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S 4 Subject Choice Wednesday 19 th March 2014

S 4 Subject Choice Wednesday 19 th March 2014. Mrs. Barrett-Bunnage, Careers Adviser Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Term Time j.bbunnage@lomondschool.com. Pros & Cons/ Do’s & Don'ts. Positive Reasons & Negative Reasons Can you give me good reasons for selecting subjects?

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S 4 Subject Choice Wednesday 19 th March 2014

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  1. S4 Subject Choice Wednesday 19th March 2014 Mrs. Barrett-Bunnage, Careers Adviser Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Term Time j.bbunnage@lomondschool.com

  2. Pros & Cons/ Do’s & Don'ts • Positive Reasons & Negative Reasons • Can you give me good reasons for selecting subjects? • Examples of poor reasons for doing so? • Who is responsible for their subject choice: you, parents, friends, family? (sliding scales)

  3. Enjoyment & Natural Aptitude • Select subjects you genuinely enjoy studying • You are more likely to attain better grades in it as you are engaged more in the subject • It may be you are good at it, not having to work too hard as you simply get it! • Choose subjects which are a GOOD MATCH to you and your personality • MyWoW – My Strengths, My DNA, IE (Tools) www.myworldofwork.co.uk

  4. Research & Top 10 Skills • One of the most important ‘soft skills’ you can learn to sharpen. What do I mean by ‘soft skills’? • HINT: Also know as ‘transferable skills’? (Buzzwords from 500, 000 ads (The Guardian) • Means of research – 1.talk to friends and family 2. talk to your subject teacher(s) 3. read about the course content, methods of assessments and how much work involved • UCAS www.ucas.com • MyWoW ‘Course Search’ and ‘Careers A-Z’ www.myworldofwork.co.uk

  5. Top 10 Things Employers Are Looking For (The Guardian, April 2013) • Organised (Combined with ability to work hard) • Communication Skills • Motivated • Qualified (Showcase your experience on a CV) • Flexible • Degree (Quarter UK population has a degree-one factor) • Commitment • Passionate • Track Record • Innovative (Problem solver and dealing with difficult challenges)

  6. Facilitating Subjects • What do I mean by “facilitating subjects”? • Select subjects required for entry into your chosen course and career later (your “goals”) • This links with the need to research your subject ideas fully before making a final decision • May impact on your future options and therefore avoid costly mistakes now • Source: Russell Group (24 UK leading universities) www.russellgroup.ac.uk ‘Informed Choices’).

  7. Learning Styles • Chose subjects which fit your learning styles • Can you name some styles? • For example – • 1. laboratory work • 2. traditional theory based methods of learning (often know as “chalk & talk” – this indicates someone will enjoy lecture based learning later) • 3. project based, like making an Art portfolio • Critical analysis and essays

  8. Friends • Top of the pitfalls and No.1 mistake is to choose a subject because your friends are taking it • Recognise peer pressure important but must learn to confidently make independent decisions and take accountability and responsibility for doing so • All mature at different speeds but must please yourself above other when choosing the right subjects for you! • Anyway, might be in a different class

  9. You like the Teacher • What happens when you have to work for a boss you dislike? Will you resign? NO!!! • Therefore do not chose a subject as you like the teacher. What could happen? • Teacher may change or again, you might be in a different class.

  10. Gender Gap • Are there girls and boys subjects? • What do you know about the gender gap? • What are STEM subjects? Why is there much discussion about these in current education debates? • ‘Academic’ and ‘Non-academic’ subjects? Discuss. • (STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics)

  11. Volume of Work • Misconception there is not much homework and is not demanding • It is an “easy” subject – no such thing! • Can “skive” and breeze through with a laid back approach. Wrong! • S5 Highers – most important year in your school career • What you put in, reflects in grades later • Speak to S5/6 students who will explain this too

  12. Summary • Choose your subjects wisely • Do your research • Avoid costly mistakes • If not taking Highers in English and Mathematics, know why, as may impact your decisions later • Book a careers appointment if you want information (S5/6 self-referral) remembering there are a variety of pathways post school Examples : Education – FE/HE; MAs, Employment • Note: FE = College and HE = University • Note: NC/D, HNC/D and BA/MA etc…See the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework www.scqf.org.uk ‘Learner Journey’

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