Dear Parents/Carers,

As promised – here is an update as regards the S3 curriculum and an explanation of the narrowing down of the curriculum in each of the Faculties.  We are asking pupils to personalise their learning a bit more in preparation for the choices that they are going to make in March.

However, it should be noted, that even if a pupil chooses not to take a subject between January and May, that does not mean that they cannot choose to take it as a subject in S4 (all pupils should have reached a level of proficiency that would allow them to pick up a subject that they studied up until December of S3.  It must be noted, though, that in such a case a pupil would possibly be recommended for a National 4 course).

The pupils are working towards making their final choices, and recommendations from departments and faculties will come out nearer to March.  However, I thought it would be helpful if I started to familiarise you with the nature of the exam courses that will be available to most youngsters next session.  Pupils will be recommended to sit subjects at either National 4 or National 5.  National 4 is vaguely comparable with General Level at Standard Grade and will be internally assessed – there will be no final exam.  Assessment will be done in school, throughout the course.  This will be demanding as pupils will have to ensure that they are keeping up with the classwork, additional coursework and internal assessments to ensure that they reach the required standard.  National 5 will be externally assessed and is roughly equivalent to Credit Level at Standard Grade.  I hesitate to use the comparisons from Standard Grade as it is a bit like comparing apples and oranges – the “Nationals” are one-year courses whereas Standard Grades are two-year courses.

Pupils will be given the chance to opt for up to eight subjects in S4.  For some pupils, eight subjects might be too onerous and therefore we are looking at options for general courses e.g. to enhance literacy and numeracy skills, opportunities for regular, weekly work experience, and outdoor education and teambuilding courses e.g. Princes’ Trust Award,  and ASDAN awards.  There should be something to suit every pupil’s ability and aptitudes.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for their support at this time of transition.  It is never easy being the first group through any new system, but rest assured that we have done everything that we can to ensure that your youngster gets the best possible preparation for S4.

I wish you all the best for the festive season and 2013.
 

Yours,

Sarah Ingham
Head Teacher

Please find below a summary of the options that S3 pupils have been given:

Programme for pupils to make their choices in S4:

• 5th February S3 Parents’ Information Evening
• 21st February S3 Reports Issued
• 27th February S3 Parents’ Consultation Evening
• 4th & 6th March S3 Coursing
• 8th March Course Choice Deadline
• 3rd June  New Timetable begins