Welcome! Parents’ Evening – S2 into S3 Course Choices Thursday, 4 th February 2010

1. Welcome!Parents’ Evening – S2 into S3 Course Choices Thursday, 4th February 2010

2. Tonight’s Agenda • Curriculum for Excellence • S3 Curriculum: Core Content • S3 Curriculum: Options • S3 Curriculum: Other Options • High Expectations • Senior Timetable Profile • Timescale • Role of parent/carer • Pitfalls to avoid • Help

3. Curriculum for Excellence: Principles of Curriculum design • Challenge and enjoyment • Personalisation and Choice • Depth • Progression • Breadth • Coherence • Relevance

4. Curriculum for Excellence: Curriculum Areas • Languages • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies • Technologies • Expressive Arts • Religious and Moral Education • Health & Wellbeing across learning • Literacy across learning • Numeracy across learning

5. S3 Curriculum: Core Content • Compulsory subjects: • English – 4 periods per week – leads to Standard Grade • Maths – 4 periods per week – leads to Standard Grade • Science (Biology, Physics or Chemistry) – 3 periods per week – leads to Standard Grade / Intermediate 1 • SVS – 1 period per week – leads to Standard Grade • PE – 2 periods per week – non-exam • PSE – 1 period per week – non-exam • RP – 1 period per week – non-exam

6. S3 Curriculum: Options • Optional subjects (4 subjects @ 3 periods): • Modern Languages : French • Additional Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics • Social Studies: Geography, History, • Modern Studies, RP • Technologies: Computing, Craft & Design, Graphic Communications, Home Economics • Expressive Arts: Art and Design, Drama, Music, PE

7. S3 Curriculum: Other Options • Optional alternative courses: • XL Club • ASDAN Bronze Award • Early Education and Childcare • Uniformed and Emergency Services • College and extended training and/or work placements

8. High Expectations • Be clear – choose wisely • Read the Booklet; talk to people! • Possible interview • Assertive Mentoring – Ms Fowler

10. SeniorTimetable Profile • At least 4 academic subjects = 5 lessons each per week (20-25) • Core Subjects = PSE, PE, RMPS = 1 lesson each per week (3) • Possible enrichment / vocational / citizenship option = 5 lessons per week (5) S5 and S6

11. Timescale

12. Role of parent / carer • What does your son/daughter enjoy? • What is he/she good at… • In school? • Out of school? • What is he/she suited to? • Does he/she have any post-school ideas? • Encourage him/her to find out about courses, jobs and qualifications

13. Pitfalls to avoid.. Do not make a choice because... • Your friend is taking it • You like (or don’t like) a certain teacher • You feel “pressured” to do it • The subject is “easy” Remember : You will have to do the work yourself

14. Help is available from: • Teaching staff, Senior staff and House teams • School website • Careers Scotland • Steven Smith • Colleges & Universities • Library • Internet – PlanIt & Progress

15. And Finally… • Any general questions? • Staff from departments are waiting in the Dining Hall to speak to you about their subjects – please take some time to chat to them • Senior staff and House Staff will stay on in the Main Hall to answer individual questions