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Dear Parent/Guardian
We welcome all pupils back to the new session and wish them every success in their studies.
This letter explains the Senior Phase (S4-6) Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) subject entry procedures for pupils at Thurso High School.
How is the SQA qualification level at which a pupil is entered decided?
The level at which a pupil is entered for in any subject is based on a number of key factors, in particular prior achievement and learning. For example, most pupils who achieve a Grade A at National 5 and who have demonstrated a good work ethic and motivation in this subject in previous years will be entered automatically for the full Higher course comprising units, externally assessed coursework and external exam.
Alternatively a pupil who has achieved a Grade C at National 5 level and still wishes to progress to Higher level will initially be entered for individual course units. These pupils will need to fulfil the course requirements outlined below in order to be entered later in the session for the externally assessed coursework and exam.
At National 5 the decision is informed by the pupils’ progress through the BGE with more focus being on progress in S3. For some pupils it may be suitable to complete a course over a two year time period. They can achieve the units in the first year before possibly moving onto completing externally assessed coursework and the exam in the second year if appropriate.
What are the requirements for entry for full course?
1 Internal assessments used to inform teachers of a pupil’s progress at various stages throughout the course. Changes to National 5 qualification this year mean that any pupils who are undertaking a 2 year course at National 5, or pupils who are borderline National 5 will continue to complete unit assessments.
2 Perform sufficiently effectively in their preliminary examination (‘prelim’) to demonstrate likely success in the external exam.
3 Complete the assignment element of the course as required.
What happens if a pupil does not meet all the above requirements?
1. Pupils will work towards completing unit assessments, which once passed, will be shown on a pupil’s SQA certificate in August. The pupil can then return the following year to complete the course assessment.
Acting Head Teacher: Mrs K Mackay, Thurso High School, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7DSTel: (01847) 893822 Fax: (01847) 895509 E-Mail: [email protected]
To: Parents/Guardians Senior Phase pupils.
Please ask for:Direct Dial:E-mail:Your Ref:Our Ref:Date:
Mrs A Nicoll01847 [email protected]
AN 123 August 2017
2. Pupils may have their entry deferred and choose to study the subject again the following session. This means that any completed unit work is stored and then will contribute to the course award in the following year. (This is specifically for subjects such as Art & Design)
3. Pupils may be entered at a lower level for the same subject in the same session. For example if they are not performing at the level required to achieve a Higher award they may be entered for National 5 or change from National 5 to National 4 if the content of the course permits this.
How is information on a pupil’s progress shared with parents?
An initial notification of the entries made for each pupil will be sent out in September along with agreed Target Grades for each subject. Information on progress is then sent out through School/Progress Reports (8th December 2017, 23rd Feb 2018 and 20th April) or by a letter or phone call from the pupil’s Guidance teacher.
At the end of the year before undertaking their final examinations pupils will receive a letter outlining the courses and level for which they are being entered. This must be signed and returned to the school.
If you have any other queries or concerns you can contact your child’s PTPS (Guidance teacher) at any time throughout the year.
How long does my child have to complete courses?
The SQA has very strict deadlines which pupils and staff must meet for submitting unit assessment and coursework. Pupils and parents will be notified of individual subject deadlines.
Parents will be notified that information has been sent home through the Thurso High School Facebook page and The Newsletter. All generic information can be found on the Thurso High School website.
Yours sincerely
MRS ANNE NICOLLActing Depute Head and SQA CoordinatorThurso High School
Acting Head Teacher: Mrs K Mackay, Thurso High School, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7DSTel: (01847) 893822 Fax: (01847) 895509 E-Mail: [email protected]
