2a - Your Pathway

S3/4 Learners

In S3 you will be able to personalise your curriculum taking a total of 8 subjects.  From the eight subjects Maths and English will be included for all pupils and the remaining six will be selected from the S2 Option form.

The courses in S3 will develop pupils over two years to attain their potential in each subject at the end of S4.  Some courses will allow for qualifications to be awarded at the end of S3 but these would normally be surpassed by a further years study in S4.  Pupils will then have the ability to select five subjects in S5 to Study.  The subjects that you don't continue in S5 will then be potential opportunities to pick up in your sixth year.  We strongly encourage you all to return to school for both S5 and S6. It is important that this is considered along with the progression of courses which you may wish to take from S3 through to S6.

What to consider when making choices

• Progression from subjects you have already studied. The subjects that you have achieved the highest levels in should be your top choices.

• Planned positive destination. Certain jobs or university/college courses ask for particular subjects. Find out whether yours does before making your choices.

• Challenge. Choosing courses that will challenge you will keep you motivated. Future employers, universities and colleges will expect you to challenge yourself too.

• What you think you will enjoy studying. It is important to have a timetable that you are going to enjoy or your year could be miserable!

• Recommendation of class teachers and Guidance. They know your skills and previous achievements in subjects best.

• Parent and carer views. They know you better than anyone else!

Support available with making course choices

• View the information on this website thoroughly.

• Discuss with subject teachers what your recommend progression would be in each subject you currently study/look at your reports.

• Discuss with your parents/carers.

• Ask questions in the 'Drop in' session on Thursday's 1700 - 1800

• Use My World of Work - Choose My Subjects Advice. Discuss with Kirsty Wright, our Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisor, and Guidance Teacher if appropriate – this is essential if you are a summer or winter leaver.

• If you are going against recommendations or choosing a course which requests you speak to staff then gain permission from Subject Head of Department.

• Attend your course choice interview – you will be informed of date and time.

TASK - Complete the Pathways Planning sheet (available in Google classroom).  

1. Identify a potential career you would like to go into.  

   • • Do you need to go to Uni/College to get into this Career?

     • What qualifications do you need to get into the Uni/College course?

     • If you are unsure of what you would like to do, what are your favourite subjects?

2. Write these subjects into your Pathways planner

   • • Structure them for the year that you are hoping to attain them. (S4 - NAT 5, S5 - Hg, S6 AD H, is a very generic progression)

     • Work back from their to S3 to ensure that your main subjects are planned in first

3. Fill in the rest of your options with subjects you would like to do.

   • • Think of how far you would like to take each of these subjects.

     • What subjects would you like to come back to in S6 if you are planning to stay until then? 

NEXT>>>> STEP 2b - Initial Options