First Year
In S1 this session our pupils are formed into seven classes for English, Mathematics, French, Geography, History; smaller classes are formed in Science, Art, Health &Food Technology, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Information Communication Technology, Social Education and Technical Education. All classes contain a broadly similar spread of ability except in Mathematics, English and Modern Languages where classes are set according to level.
A variety of teaching approaches is encouraged including whole-class, group work, paired activities and individual assignments. Some materials set common tasks which lead to different outcomes according to ability. Others have a common body or core of work which all pupils are expected to complete and thereafter proceed, if capable, to more demanding exercises and assignments by way of extension.
Co-operative teaching occurs mainly in English and Mathematics. This approach allows two teachers to work together in the same classroom thus doubling the amount of individual teaching. This enables more time to be spent helping pupils of all abilities to solve problems. The second teacher may be either a departmental colleague or a Learning Support Specialist. Pupils with major difficulties may be extracted for extra help. A number of senior pupils are attached to particular junior pupils to assist them in English and Mathematics under the guidance of Mr Keogh.
Second Year
In February and March S2 pupils are individually interviewed by Pupil Support Staff and a possible S3 Course is suggested. This follows extensive work in Social Education classes preparing for option choices being made. In January after the S2 Reports have been issued parents and pupils consider the suggested course along with a helpful booklet on Course Choices prepared by school staff. Subject Choices for S3 are confirmed after the S2 Parents` Evening in January. Boys and girls have equal opportunities to choose subjects, and are encouraged to consider a wide range of careers.
Third Year
Pupils begin their eight courses in S3. These courses last for two years and lead to national examinations and certification at the end of S4. The option choices are designed in line with Learning and Teaching Scotland guidelines to provide a balanced and broad curriculum. In line with all East Renfrewshire schools pupils will be prepared for National Qualifications at Intermediate I and II from August 2005.
Pupils must take:
English
Mathematics
Geography or History
Biology or Chemistry or Physics
French
Art and Design or Practical Craft Skills or Health and Food Technology or Music or Drama
Computing Studies or Graphic Communication or Administration or Physics
Two subjects from the following list:
Social and Vocational Skills
Art and Design
Biology
Chemistry
Product Design
Spanish
Practical Craft Skills
Business Management
P.E.Studies or school course in P.E.
In addition, all pupils take NC units in Religious Education and school course in Social and Careers Education.
Outdoor Education
Third Year pupils have the opportunity to spend a residential week at Ardentinny outdoor centre supported by East Renfrewshire Council, experiencing activities including sailing, canoeing, hill walking, orienteering and field studies.
Pupils continue with their eight courses from S3. These courses last for two years and lead to national examinations and certification at the end of S4.
Work Experience
All S4 pupils are placed for a week’s work experience in industry, commerce or with a service agency such as schools or hospitals. This has proven to be popular and beneficial as it gives insight into the industrial world. In some cases it has led to eventual employment or has aroused interest in particular careers not previously considered by pupils. Pupils taking the S Grade Social and Vocational Skills course have an additional period of work experience as part of their course.
Negotiation of Course and Career Support
Fourth Year, Fifth Year and Sixth Year
At the end of S4 pupils must again make choices about their future.
The first choice for pupils who have reached the legal leaving age is whether to stay on at school or leave. The Careers Advisor interviews pupils who intend to leave school at the end of S4 and provides information on college courses, training, and employment opportunities.
The majority of pupils make the choice to stay on at school. Their next choice is which courses to follow in S5. Pupils will be provided with a booklet outlining the courses available in school and including basic information on post 16 options and general entrance requirements for university/college. Pupils will have an individual interview with Guidance staff to discuss their career options and to decide on the courses they wish to follow in S5 or S6.
A number of vocational options run by East Renfrewshire council at various colleges are available to pupils in S5 and S6
Academic and career guidance continues throughout S5 and S6. Students will be interviewed individually at key points in their course, for example, at the start of their new courses in August/September; after Prelim exams; in preparation for college/university application. Each student will also be given the opportunity of an interview with the Careers Advisor.