Choice of Course

Senior Phase Subject Choice: (S4-6)                   

Pupils in the Senior Phase (S4-6) have 3 years of schooling to build up a portfolio of qualifications to take into Further/Higher education or into the world of work.  Pupils will study courses which lead to National Qualifications in the Senior Phase.

At this stage in their education, pupils have to begin to reflect on the direction they hope to take in the future and choose the subjects which will allow them to fulfil their career aspirations. 

Before making any final decisions, pupils should consider the following questions:

Strengths

·       Where do your skills / talents lie?

·       What courses do you enjoy and are good at?

Career Plans

·       Do you have a clear idea of what you wish to do once you have left school?

·       If so, do you know what specific qualifications you will need?

·       Do you have to get all your qualifications in one sitting?

·       If you wish to keep your options open at the moment, which combination of subjects do you think might be most helpful?

It is important that pupils think carefully about their subject choices at this point in their school life, and that they make informed choices. A bit of research now is vital!

• Principal Teachers and subject teachers can give advice on the demands of each course.

• School reports will give recommendations about courses pupils could cope with.

• Guidance Teachers can help pupils reflect on their strengths.

• The Careers Adviser, from Skills Development Scotland can help with advice about the qualifications needed for courses or for employment.

• University and College Prospectuses/websites also give information about the qualifications required for courses.

• My World of Work - https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/subjectchoices has a useful subject choice toolkit to support subject choice.

• Planit Plus - https://www.planitplus.net/Schools/OptionsS3/ - gives very clear guidance on what subjects link with different careers and gives detailed advice about the qualification required for entry to courses, training programmes etc. 

• School website with links to course information.

Choice of Course Form, Assembly Presentations and Instructions below: