S5/6 Options Choices

February 14, 2013 Stranraer Academy S4, S5/6

Dear Parent/Carer,

All S4/5 pupils have recently received the “S5/6 Option Booklet 2013” and I am sure that this has been discussed at home. I am writing to outline the planned process for option choices over the coming weeks.

We are currently operating a “dummy run” in choosing subjects for study next academic year. Pupils are, at this stage being given a free choice. This will allow us to look at potential courses, possible class sizes and staffing. From there we can look at a viable timetable.

I must stress that this is the first stage. There will be a more structured process to follow where pupils and parents/carers will have the opportunity to discuss option choice and make more informed decisions. We aim to give pupils and parents/carers as much information as possible to help in the option process and over the coming weeks the following programme is planned:-

PT’s support and the pupils’ register teacher will be talking to pupils about option choices in register time and in PSE lessons.

On 21^st February there will be a careers evening to which all S4/5 pupils, parents and carers are invited. Employers, universities and colleges will be in attendance.
S5 reports will be out to parents/carers on the 11^th March giving information on current progress and recommended level of study in S6.
S4 summary reports will be out to parents/carers on the 13^th March giving information on current progress.

This process will give pupils and parents/carers more understanding about the content of each subject area. PT support and register teachers will then begin meeting with individuals to complete the option forms.

If, following this process you would still like to meet with pupil support teachers to discuss anything this can be arranged. Please contact the relevant pupil support teacher to arrange a meeting. (I have included contact details at the end of this letter and contact by email is welcomed.)

Below are the details and dates of each stage of the process.

Option booklets	Out February 5th
Free choice option form	Out February 6th	Returned for collation asap
Letter to parents/carers	Out February 14th	Outlines process, information and deadlines
Careers evening	Feb 21^st	Information for S4/5 and parents/carers
S5 reports	Out March 11th	Subject information and recommended level of further study
S4 Summary reports	Out March 13th	Information on current performance
PT support and register teacher option interviews with S4/5 pupils	March 8th onwards	In register time and PSE lessons. Offer for parental interviews with PT support
Return of option choice forms to PT Support	Option forms returned no later than Friday 22nd March

In the meantime if you have any questions or require further information please contact the appropriate PT support listed below.

Contact details:

Dunskey House

D. Hyslop – dhyslop708@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

A. Irvine – airvine872@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

Glenapp House

C. Dougan – cdougan501@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

R. McCulloch – rmccullo628@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

Inch House

J. Whalen – jwhalen366@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

Logan House

P Livingstone – plivings095@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

Yours sincerely,

A Law

Depute Head Teacher

S3 Option Choice

February 14, 2013 Stranraer Academy S2

Dear Parent/Carer,

All S2 pupils have recently received the “S3 Option Booklet 2013” and I am sure that this has been discussed at home. I am writing to outline the planned process for option choices over the coming weeks.

Curriculum for Excellence means that there is a change in the traditional option choice process. The broad general education followed by all S1 to S3 pupils means that at the end of S3 pupils will choose which subjects they will continue with into S4 and on to National Qualifications.

Opportunities for discussion about this will be offered nearer that time.

We aim to give pupils and parents/carers as much information as possible to help in the option process and over the coming weeks the following programme is planned:-

PT curriculum are visiting S2 PSE classes giving information about their subjects, starting 31^st January.

PT’s support and the pupils’ register teacher will be talking to pupils about option choices in register time and in PSE lessons.
S2 reports will be out to parents/carers on the 15^th February giving information on current progress and recommended level of study in S3 and S4.
On 21^st February there will be a careers evening to which all S2 pupils, parents and carers are invited. Employers, universities and colleges will be in attendance.
There is an S2 information evening scheduled for 4^th March where parents/carers and pupils can talk through progress in different subjects.