In Millburn Academy we aim to…

‘develop skilful, resourceful, resilient, flexible and independent
learners who are well prepared to contribute to 21st century
society’

facilitate and support the rounded development of all our
young people – academically, emotionally, spiritually and
physically – as they work towards their personal goals

offer a wide variety of opportunities for learning and
development to young people in Millburn Academy and in the
wider community

improve the attainment and achievement of all pupils at all
levels, particularly in the senior school as a key on going priority
Highland Council Policy for the Senior Phase

It is expected that all Highland secondary schools will offer 6
courses in S4 and 5 or 6 courses in S5/6 by session 2015/2016.
At Millburn we will continue to offer 6 courses in S4 and 5
courses in S5/6 – 6 possible for some pupils in S5 and 6.
Millburn Academy Senior Phase Curriculum
 33 period week – 32 teaching periods and 1 period for Information
Sharing, spread across three mornings

S4 - Pupils study 6 subjects + PD/PE/RME (reduced for 2015/16)

S5 - Pupils study up to 5 subjects + PD/PE/PS

S6 - Pupils study up to 5 subjects + Core extraction
Senior Phase Learning Agreement
The decision for S5 and S6 pupils to return to school is an important one and
pupils should be clear about the reason for continuing their education at
Millburn Academy, beyond the statutory school leaving age.
It is expected that senior pupils will demonstrate a high commitment to their
studies and pupils entering S5 and S6 are required to sign and return a
Senior Phase Learning Agreement.
Pupils are asked to apply for a place in S5/6 - include a short personal
statement, outlining their reasons for returning to school, how they will
contribute to the life of the school and their personal targets for the session.
This statement will also be used as part of the application process for any
senior school roles. (e.g. Prefect, Sports Prefect, Pupil Council, Eco Group)
New vs Old Qualifications
S3 into S4 Key Points
S3 move from the Broad General Education phase into the Senior Phase.
• Specialisation leading to SQA course qualifications and examinations.
• Focus on 6 subjects – National 4 or 5 for most pupils. Where appropriate,
some S4 could join Higher classes where evidence of potential and ability
to cope with demands is available. NB time implications.
• Heavy demands on pupils re volume of assessment and evidencing
standards.
• Work experience – an entitlement for all but no longer on block release
for large groups of S4. Appropriate timing and nature of placements to
help pupils reach goals. Onus on pupils to research and identify the most
appropriate placement. Aiming for school exit year for most pupils.
S4 into S5 Key Points
• Pupils select 5 subject specialisms.
• These can be continued from National study in S4 or can focus
on new subjects.
• Courses will be National 4/5, Highers and Advanced Highers.
(National 1-3 available in some areas as necessary)
• Learning packages can include
• school courses
• college access
• open or distance learning courses (most including Saturday
workshops) * These could be in addition to 5 school options.
• work placement/volunteering as appropriate and as
available.
Important next steps…
• Take time to think about your personal goals and what you
would like to achieve this year and throughout the Senior Phase.
• Reflect on the subjects where you feel engaged, where you feel
your abilities have developed, where you are motivated to study
and which create the pathways you plan to follow. This will
reduce the need for option changes at a later date.
• Take the time to discuss this with your parent(s)/carer(s). Talk to
your teachers about courses of interest.
• Meet with your Guidance teacher/SLT to discuss your option
choices.
Important sources of information…
• Look at the Course Information Booklet which is available on the
school website.
• SQA course outline information, which is available through the
SQA website.
• Read through university and college prospectuses available
online or in the school library.
• Pupils will be directed to the My World of Work website prior to
requests for appointments with Skills Development Scotland
Careers Adviser.
S5 into S6 Key Points
• Pupils entering S6 must make a choice from each of the five
columns. The choice should include a minimum of 4 courses at
either National, Higher or Advanced Higher level and 1 choice from
the Wider Achievement column. Any variation to this will be
considered on an individual basis and will be based on achieving
clearly identified personal goals.
• Pupils may identify an alternative option in the Wider Achievement
column and should discuss this with their Guidance teacher/SLT in
the first instance.
• Pupils may be able to obtain a Scottish Studies Higher through S6.
• It is important to identify a work placement as part of the option
process where this is a priority. This will allow time to secure the
placements before the end of the summer term.
Completing the options form…
• When you have made a choice in each column, place a tick in the
appropriate box.
• If you have been unable to choose a subject you wanted to study
from the form as it is arranged, you should enter it in the appropriate
column at the bottom of the back page of the form.
• New S5 and S6 option decisions may be affected by examination
results issued in August. Subject changes will be made in a balanced
and fair way, inline with the original option process.
• Staff have not yet been allocated within the column structure and
there is therefore no point in choosing columns based on the hope of
getting a specific teacher.
• Please note that it is possible that an option may not run if uptake is low
in relation to effective use of available staffing. Typically each subject
will require a minimum of 50% uptake.
Senior Phase options form
S6 Pupils
COLUMN A
Biology
Music ©
Geography ©
Spanish ©
Physical Education ©
English
Physics
History
Mathematics
Advanced Higher Options
Art & Design ©
Chemistry
French ©
Art & Design ©
Chemistry
English
ESOL
French ©
History
PE Performance Units
Psychology
Business Management
English
Graphic Communication ©
Modern Studies
Music ©
Philosophy
Physics
Art & Design
Biology
Food Technology ©
Geography ©
History
Physical Education ©
Physics
Spanish ©
Administration
Fashion Textiles ©
Geography
History
Mathematics
Physical Education
Psychology
Accounting
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
Leadership
Mathematics
Music
Photography
Accounting
Biology
Business Management ©
Chemistry
English
History ©
Modern Studies ©
Music ©
Physics
Practical Woodworking
Skills for Work: Sport & Rec
Art & Design ©
Business Management ©
Chemistry
English
Fashion Textiles ©
French ©
Graphic Communication ©
History ©
Physical Education ©
Administration & IT ©
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
English
Food Technology ©
Geography ©
Graphic Communication ©
Music ©
Physics
Psychology
Administration & IT ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
English
ESOL
Fashion Textiles ©
History ©
Mathematics
RMPS ©
Skills for Work: Engineering
Spanish ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
Design & Manufacture ©
Engineering Science ©
Food Technology ©
Gaelic ©
Geography ©
Mathematics
Physical Education ©
Physics
Psychology
National 4 Options
Biology
Business Management ©
English
History ©
Modern Studies ©
Music ©
Art & Design ©
Business Management ©
Fashion Textiles ©
French ©
History ©
Physical Education ©
Skills for Work: Construction
Administration & IT ©
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
English
Geography ©
Graphic Communication ©
Hospitality: Practical Cookery
Music ©
Administration & IT ©
Art & Design ©
History ©
Lifeskills Mathematics
Physics
RMPS ©
Spanish ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
Engineering Science ©
ESOL
Food Technology ©
Gaelic ©
Geography ©
Mathematics
Physical Education ©
Options for pupils with
identified support needs
Tutorial
HUB Individual Timetable
SQA Personal Development
HUB Individual Timetable
ASDAN Silver
HUB Individual Timetable
Transition course
HUB Individual Timetable
HUB Individual Timetable
Wider Achievement or Open
Learning
Buddying
Private study
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Buddying
Private study
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Buddying
Private study
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Buddying
Private study
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Buddying
Private study
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Higher Options
National 5 Options
TICK
COLUMN B
TICK
COLUMN C
TICK
COLUMN D
TICK
COLUMN E
TICK
Senior Phase options form…S4
S4 PUPILS
COLUMN A
COLUMN B
COLUMN C
COLUMN D
COLUMN E
Biology
Music ©
Geography ©
Spanish ©
Physical Education ©
English
Physics
History
Mathematics
Advanced Higher Options
Art & Design ©
Chemistry
French ©
Art & Design ©
Chemistry
English
ESOL
French ©
History
Psychology
Business Management
English
Graphic Communication ©
Modern Studies
Music ©
Philosophy
Physics
Art & Design
Biology
Food Technology ©
Geography ©
History
Physical Education ©
Physics
Spanish ©
Administration
Fashion Textiles ©
Geography
History
Mathematics
Physical Education
Psychology
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
Economics
Leadership
Mathematics
Music
Photography
Higher Options
Biology
Business Management ©
English
History ©
Modern Studies ©
Music ©
Art & Design ©
Business Management ©
Fashion Textiles ©
French ©
History ©
Physical Education ©
Skills for Work: Construction
Administration & IT ©
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
English
Geography ©
Graphic Communication ©
Hospitality: Practical Cookery
Music ©
Administration & IT ©
Art & Design ©
History ©
Physics
RMPS ©
Spanish ©
Tutorial
SQA Personal Development
ASDAN Silver
Transition course
HUB Individual Timetable
HUB Individual Timetable
HUB Individual Timetable
HUB Individual Timetable
Art & Design ©
Biology
Design & Manufacture ©
Engineering Science ©
Food Technology ©
Gaelic ©
Geography ©
Physical Education ©
Physics
Psychology
Art & Design ©
Biology
Engineering Science ©
ESOL
Food Technology ©
Gaelic ©
Geography ©
Physical Education ©
HUB Individual Timetable
S4 Mathematics - PS S5/6
Administration & IT ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
English
ESOL
Fashion Textiles ©
History ©
RMPS ©
Skills for Work: Engineering
Spanish ©
S4 Mathematics - PS S5/6
Administration & IT ©
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
English
Food Technology ©
Geography ©
Graphic Communication ©
Music ©
Physics
Psychology
S4 Mathematics - PS S5/6
Options for pupils with
identified support needs
Art & Design ©
Business Management ©
Chemistry
English
Fashion Textiles ©
French ©
Graphic Communication ©
History ©
Physical Education ©
S4 Mathematics - PS S5/6
National 4 Options
S4 Mathematics - PS S5/6
National 5 Options
Accounting ©
Biology
Business Management ©
Chemistry
English
History ©
Modern Studies ©
Music ©
Physics
Practical Woodworking
Senior Phase options form…S5/6
COLUMN A
Biology
Music ©
Geography ©
Spanish ©
Physical Education ©
English
Physics
History
Mathematics
Advanced Higher Options
Art & Design ©
Chemistry
French ©
Art & Design ©
Chemistry
English
ESOL
French ©
History
PE Performance Units
Psychology
Business Management
English
Graphic Communication ©
Modern Studies
Music ©
Philosophy
Physics
Art & Design
Biology
Food Technology ©
Geography ©
History
Physical Education ©
Physics
Spanish ©
Administration
Fashion Textiles ©
Geography
History
Mathematics
Physical Education
Psychology
Accounting
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
Leadership
Mathematics
Music
Photography
Accounting
Biology
Business Management ©
Chemistry
English
History ©
Modern Studies ©
Music ©
Physics
Practical Woodworking
Skills for Work: Sport & Rec
Art & Design ©
Business Management ©
Chemistry
English
Fashion Textiles ©
French ©
Graphic Communication ©
History ©
Physical Education ©
Administration & IT ©
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
English
Food Technology ©
Geography ©
Graphic Communication ©
Music ©
Physics
Psychology
Administration & IT ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
English
ESOL
Fashion Textiles ©
History ©
Mathematics
RMPS ©
Skills for Work: Engineering
Spanish ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
Design & Manufacture ©
Engineering Science ©
Food Technology ©
Gaelic ©
Geography ©
Mathematics
Physical Education ©
Physics
Psychology
Higher Options
COLUMN B
TICK
COLUMN C
TICK
COLUMN D
TICK
Single Period Private Study
Single Period Private Study
Single Period Private Study
Single Period Private Study
National 5 Options
TICK
COLUMN E
National 4 Options
Biology
Business Management ©
English
History ©
Modern Studies ©
Music ©
Art & Design ©
Business Management ©
Fashion Textiles ©
French ©
History ©
Physical Education ©
Skills for Work: Construction
Administration & IT ©
Chemistry
Design & Manufacture ©
English
Geography ©
Graphic Communication ©
Hospitality: Practical Cookery
Music ©
Administration & IT ©
Art & Design ©
History ©
Lifeskills Mathematics
Physics
RMPS ©
Spanish ©
Art & Design ©
Biology
Engineering Science ©
ESOL
Food Technology ©
Gaelic ©
Geography ©
Mathematics
Physical Education ©
Options for pupils with
identified support needs
Tutorial
HUB Individual Timetable
SQA Personal Development
HUB Individual Timetable
ASDAN Silver
HUB Individual Timetable
Transition course
HUB Individual Timetable
HUB Individual Timetable
Wider Achievement or
Open Learning
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
Open Distance Course
Other_______________
TICK
Single Period Private Study
S5 Pupils
Further information…
• It is important that you look after your form: it has your name and class
details on it and therefore can only be used by you.
• Processing pupil options to enable the best fit possible, always requires
movement of pupil options across columns.
• Where a subject is oversubscribed, priority will be given to those pupils
who have demonstrated the best effort, attitude and application in the
subject area to date.
• Pupils that return their form late will not be given priority for their options.
Next steps…
• Please return your form, completed and signed, by the appropriate
date below;
• S3 into S4 by February 27th 2015
• S4 into S5 and S5 into S6 by March 13th 2015
• Careers evening – Wednesday 18th February 6pm-7.15pm
• Based in the social area, the evening aims to enable students and
parents to talk to Further Education providers, Businesses and
Professionals on an informal individual basis, about the
qualifications, skills and qualities required for their particular interests
and career paths.
• The vast majority of those we have identified and are writing to are,
like yourself, affiliated to the school and we very much hope some
of you are able to be involved. Please collect a reply slip on your
way out if you can attend.
• Any questions?