1 of 28

Returning to S5/S6��Subject Choice Information Evening

6 pm Thursday 5th March 2026

Online - welcome

2 of 28

2026 –change is “normal”���

  • 2018-19 ‘normal’ (?)
  • 2019-20 inferred attainment
  • 2020-21 demonstrated attainment
  • 2021-22 – formal assessments, modifications, revision support
  • 2022-23 – qualification amendments and formal assessments
  • 2023-24 – all modifications removed; increased content and assessments, ‘appeals’ process late published
  • 2024-25 – ‘normal’……..
  • 2025-26 – e.g. question papers National 5 qualifications in the subjects of practical cake craft and practical woodworking – focus on the practical output.
  • The SQA is now Qualifications Scotland.
  • Change in engagement, improved communication and learner interest going forward.
  • Decisions to be made on how qualifications, and their assessment (type or duration), will or will not alter

​

  • Learning and Teaching of, and in, the subjects, important knowledge ,and experiences, continues – the substance of a subject does not change!

3 of 28

Qualification Framework

SCQF Level

Curriculum for Excellence

Previous Qualifications

Other equivalent awards

1/2

National 1/2

Access 1 and 2

​

3

National 3

Foundation S Grade� Access 3

​

4

National 4

General S Grade

Intermediate 1

SVQ1

5

National 5

Credit S Grade

Intermediate 2

Modern Apprenticeship

SVQ2

6

Higher

Higher

Modern Apprenticeship

Foundation Apprenticeship

SVQ3

NPA

7

Advanced Higher

Advanced Higher

Higher National Certificate

Modern Apprenticeship SVQ3

4 of 28

S4 – S6 The Senior Phase

  • (S4 – 6 subjects English and Maths plus 4 others at N3, N4, N5.)

​

  • S5 – 5 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H.

​

  • S6 – Minimum 4 subjects at N3, N4, N5, H, AH.

5 of 28

Progression Routes – �Pathways-�Exit points

​

  • For pupils the progression can be…

​

N4 > N5 > H > AH

​

  • Some pupils may find “upward” progression is not “automatic” in some subjects. Teacher advice key here.�
  • There will be subjects you can start in S5 and S6 at N5 or Higher with no previous study. This carries obvious risk however.

​

  • Looking to achieve the portfolio of qualifications and experiences that support the next steps when you leave school – S4/S5/S6?

​

  • Foundation Apprenticeships

​

  • The right subject, at the right level, at the right time

​

  • S6 - wider educational experience

​

​

​

6 of 28

Returning to S5 �or S6

  • There is an expectation that students returning will conform to high standards of commitment to:  
  • study
  • attitude
  • behaviour
  • setting a good role model example to younger pupils.

 

  • We have leadership roles across the Senior Phase, and the school also offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, which allows senior students to develop wider experiences.
  • Involvement in these will enhance and support applications beyond school to apprenticeship, college, university or employment.

 

  • The intention through all of this is to ensure the required range of qualifications and experiences are in place to set you up positively for the future in your next destination.

​

7 of 28

Number of courses

  • S5 - Each Fifth-Year pupil must study five courses for the full academic session in school as a full-time student.
  • We strongly advise that pupils consider continuing with both English and Mathematics.  
  • S6 - We require that each Sixth-Year pupil, as a full-time student, studies at least four courses – for the whole academic session.
  • It is important that the pace and challenge of the programme chosen matches the pupil’s aspirations for the future as competition for jobs, and places at university, is high.  
  • Experience shows that keeping the individuals best standard of work eases the transition onwards, where ‘dropping ‘courses throughout the year does not.
  • S6 is not a time to have an ‘easier’ year but to build, develop, enhance and to grow.
  • This is based on Scottish Government and Local Authority guidance

​

8 of 28

Study time

1

It is recommended that Fifth Year pupils be given some unallocated study time per week to enable them to learn how to exercise responsibility for organising their own studies. At least 160 minutes per week will be allocated, within the timetabled day, for this purpose.

2

It is recommended that Sixth Year pupils be given some unallocated study time per week to enable them to learn how to exercise responsibility for organising their own studies and provide time for other activities to develop their personal skills for their CV’s, interviews etc.

3

At least 440 minutes per week are allocated for this purpose if a pupil is doing 4 courses.

4

Pupils may do this work at home, if they wish, provided they are over 16 years of age.

5

This study time is still seen as “school time” however, and students may be called upon, by the school, to attend individual interviews, assemblies and other school commitments.

6

Pupils should not organise other regular commitments such as part time work at this time so that they are free to attend.

9 of 28

PSE- Personal and Social Education -with PT Guidance

  • S5 and 6 - There is also a compulsory Personal and Social Education course of 40 minutes per week taught by their Principal Teacher of Guidance.
  • The Personal and Social Education course will consider issues such as study skills, careers’ education, coping with life beyond school in Further and Higher Education or employment. Relationships and responsibilities, including drugs awareness and sex education also form an important part of the course.
  • A comprehensive programme of visiting speakers from universities, colleges, advice agencies and other bodies ensures senior pupils can access the information they require as they progress through S5/6 and beyond.
  • In S6 a large part of this focusses on preparing personal statements for University or College or Work applications.

​

10 of 28

How to Choose

  • What am I good at?

​

  • What do I enjoy?

​

  • What do I plan to do in S5 and S6 if I stay on?

​

  • What career might I follow after school?

​

11 of 28

How Not to Choose

  • I like/dislike that teacher!

​

  • My friend is doing that so I will as well so I am in their class.

​

  • My brother/sister/parent liked that subject.

12 of 28

Advanced Higher or More Highers?

We would advise pupils going into S6 to:

  • Consider additional Higher courses as well as Advanced Highers.
  • Consider 5 courses.

Why?

  • Universities can request additional Higher passes in different subjects rather than Advanced Higher in the same subject and 5 courses shows commitment.

Offers?

  • Offers are on what you are studying in S6.

13 of 28

�

14 of 28

Foundation Apprenticeships

We are offering 6 through Aberdeenshire Council partnership

Creative and Digital Technology

Children and Young People

Health and Social Care

Automotive – level 4

Construction – level4/5

Business - in Faculty

As with any other school-based choice, apply for it by indicating so on the choice form

15 of 28

Foundation Apprenticeship – Info links

16 of 28

�

  • Model for FA Delivery and Delivery in Aberdeenshire Schools
  • Level 6 FA to have parity of esteem with Higher - subject choice offer and timetable as would any other higher/SP course.
  • Timetabled delivery in school to be the ‘default’ delivery model for the Aberdeenshire Council FA offer

​

  • One-year FA model in partnership working to allow schools to personalise their needs.

17 of 28

Planning for the Future: Next Steps – FA’s

  • Foundation Apprenticeship�Social Services and Healthcare -Aberdeenshire�SCQF Level 6
    • Applicants should be expecting to achieve a pass in N5 English.  
    • Applicants should consider which Highers will be required alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship to support future progression pathways e.g. Nursing or Medicine

​

​

18 of 28

Planning for the Future: Next Steps�at end of S4 or S5 or S6

  • Automotive Maintenance & Repair Principles Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) - NESCol
    • Need National 4 in Maths, English or a technical subject.�
  • Introduction to Beauty Therapy (VRQ Level 1 Diploma) - NESCol
    • Applicants need National 4 qualifications, including English. Be able to demonstrate the ability to develop and learn essential skills. Designated uniform in all practical classes and closed in shoes. No jewellery can be worn in practical classes

19 of 28

Planning for the Future: Next Steps�at end of S4 or S5 or S6

  • HNC Childhood Practice – North East Scotland College - NESCol
    • Applicants should have two Highers (one preferably English)
    • Or: Level 6 FA Social Services: Children and young people – plus Higher English and N5 Maths/Apps
    • Evidence that applicants have a minimum of 60 hours work experience in an Early Years setting. PVG disclosure will be required.

  • HNC Animal Care - Scotland’s Rural College-SRUC
    • Two Highers at CC to include 2 of the following Maths, English, a science subject.

​

    • National 5 (A-C) to include English, Maths and Biology.

​

    • Minimum of one week of work experience in the industry.
  • HND Textiles - NESCol
    • Typical applicants will be expected to have a minimum of two Higher passes - one of which

20 of 28

Planning for the Future: Next Steps

​

    • AAAAB Higher in S5 + BB Advanced Higher in S6
    • Additional requirements: Higher Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics. National 5 English at grade B. UCAT (www.ucat.ac.uk for more information). Interview. Offers conditional on S6 performance.
    • Re-sits or additional time to sit qualifications is not permitted. The required grades and subjects must be obtained at one sitting and at the first attempt. We do not accept a mix of qualifications undertaken at the same level.
    • Higher Application of Maths cannot be considered in lieu of having Higher Mathematics or Physics. Highers taken in S4 will not be considered towards meeting the Higher S5 grade requirements.

​

    • Work experience in a hospital or general practice is not required, but we do expect candidates to have explored the realities of a career in medicine.
    • Successful applicants are required to undertake satisfactory health and police checks before commencing Medicine

​

    • You may be invited to attend an interview. Candidates receiving offers are those who not only achieve the academic standards required but who also show they have seriously considered the implications of a medical career and who display the characteristics desirable in a future doctor, as well as demonstrating a commitment, motivation and enthusiasm for a medical career. Given the number of applications we receive which meet minimum entry requirements, we are unfortunately not able to interview all candidates.

​

    • As a guide, they normally interview approximately 850 applicants.

​

21 of 28

Planning for the Future: Next Steps

  • Chemical Engineering - MEng - Heriot Watt University
    • Highers AAAB (over two sittings). Must include Chemistry and Maths with one at A.
    • Minimum* Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Chemistry and Maths at B. Under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
    • live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
    • or are care experienced.

​

    • Arts & Social Sciences – MA - University of Aberdeen
    • Entry requirements for the MA are rarely subject-specific: we are more interested in your overall ability than in the precise content of your pre-university studies.
    • National 5 at A, B C or S at levels 1, 2 or 3 in English
    • Minimum of 4H at AABB or 3AH at BBB.
    • Those seeking to qualify over two sittings must normally get H at BBB at first sitting.

​

    • Robert Gordon University
    • For some degrees, in all universities and colleges, a specific, non-negotiable, subject is sometimes required, for example National 5 Mathematics needed for entry to Accountancy, Economics, Finance and for Sport and Exercise Science.

22 of 28

Finding Out About Careers...

    • www.planitplus.net

​

  • www.myworldofwork.co.uk/�
  • www.ucas.com�
  • College/University websites e.g. links throughout this presentation

23 of 28

Finding Out About Courses

����

24 of 28

The Choice ‘Form’

  •  
  • This table shows the subjects on offer and the level of exam available in the classes we will be running.
  •  
  •  
  • Where a subject is oversubscribed, priority will be given to pupils who require the subject for their future career plans.
  •  
  •  
  • Please select the level of subject based on the teacher’s advice in the reports.
  •  
  •  
  • Note that there are circumstances where the level you choose could change as the advice on final level of examination for each pupil will be decided based on the progress through the year.
  •  

25 of 28

How to Complete the Form

You will need to logon as individual pupil through GLOW to access the Form – then, hopefully the questions are straightforward.

26 of 28

Exceptions…

  • Additional Support
    • If a pupil is identified as needing additional support then this becomes one of the 5 or 4 choices.
    • This applies to most pupils who have attended small groups with a Learning Support teacher.
    • Pupils should know if it applies to them.
    • If anyone is unsure please contact Guidance Staff.

27 of 28

YASS Courses – S6

  • YASS - These are units or courses offered to S6 by the Open University…

​

  • Offer different, specific areas of study.
  • Demonstrate independent learning.
  • Universities like them.

​

More details at http://www.open.ac.uk/scotland/study/young-applicants-schools

​

Only a “fourth” course if taking at least two “level 7” qualifications (Advanced Highers) – otherwise you will not be in ‘full time’ education, nor will you gain a suitable portfolio of qualifications at the standard required to take you to your next destination.

28 of 28

Please Note

  • It is hoped that we will be able to provide the majority of pupils with their first four choices.
  • However, we cannot guarantee that every combination of courses will be possible or that every course listed above will run. This will depend on the numbers opting for the course, timetabling and available subject specialist staffing.

​