S5 LEARNERS MOVING TO S6

Those young people who have displayed a commitment to education in their fifth year are welcome to return for a sixth year. This can be excellent preparation for future academic study and also gives an opportunity to prepare for the world beyond school. All learners in S6 will be provided with opportunities to enhance and further develop their academic qualifications and involve themselves in the wider life of the school. We encourage our young people to become involved with other activities such as music groups, school shows, sports teams, Duke of Edinburgh and other events as long as these do not affect their studies. Young people who return to S6 will be encouraged to become S6 Leaders and will be expected to carry out certain whole school duties, become ambassadors for the school and act as positive role models to more junior year groups.

You will take either four subjects or three if they are all Advanced Highers (SCQF 7).

I have a clear idea of my future career

If you have a clear idea of your future career you need to check what subjects you are required to study. Certain careers need you to have studied particular subjects in school or in college, and university courses. It is vital you gather as much information as possible before choosing your subjects for S5 and S6.

I am not sure of my future career

It is not uncommon for pupils at the end of S5 to have no definite career or further/higher education course in mind for when they leave school. If you feel this is you, keep open as many options as possible by choosing subjects to give you a broad curriculum.

In choosing subjects consider:

1. Do you like the subject and do you want to study it for another year?

2. Are you good at the subject? If you didn't perform well at National level in a subject, it is not recommended you pursue the subject unless you need it for your career or a further/higher education course.

I am having problems choosing my subjects

If you are having problems choosing your subjects, your Principal Teacher of Pupil Support will be able to help you. They will assist you in deciding the level of course you should study, i.e. Advanced Higher, Higher or National 4/5. Every learner must discuss their subject choices with the PTPS.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Students in S5 and S6 can apply to the Education Authority for an EMA, which is a payment of £30 per week, paid directly into your bank account if you stay on in school, college or in home education after your official school leaving date. Check here for more information and to apply.

CITY CAMPUS COURSE INFORMATION

The 2023-24 City Campus information for S5 pupils going into S6 will be available shortly.

NESCol COURSE INFORMATION

School Links

Aberdeen City Council has a partnership with NESCol which allows various Skills For Work courses to be offered to pupils at National 4 and 5, National Progression Awards (NPAs), or Foundation Apprenticeships.

These courses are delivered at NESCol two afternoons per week.

NESCol

Foundation Apprenticeships

USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

It is important to make your decision based on all the information available to you, including the level you are working at within each subject. This should mean that you make an informed choice and select courses where you will perform well.

Oldmachar Academy

Principal Teachers of Pupil Support

Contact your Principal Teacher Pupil Support to discuss your subject choices.

• • • Auchindoun House

Mr Reid

Sireid@aberdeencity.gov.uk

• • • Crathes House

Mr Anderson

RiAnderson@aberdeencity.gov.uk

• • • Esslemont House

Mr Hunt

Bahunt@aberdeencity.gov.uk

• Fyvie House

Mrs Mason

KaMason@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Subject Teacher

Ask your subject teacher for more information about the course on offer.