Careers

What is the Senior Phase?

The Senior Phase is the curriculum which pupils follow in S4, 5 and 6 in order to acquire a range of national and school-based qualifications, which will help them prepare for the next stage of their lives, be it in employment, training, Further or Higher Education. In Campbeltown Grammar School we also aim to ensure that our Senior Phase curriculum enables pupils to develop personal values and qualities and for this purpose we provide opportunities for pupils to achieve in fields which extend beyond the traditional curriculum into personal achievement in such areas as Outdoor Education, Citizenship, Volunteering, Duke of Edinburgh, Sport Leaders Award, and Work Experience. To maximise opportunities for pupils there is increased emphasis on the importance of partnership with other agencies and education providers such as Argyll College, Community Learning and Development, Kintyre Youth Enquiry Service, KADAS and with local employers

This curriculum will be made up of choices from the following different types of courses:

  • Advanced Higher (S6 students only)
  • Higher Grade
  • Nationals 1 to 5
  • School-based courses such as ASDAN and Core Rota Options involving a range of programmes from Guitar skills to Personal Safety, ASDAN, Literacy, Numeracy and various physical activities
  • College-based and Distance Learning courses

How will S4, 5 and 6 classes be organised in the Senior Phase?

In the Senior Phase, classes will have a mixed-stage structure with pupils being placed in sections according to ability rather than age. Pupils will choose 5 courses ranging from Advanced Higher (National Level 7) to National 1 based on their level of ability or prior accreditation. There will be opportunities to pick up additional qualifications through the Friday ‘Wider Achievement’ or Core electives. This Friday core consists of 4 x 55 minute periods. English and Maths, as at present, will not be compulsory. S6 pupils may choose a minimum of 4 columns. In any one year, a maximum of 3 Advanced Highers would be recommended.

All Columns will comprise two doubles and a single period. This will allow for morning or afternoon release to College courses in Columns A and/or B.

Pupils who opt for an Argyll College course may opt for it either in Column A or B or in both Columns A and B. If a ‘College’ course is selected in Column A pupils will do 4 periods – 2 on a Monday and 2 on a Tuesday. This will leave 1 period of Column A which will be for theory. If a ‘College’ course is selected in Col B pupils will do 4 periods – 2 on a Monday and 2 on a Tuesday which leaves 1 period of Column B which will be for theory. Pupils who opt for College in A and B will have 4 periods of College on a Monday, 4 periods on a Tuesday and 2 theory periods. During the theory periods pupils will be able to catch up with coursework, projects and assignments from the College course either at home or in private study in school.

Do 5 subjects restrict choice?

Some parents and pupils have enquired whether a smaller range of courses will restrict the breadth of learning for pupils in the Senior Phase. In fact, we believe that a smaller range of subjects should lead to a greater depth of learning. The courses available to us for delivery have a recommended time allowance (160 hours for National 4 courses and above) and we must timetable within that constraint. It would not be possible to timetable eight courses of 160 hours. In addition, as already suggested, the Friday core electives structure provides opportunities for pupils to obtain additional qualifications.

Advanced Higher courses don’t appear on the Options Form – why not?

The courses and/or individual units of a particular course are offered to sixth year pupils who have attained an A or B pass at Higher Grade. Much of the work undertaken by the pupils studying Advanced Higher courses will be through private research and study. Due to the roll of the school and/or the very small number of pupils studying a particular Advanced Higher course it is not always possible to have separate timetabled classes. The Advanced Higher students may be part of a timetabled Higher or Intermediate Grade class.

In the Options Form courses in which Advanced Higher is offered are marked with an *.

What is Scholar?

Argyll and Bute Education Service has entered into partnership with Herriot Watt University to deliver the Scholar Programme. This is a programme developed to deliver Advanced Higher courses and some higher courses to pupils studying Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Mathematics and French. Pupils are able to access teaching and revision materials directly through the internet either in school or at home. Pupils can also sit assessments that are marked by tutors working in the University. As part of the programme text books and notes are delivered to the school for pupil use. The programme is particularly beneficial to a school of our size where dedicated teaching of Advanced Higher is not always possible due to staffing constraints.

Could any pupil in S4, 5 or 6 do a Higher?

In all subjects the standard and pace of work required to gain a pass at Higher Grade are considerably greater than those of National 5 or 4 courses. Pupils should therefore only choose Higher Grade courses in those subjects in which they are likely to obtain an A to C pass at National 5. In exceptional circumstances, provided that there is sufficient evidence of high achievement in that area in S3, and with the agreement of parents, subject teachers and Pupil Support Staff, a pupil going from S3 to S4 may opt for a higher course.

Please see the important information on entry requirements in the Options Fact File document which is also available on the school website.

What are Argyll College Courses?

College courses are offered in collaboration with Campbeltown Grammar School and Argyll College. Some of the courses could take place at Argyll College’s main building at Hazelburn while others might take place in CGS or on placement. College courses offered at National 4, 5 or Higher levels will have the same unit and assessment structure as other SQA courses.

Information on all SQA College Courses can be found at: www.sqa.org.uk and at Argyll College’s website at www.argyll.uhi.ac.uk.

Information on those Skills for Work courses which will be available in columns A and B in the 2016-17 session are in the section under ‘Argyll College courses’.

What are ‘Added Value’ units?

Added value will assess breadth, challenge and/or application of learning by sampling learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding from Units. Added value will be assessed in a Unit at National 4 and through the Course assessment at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

How will courses be assessed in the Senior Phase?

Only courses at Advanced Higher, Higher and National 5 will be assessed and graded at A to D. Nationals 1 to 4 are not graded and are internally assessed (i.e. are assessed in a controlled situation by teachers).

Courses at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels will also include Units assessed by schools in addition to the Course assessment that will be set and marked by SQA. Courses at National 4 will include an Added Value Unit that is flexible in nature and performs a similar function to Course assessment.

Pupils working their way through a course will know how they are doing because of their regular unit assessments. They will also gain confidence because the skills and knowledge they are building up and being assessed in are the ones they will need for their Course (external) assessment at Advanced Higher, Higher and National 5.

Before starting a unit, staff will ensure that pupils know what they have to learn and what they have to do to pass. This information is given in the outcomes – all outcomes have to be assessed. Staff can draw on materials from National Assessment Resources (NARs) to assist them with this work ensuring that national standards are applied within all unit assessments. Most courses have been verified by SQA to ensure that they comply with national standards and this process will continue in the coming years.

Pupils will be awarded the unit when they have passed the necessary outcomes satisfactorily. Pupils will be able to take assessments at different times, in many cases – whenever they are ready. They can do extra work and be re-assessed, should they not succeed at first.

At all levels pupils need to pass all their mandatory unit assessments if they wish to be awarded a National Course. In addition, pupils at Advanced Higher, Higher and National 5 will have to undertake an external assessment, where their work is assessed by external examiners. Course assessment is set nationally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The type of assessment will vary from subject to subject, but it will include written examination papers, project work, or practical performances. Details are provided within each subject outline on the following pages where they are available, however, assessment details in many of the New National Courses are still being developed, therefore full details may not yet be provided.

The assessment of pupils’ learning may also include the recognition of their achievements through, for example, ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network), John Muir Awards, Saltire Volunteer Awards, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, College Certification and awards ceremonies.

The Curriculum – General Outline 

The curriculum followed by pupils at Campbeltown Grammar School aims to provide the best school and learning experiences possible while preparing for life and learning beyond school years.

The general aims of the curriculum are:-

  • to develop knowledge and understanding;
  • to develop skills;
  • to develop positive attitudes and values;
  • to develop social competence and prepare for adult life.
  • to provide a full range of courses and services;
  • to enable all learners to achieve their potential;
  • to provide a broad and balanced education which gives emphasis to the aesthetic, creative, practical, social and moral aspects of life as well as literacy, numeracy and academic studies;
  • to promote genuinely equal opportunities for educational progress, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, social status, economic or geographical disadvantage;
  • to equip students with the knowledge, skills and resourcefulness which they need for employment, training or continuing education, and the desire to remain in contact with education throughout their lives.

The Grammar School’s curriculum is based on the Curriculum for Excellence which is established across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds – wherever they learn. It aims to raise standards, prepare our children for a future they do not yet know and equip them for jobs of tomorrow in a fast changing world.

The Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together. Teachers and practitioners share information to plan a child’s ‘learning journey’ from 3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and beyond, ensuring the change is smooth. Staff ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with challenge they can thrive on. The Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills. Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner is responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and numbers skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life.

Curriculum develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study, secure work and succeed in life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It links knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions.

There is personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the most of their opportunities with additional support as needed. There is emphasis for all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure. Ultimately, the Curriculum for Excellence aims is to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens, building on Scotland’s reputation for great education.

The First, Second and Third Years – Broad General Education

Learning and teaching in S1, S2 and S3 takes place across a broad range of subjects and includes:

The Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Years – Senior Phase

Learning is organised within a single Senior Phase.  This means that pupils make choices based on interest and ability regardless of year group and senior classes can include S4, S5 and S6 pupils. Senior Phase builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Broad General Education. It prepares pupils for the future through learning, providing a variety of experiences and gaining qualifications.

Most pupils study at least five courses each session. In addition to courses leading towards National 3,4, 5 Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, there are opportunities for wider achievement awards and work experience.

Work Experience and Careers Pathways 

All pupils have an entitlement to be supported in their learning about the world of work and relevant career pathways. Further information on the Career Education Standard is available via the following link

Developing the Young Workforce

Pupils are encouraged to see the connection between what is learnt in their school subjects and the skills required within the wider employment marketplace. Pupils will enhance their knowledge of Kintyre’s employment opportunities and build their confidence in delivering oral and written presentations to prospective employers and decision makers.

All CGS pupils have the opportunity to access the support available from Skills Development Scotland and be able to proactively utilise ‘My World of Work’ as an information and support resource.

Careers and Work Experience are delivered via the school’s Guidance team – Ms Cameron, Mrs Miller, Mr Farren and Mr Nicol – and Mr Wilson (PT Enterprise & Vocation) and Mrs Kay Johnstone of SDS.

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