Most young people should by the end of S3 be undertaking, or be ready to move on from, learning at the third or fourth curriculum level, where the experiences and outcomes have been written to provide a basis for courses of study in the senior phase, though some young people will enter the Senior Phase having undertaken learning at levels below, and some will have been working at a level above.
As they approach the transition to S4 pupils will receive information on their progress in the S3 Tracking Report which will advise on appropriate National levels for progression for each pupil. Pupils should also consider the information on each subject offered at National level contained within this booklet. There is also useful information for parents contained in the National Parent Forum of Scotland’s website ‘Nationals in a Nutshell’
S4 pupils will also have core subjects comprising 2 periods per week of Physical Education and 1 period per week of Personal and Social Education.
In addition pupils will study six certificated subjects, two of which will be English and Maths. The other four will be chosen from the options offered. They will progress from S3 within these subjects through S4 and may sit National Level external exams at Level 5 and/or assessments at National Levels 2-4 as appropriate at the end of S4.
It is important that pupils view their Senior Phase as a whole and plan their pathway through S4, S5 and S6 (if they remain at school) at the outset. Many National 5 and Higher courses are offered on a two year basis, where units are covered in the first year and the external exam is sat at the end of the second year, thus allowing more time for some pupils to achieve their potential.
After the S4 tracking has been sent home following the prelims, pupils will receive a course choice form. They will have meetings with their Pupil Support teacher or Year Head to discuss possible choices and then they will bring their choice form home to discuss with parents or carers.
Points for a pupil to consider when making choices:
What are the requirements for any career you may have in mind? Have you researched these?
Are options broad enough to be flexible? Job ideas may change over the next few years.
It is advisable to pick subjects you enjoy and are good at.
Make your own choices – don’t make a choice just because that is what your friends are choosing.
Is it right for you regardless of whether you are male or female? There are no ‘right or wrong’ choices or careers for different genders.
S4 pupils who wish to apply for full time college courses, apprenticeships or employment with the intention of leaving school at the end of S4 should ensure they speak to a member of SMT about their application at the beginning of the session, as they will then be assigned to one of college, apprenticeship or employment classes to support them with applications, etc.