full course. The Choice Form….. Some subjects do not currently have progression to Higher

22. How to Complete the Form • S4 should choose 5 courses from the list • Put your choices in order of importance to YOU • Make sure you put the level • Consult your Guidance Teacher to ensure you make the best choices. • Write a RESERVE choice in final box.

23. How to Complete the Form • S5 should choose a minimum of 4 courses from the list • Put your choices in order of importance to YOU • Make sure you put the level • Consult your Guidance Teacher to ensure you make the best choices. • Write a RESERVE choice in final box. Psychology Higher runs through Community Education as an evening class and counts as a course. Put it as a choice. However note that if the course does not run in August you will be asked to choose an alternative The Open University's Young Applicants in Schools Scheme. (or YASS for short) Additional to courses. Put as 5th choice or note in the request box

24. Planning for the Future

25. Exceptions… • Additional Support • If a pupil is identified as needing additional support then this becomes one of the 5 or 4 choices. • This applies to most pupils who have attended small groups with a Learning Support teacher in S3. • Pupils should know if it applies to them. • If anyone is unsure please contact Guidance Staff.

26. YASS Courses – S6 • These are units or courses offered to S6 by the Open University… • Offer different, specific areas of study. • Demonstrate independent learning. • Universities like them. More details at http://www.open.ac.uk/scotland/study/young-applicants-schools

27. Please Note • It is hoped that we will be able to provide the majority of pupils with their first four choices. • However, we cannot guarantee that every combination of courses will be possible or that every course listed above will run. This will depend on the numbers opting for the course, timetabling and available subject specialist staffing.

28. Key Dates