S3 KEY EVENTS AND LINKS TO INFORMATION

• S3 - Options Assembly – Friday 24th January 2025 LINK: S3 ASSEMBLY  

• S3-5  Parents' Info Evening – Tues 28th January 2025 LINK: S3 PARENT INFO

• S3 Full reports ‘Live’ to Parents – Tues 4th February 2025 LINK: DIDBOOK LOGIN 

• S3 Parents’  Evening - Thurs 20th February 2025

• S3 Options Interviews - Mon 24th February 2025

• LINK: S3 OPTIONS FORM 

Introduction

This page provides all the necessary information on every subject being offered for study in S3 into S4 and will provide answers to some key questions. We have added links to information from the key events outlined above for reference.  Please ask if there is anything further you are unsure about.

Are there certain subjects that must be taken?

Yes.  Religious Education and Physical Education are compulsory as are courses in English, Mathematics and Modern Languages; however, there will be an element of choice within Modern Languages – pupils will choose either French or Spanish or both.

What subjects do the young people choose from?

An additional four subjects from the S4 Subject Information below  –  link to Options form for S4 choices is above.  All of the subjects available are outlined below.  Pupils are expected to continue their studies in current S3 subjects, the only exception being "new" subjects available to a pupil moving into S4 such as Physical Education (SQA), Automotive Skills, Construction, Early Education and Childcare, Make-Up and Eye Treatment (Glam Candy) - the last four of  which require a seperate  VTC application form.

Are there restrictions on the choice?

Only in that each subject may be chosen once.  Apart from that, pupils will choose any four subjects on a ‘free choice’ basis.  They will not be restricted by columns but they are encouraged to choose a suitable and well balanced curriculum in the final choice.  It may be sensible to consider at least one subject from each of the 3 subject faculties in order to provide a balanced curriculum.

What about pupils who may find courses at National Level 4 or 5 too challenging?

All pupils are encouraged and supported to aspire to the highest level possible.  Individual teachers will make decisions about levels as pupils’ progress throughout the year and will communicate and agree appropriate presentation levels with parents as assessment evidence becomes available.

Any other points to note?

Your child will have the experience of 7 subjects and in addition may also be presented for a National Literacy Award, National Numeracy Award and a National RE unit award as well as the Languages for Life and Work Award in Modern Languages.

All subject links from the table below have sections on ‘General Course Information’, ‘National 4 & 5 Information’, ‘What This Course Enables You to Do’, ‘Assessment Information’, ‘Homework’ and ‘Contribution to Life Beyond School’.

S4 Options at Forth Valley College

In S4 you can choose to gain some experience of life in a college setting.  There are two options open to you:  The SCOTS programme or a School Partnership course.

SCOTS 

Our innovative SCOTS programme provides an opportunity for pupils in S4-6 to attend College to experience eight different subjects from across the College curriculum .  This is usually one afternoon per week. There are two intakes for this course - May and January.  The first intake will attend until Christmas and the second intake will begin in January.  It is a good opportunity to sample college life, build your confidence and try out different courses.

School Partnership Courses

You can choose to study for an additional qualification with Forth Valley College.  This involves attending college all day on a Friday for a Stirling Campus course. We can transport pupils to and from college for Friday courses at Stirling.  There are also some courses available at the Alloa or Falkirk Campus. These are usually a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.  We do our best to provide transport to courses not available at the Stirling Campus (not guaranteed) but young people MUST be able to make their own way home. 

Further information for next session can be found in the booklet below: