Friday 18 May 2012

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Upper 3 and Upper 4

Upper 3 and Upper 4 Curriculum and Subject Choices

Pupils have followed a common course in Upper 1 and Upper 2 and now have an element of choice for Intermediate 2 and National 5 courses. In preparation, pupils have spent time in PSE considering their own abilities and interests, learning about different careers and the subject requirements of certain fields. Many pupils do not have a specific career in mind at this stage and our advice is to follow a course sufficiently broad to leave options open for future study.

Changes will be possible but only within the constraints of the timetable. Any such move must be discussed with the staff concerned as well as Mrs Prentice. Apart from in exceptional circumstances, no change of subject will be possible after half-term in October 2012.

The Upper 3 – Upper 4 Curriculum

English                                                    5 periods a week
Maths                                                       5 periods a week

All other examined subjects                 4 periods a week

Non-examined subjects
Games                                                      3 periods a week
PSE                                                          1 period a week
RMPS                                                       1 period a week
Music / PE                                               1 period a week

Subjects offered in Upper 3 and Upper 4
Art and Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing and Information Science
Drama
English
French
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
History
Latin
Mathematics
Modern Studies
Music
Physics
Physical Education
Spanish

Choosing subjects
In order to ensure pupils follow a balanced curriculum they will be expected to choose a total of 8 subjects according to the conditions set out below. Any variations on this will only be accepted after full discussion between the pupil, their parents and Mrs Prentice.

Compulsory subjects
English
Mathematics
1 Language (French, German, Latin)
1 Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
1 Social Science (Business Management, Geography, History or Modern Studies)
There will also be a compulsory Games afternoon each week plus 1 period each of PSE, RMPS and Music/PE.

After choices have been made from these compulsory groups of subjects, pupils make their final selections from the following list:
Optional subjects (subject to demand / subject specific pre-requisites)

Art and Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing and Information Science
Drama
French
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
History
Latin
Modern Studies
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Spanish

When considering their choice of subjects, pupils should think about their aptitudes, abilities and aspirations. Certain higher / further education courses and careers have specific subject requirements and these should be investigated fully before final choices are made.

Pupils and their parents are encouraged to speak to Mrs Prentice about any concerns they may have about subject choices.
It is important to note that the availability of courses is dependent upon a sufficient uptake for each course. Any pupil who selects a course that is not viable will be informed and allowed to reselect from the subjects available.

Exams will be set by the school in May of Upper 3. Upper 4 Estimate exams will take place in January 2014 followed by the final SQA exams in May and June 2014.

You can download the Upper 3 curriculum booklet here PDF U3 Subject Choices Booklet 2012-2013