Parents’ Information

EveningTuesday 14 January

SchoolAlec Morris - Head TeacherIrene Davidson - DeputeCarol Graham - DeputeLewis Paterson - DeputeCaroline Bannon - Curriculum LeaderAlexa Brain - Curriculum LeaderKath Stewart - Support Leader

QI TeamGrace Vickers - Quality Improvement Manager (Secondary)Liz Gray - Quality Improvement Officer

Also,Rebecca Gaukroger - Head of Admissions, The University of Edinburgh

Curriculum RationaleOur vision is to provide a curriculum which

enables all pupils to achieve their full potential and allows them to fulfil their aspirations within and beyond school.

We will ensure the curriculum meets the needs of all learners and that our pupils are able to secure appropriate positive

destinations.

Who decides curriculum?

Scottish GovernmentEducation Scotland (LTS & HMIE)SQACity of EdinburghSchool Leadership TeamViews of staff, parents & pupils

Curriculum Structure

Progress

S4 - S6 Senior Phase National

3/4/5/6/7

S1 - S3

Broad General Education (BGE)

Curriculum Levels

3&4

Structure of School Week

Retain 22 mins Tutor Group

Now Proposed

23 periods 28 periods

67 minute periods

55 minute periods

Broad General Education

S1 - S3

S1/S2

15 subjects in total

Range of subjects covering all 8 CfE curricular areas PLUS 4 core activities - PE, PSE, RME and IDL

S1 and S2Session 14/15

Broad General Education covering all eight CfE curricular

areas

S3Broad General Education with increased Personalisation & Choice

10 subjects covering all 8 CfE curricular areas

English, Maths, a Science, a Social Subject and Modern Languages are compulsory

Choose 5 other subjects across curricular areas

4 core activities - PE, PSE, RME and IDL

S2 into S3Session 14/15

Broad General Education covering all eight curricular areas

with choice

Senior PhaseS4 - S6

S4 - S6Pupils from three years taught as a single cohort

6 courses to be chosen in S4 (English and Maths compulsory)

Max of 6 courses in S5/6 (5 in session 14/15 only)

College courses / employment / volunteering etc also available

S3 into S4Session 14/15

Currently studying eight subjects (+ core) in S3

Move to study six subjects (+ core) in S4

S4 into S5Session 14/15

Currently studying eight subjects (+ core) in S4

Move to study five subjects (+ core) in S5

CORE

S3 into Senior PhaseSession 15/16

Will have been studying 10 subjects (+ core) in S3

Move to study six subjects (+ core) in combined Senior Phase

English and Maths are compulsory in S4English compulsory in S5

Senior Phase Learner Journeys

Learner Journey - 1Jo wants to leave school at the end of S4 and train to be a hairdresser.

In S4 Jo studies English, Maths, Hospitality, History and Art & Design at Nat 4 level. On a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon she attends Edinburgh College (Sighthill Campus) where she studies the National Progression Award in Hairdressing. She also takes part in the JET programme, spending Fridays on a work experience placement in Cheynes.

At the end of S4 she leaves school to a Modern Apprenticeship in Hairdressing accessing college as part of her apprenticeship.

Learner Journey - 2Billy wants to leave school at the end of S5 and attend College working towards a Sport & Leisure qualification.

In S4 Billy studies Nat 5 Biology and PE and Nat 4 English, Maths, Modern Studies and Computing.

In S5 Billy continues his study in Higher Biology and PE, studies Nat 5 English and Computing whilst picking up new Nat 4 qualifications in Hospitality and Art & Design.

He leaves school at the end of S5 to study “Fitness Health & Exercise” at Edinburgh College.

Learner Journey - 3Ben wants to study History at University.

In S4 Ben selects Nat 5 English, History, Geography and French. He studies Maths and PE and Nat 4.

In S5 Ben continues his study in English, History and French to Higher level. He studies Nat 5 Maths and PE and picks up IT Essentials.

In S6 Ben takes History onto Advanced Higher and studies Higher Maths, Geography and PE.

He is successful in gaining entry to Stirling University to study History.

Learner Journey - 4Laura wants to be a Vet.

In S4 Laura selects Nat 5 English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and French. She follows a combined Nat 5/Higher course. The class “stop off” to sit and pass Nat 5 at the end of S4. She then goes on to complete her study in each of the subjects in S5, gaining 6 Higher passes by the end of S5.

In S6 she studies AH Chemistry and Biology and Higher History as well as undertaking a placement at a local vets on a Tuesday afternoon. She also supports a teacher in S1 Science classes gaining a Saltire Award.

Laura gains entry to the Royal School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University.

Curriculum for Excellence

and university admissions

Rebecca Gaukroger

Head of Admissions, The University of Edinburgh

14 January 2014

Curriculum for Excellence

Commitment made by Principals of Scotland’s universities and colleges:

“…continue to be committed to fair admissions policies and that these will allow for the equal consideration of candidates who possess the necessary knowledge and skills base irrespective of what routes they may have taken through the Senior Phase (S4 to S6) of Curriculum for Excellence.”

‘Beyond the Senior Phase’, Universities Scotland, 2012

Curriculum for Excellence and university admissions

• Universities and colleges are free to set their own entry requirements

• The first students who have followed the senior phase of Curriculum for Excellence will apply to university for autumn 2015 entry (from S5), or autumn 2016 entry (from S6)

• Each of Scotland’s higher education institutions has published a statement on Curriculum for Excellence and admissions

• Will remain the case that entry to some universities and some degree programmes is competitive, and that entry cannot be guaranteed

• 2015 prospectuses will reflect Curriculum for Excellence.

• Statement on Curriculum for Excellence & Admissions

www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/applications-admissions/entry-requirements/cfe

• Changes

• Recognition of National 5s in place of Standard Grade Credit/Int 2s

• No advantage or disadvantage to having National 5s

• Recognition of Highers taken in S4, and removal of preference for Highers in one sitting

• Requirement for at least 3 Highers at specified grades in S4, S5 or S6.

Curriculum for Excellence and admission to Edinburgh

• Example of minimum requirement in University of Edinburgh prospectus for 2015 entry:

“ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6”

Curriculum for Excellence and admission to Edinburgh

• National 5s – the details

• Where we require a subject at National 5, we will accept it at National 5 or Higher

• We no longer require a language other than English for entry (except for entry to most language degrees)

• National 5 Lifeskills Maths does not meet our Maths/Science requirement

Curriculum for Excellence and admission to Edinburgh

Contact:

Rebecca Gaukroger

Head of Admissions

Student Recruitment & Admissions

sra.enquiries@ed.ac.uk