Senior Phase Course Choice 2019 Parents Information Session

1. Senior Phase Course Choice 2019 • Parents Information Session

2. Senior Phase Course Choice 2019 • Parents Information Session • Curricular & Course Choice Process – Pauline Walker • Pathways into University – Claire Forsman, Edinburgh University • DYW – Michelle Fenwick and Neil Pederson • Edinburgh College – Scott Rodger • My World Of Work ambassadors

3. S3 Broad General Education At the end of S2, pupils make a choice. They study up to 8 subjects and this is within the curricular areas. S3 follow a skills based courses for 2 blocks a week.

4. The 8 subjects pupils choose in S3 will allow them to continue studying 7 of them at Level 3/4/5 in S4. They will then select 5 in S5 and 3/4 in S6

5. Our Course Choice Process

6. Our Course Choice Process Decisions on entry will be based on Next Target Grade/Further Study as contained in your child's tracking report. The recommended entry for progression into Higher is a Next Target Grade C5 or better and for AH a B4 or better. In your tracking report teacher made recommendations in the Teachers Action Plan. For your options to be approved you must follow these recommendations.

7. Our Course Choice Process • Pupils in S5 who opt for English or Maths at N5 will be timetabled for 6 blocks per week. • There is an option in S5 to study Higher English and Higher Maths over two years. You child may have been recommended for this. • Depending on the precise combination of courses being followed, pupils studying a combination of Highers and Nationals courses may have gaps in their choices (N5=4 blocks) which will be filled with wider achievement qualifications (2 blocks) to complete their timetable.

8. Our Course Choice Process • If your child select College as an option, they will be expected to pay for their bus fares unless they qualify for opportunities funding. • We have an Opportunity Fund in place to assist this process. Qualifying criteria are based upon postcode, if a pupil is entitled to a free school meal, if they are a looked after and accommodated child and if they are a young carer. • We invite any family to apply for funding, via a Financial Assistance Form, should financial costs present any barrier to accessing the curriculum.

9. Our Course Choice Process Pupils in S6 must select a minimum 4 options (or 3 AH). AH Art and Design and Graphics will count as X2 courses for completion of portfolio/project. If selecting both AH Statistics and AH Mechanics this will count as x 2 courses but will run as one option for 6 blocks. If you select Volunteering or Work Experience as an option you will be expected to provide written evidence of a minimum of 4 hrs contact per week in school time.

10. Whatever combination of courses your child decides to opt for, once they have started in a subject they are expected to remain in that subject for the whole year unless they have exceptional circumstances.

11. Pathways into University • Claire Forsman, Edinburgh University

12. Applying to University A brief guide www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

13. Questions to ask • Research • Preparing the application www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

14. Which subject? Wide range of subjects available: • School-related? • Vocational? • Something completely new? Explore all options and choose something you enjoy! www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

15. Which degree course? • Research course content carefully – even for familiar subjects • Flexibility of degree course • Study abroad, internships or industrial placements? • Quality of teaching and research • Consider future career paths – professional accreditation, graduate employability www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

16. Which university? What sort of environment will suit you best? • Location? • Large or small? • Traditional or modern? • Campus or city? www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

17. Which University? Consider university facilities – do you have any particular interests or requirements? • Accommodation • Academic, social and sports facilities • Student support & welfare • Scholarships or bursaries available? www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

18. Admissions & Entry Qualifications www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

19. Admissions checklist • Minimum requirements: • Subject specific? (Possibly at Nat 5) • Number of Highers per year? • Vary whether taken up to S5 or S4 – S6? • Level of competition? (‘Standard offer level?) • Are Advanced Highers recommended/required? • Additional tests, portfolio or interviews? • If in doubt – check with University directly before applying www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

20. The UCAS System • Application system for degree (and HNC/D) courses at any UK University or Higher Education college (including Art & Design and Nursing) • One application for up to five courses (four for Dentistry, Medicine & Vet Medicine) • Application to be completed by 15 January of the year of entry, except for: • Dentistry, Medicine & Vet Medicine applications or applications to Oxford or Cambridge, where the deadline is 15 October the year before entry. www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

21. The UCAS Application Apply electronically via school using ucasapply system (paper applications not normally accepted) Information required: • Personal information – name, address, email etc • Year of entry • Educational history and qualifications • Employment history • Subject & university choices • Personal statement • School reference www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

22. What are universities looking for? Academic achievement – and potential to do well at university Evidence (via personal statement) of: • strong interest in your chosen subject area. • commitment, motivation and readiness for higher education • suitability for your chosen degree programme (especially for vocational courses). Supporting school reference www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

23. Personal statement Top tips! • You can only write one personal statement for all 5 choices • Don’t just list achievements / skills • Make sure it reads well (do a spell check!) • Demonstrate that you are an all-round achiever with the ability to contribute to university life • If possible relate your achievements / experiences back to your application – a focused and relevant statement is very effective. www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

24. How do I find out more? • Prospectuses • UCAS and university websites • Higher Education Conventions • Open Days • Contact universities directly www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

25. Any questions? Open Days 2019 • Monday 10 June • Saturday 21 September • Saturday 5 October www.ed.ac.uk applyedinburgh

26. Developing Young Workforce • Michelle Fenwick and Neil Pederson

27. Jobs and Skills of the Future. Michelle Fenwick.

28. https://youtu.be/Ov-rM3e5hs8

32. https://youtu.be/DjfM9LKBBhE

34. Find out more. www.mykidscareer.com In a nutshell guides for Parents https://www.npfs.org.uk/downloads/including: • Apprenticeships in a Nutshell • Skills in a Nutshell • Learning Pathways in the Senior Phase and beyond • Digital Skills in a Nutshell • Career Conversations in a Nutshell

35. Edinburgh College • Scott Rodger, Pupil Support Leader

36. My World Of Work Ambassadors