Fourth 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.
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. In S4 all pupils undertake the Scot Quest programme to identify career interests and pupils are encouraged to make use of the well stocked Careers Library.
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.
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.
