S1/2 Parents – Curriculum for Excellence Information Evening

7.00 pm Thursday 20 November 2014

What’s it All about? The 4 Capacities. Emphasis on Literacy, Numeracy

and Health and Wellbeing. Skills Development. Redefinition of “Curriculum.” Reducing Assessment. Increasing Attainment and

Achievement.

“A Curriculum for Excellence” in Westhill Academy

Improved learning and teaching. Better motivation and engagement of pupils. Further work with partners to enhance

learning and make it “real and relevant.” More effective links in learning. Structural changes from 2/2/2 to 3/3 and the

introduction of the revised qualifications. Improved achievement and attainment.

S1- 3 Broad General Education

English/Maths – 2.5 periods S1 – S3. Science – 2 periods S1/2 – 3 period Rota in S3. Social Subjects 2 periods S1/2 – Rota/Choice

S3. Modern Languages – 2 periods S1- S3.

Tasters in S3 for German and Spanish. Art, Design and Technology – Linked S1/2 –

Discrete S3. Drama/Music– Linked S1/2 – Discrete S3.

S1 – S3 BGE Continued. Home Economics – 1 period S1/2. Computing/Business Education – 1

period S1. Media Studies/Business – 1 period S3. PE – 1 period S1, 2 periods S2/3. Personal and Social Education – 1

period S1 – S3. Skills Based Short Courses 2 periods in

S2.

The S3 Experience

S3 completes the Broad General Education and prepares for the National Qualifications.

Pupils will select 4 subjects in addition to English and Maths in February/March of S3 to start to study in June, the start of S4.

In most subjects they will be picking a subject and not a level.

All pupils will complete a Profile to record their achievements in the BGE and out with school.

Qualification Framework

Old System Revised System

Curriculum for for Excellence from May

2014

1/2 Access 1 and 2 Access 1 and 2 National 1 and 2 1 and 2

3 Foundation S Grade

Access 3 National 3 3

4 General S Grade Intermediate 1 National 4 4

5 Credit S Grade Intermediate 2 National 5 5

6 Higher Higher Higher/Higher 6

7 Advanced Higher Advanced Higher Advanced Higher 7

Assessment in the New Qualifications National 1/2/3/4 are entirely internally

assessed. Mostly 3 units plus a value added task. They are pass/fail.

National 5/Higher/Advanced Higher have mostlyt 3 internally assessed units and an external examination. Graded A to D, with A, B and C being considered as passes.

All are subject to external moderation procedures by the SQA.