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S6 Parents’ Information Evening Supporting young adults to achieve their potential at North Berwick High School
S6 Parents’ Information Evening
Supporting young adults to achieve their potential at North Berwick High School
Scottish Education System
• What is S6 for?
• Many but not all of our young people work towards Highers in S5; some gain the Highers they need for university by the end of S5.
• Often hard to encourage and maintain motivation if this is the case.
• “Aim Higher”
I asked the pupils about their S6 experience: • How have you added value to your S5 achievements in S6?
could have studied that you didn’t get the opportunity to shave been the best aspects of being an S6 learner at NBHS?
• How have you added value to your S5 achievements in S6?
• “I haven’t”
My findings
• “I feel I’ve really bridged the gap between high school and further education”
• “I wish I’d tried harder further down the school so S6 wasn’t as stressful”
• “I regret not taking a new subject in S6”
• “Thank you to my teachers who helped me understand how I learn”
• “AH courses were challenging but ‘grown-up’”
• “The teachers treated us as almost equals…”
• “I loved the volunteering!”
• “I felt more respected in school by youngers and teachers”
• “I was scared of the academic challenges but I have coped better than I thought I would”
And…
• “we wish we had more places to study”
• “I contracted S6-itis. I tried to resist but it got me in the end…”
• “I wish someone had told me what a mortgage is…”
• “more access to computers”
• “I would have liked to have come back to a ------- course”
• “been braver in my subject choices”
How can NBHS support you to add value to your S5 achievements in S6?
• That is what S6 is for.
• It will be wonderful!
• Young adults, not children
• Buy in or….?
• Work with younger pupils
• Level 5 Skills for Work Volunteering Award
• Lead, don’t follow
• Share your ideas
• Impress others with your commitment
Reflect
• What kind of person do you want to be when you transition to the next phase of your life?
• You don’t have to know what you’re going to be at age 16 but you have to start in the right direction.
Pupils were told we want S6 to be amazing for them! • I don’t want it to be something you have chosen
out of fear of leaving or because you can’t find anything else to do.
• If you identify yourself as requiring additional support to achieve your potential in S6, you will be given that support.
• If the support is not accepted and improvements are not made, you will be supported to find a positive destination outwith school.
• We currently advise that 4 columns are filled by each S6 pupil unless taking 3 Advanced Higher courses.
• We strongly discourage less than this as we want to get it right for your child and their chances of reaching and sustaining a positive destination when they leave.
A recent development…
• Letter sent from University of Edinburgh and other key institutions to all pupils with unconditional offers outlining importance of maintaining academic study in S6.
• U offers trigger requests to drop subjects – strongly discouraged to do this as now, you must tell the university/college/employer you have applied under different circumstances to those under which your offer was made.
The Absolutes
A full, appropriate timetable which shows where you can be found each period.
Register on time at 8:39am every day. Persistent latecomers will be detained on Friday afternoons.
Attend all timetabled classes. Attendance will be printed out monthly and intervention will take place if there is any concern.
Identify yourself as a member of the S6 community by wearing uniform.
Support school policies designed to keep the environment pleasant, safe and healthy for all.
Be treated with respect and treat other members of the school community with respect.
20 hours of community service (Level 5 Skills for Work Volunteering Award)
This is your S6 Contract. Any breach of this will trigger an intervention.
Signing Out
• Learn to manage yourselves and your time.
• Front door only.
• We want to get this right for you…
• You are welcome to sign out if you have study periods but must be in school for registration and period 1 each day.
• We need to be able to gather S6 together, to extend or call an assembly, to find you and communicate with you.
• If you find you are in school with nothing to do period 1, come and see one of the DHTs! We may not have got things right for you and something is wrong if you find yourself in this situation.
Duties
Each register class is “on duty” for a week – supervision of queue in dining hall at break and lunch.
Each member of the class will sign up for a preferred day of the week to do their duty.
Every member of the S6 community will be scheduled for duties on the dining hall rota.
S6 pupils will not be permitted to use their “straight to the front of the queue” privilege unless appropriate S6 have reported for duty.
Senior Places and Spaces
S6 can look forward to using spaces in school specifically designed to meet their study needs.
We are, this year, allowing the Invigilation Room (next to SS Seminar Room) to be used as a study space.
There is also: Modern Languages Seminar Room
Maths Seminar Room
Senior Pupils’ Lab
Social Subjects Seminar Room
Art Seminar Room
Library/Dining Haall
S6 Check-In
Monthly, during PSE time
Reflections on personal achievements
Attendance printed out and looked at closely
Opportunity to speak to whole year group about committees/ business matters/ key dates and events
Opportunities
• Don’t sign up to anything unless you can commit to it.
• You will get out of S6 what you put into it.
In-class support
• Students approach staff in faculties where they have expertise and use time to support younger pupils in junior classes. • You can organise this now! Note any
periods you have arranged down on your timetable. •Mrs Hughes will provide training.
Paired Reading
• Full training provided for this scheme, which requires commitment to support a younger pupil in developing their literacy.
• This will start in September and is currently run by Mrs Gilchrist in the Support for Learning department.
Paired Numeracy
• Full training provided for this scheme, which requires commitment to support a younger pupil in developing their numeracy.
• This initiative will be supported by Mr Cox in the Maths department.
Peer Mentoring
• Pupils requiring a peer mentor may be vulnerable and experiencing a variety of challenges.
• Patient, committed individuals are required for this programme, which has organised training sessions in August and regular meetings with your assigned pupil from then on. Mrs Casson has further information.
International Committee
• This group aims to promote global citizenship and continue to raise awareness in the school and local community about the Malawi Project.
• “Doers” needed! Those who wish to organise a fund-raising event, who have ideas to share, who can manage an event would get a lot out of this experience, currently supported by Mrs Casson and Ms Ritchie.
Film Club
• Interested in Film and Media Studies?
• Want to watch and discuss movies?
• Film Club is starting up again this year and Mr Maxwell is looking for S6 to support this fine venture.
Charities Committee
• This committee will meet once a week to plan events which will raise money for school charities.
• A hugely rewarding experience, supported by Mrs Casson.
Leavers’ Dance Committee
• This team will meet approximately once a week to plan and coordinate the S6 Leavers’ Dance.
• A great opportunity to develop leadership skills, business sense, communication skills and work with others, supported by Mrs Moore and other staff volunteers.
Health and Wellbeing Committee • This team will promote
aspects of health and wellbeing with peers across the school
• If you are interested, sign up today!
• More info will come your way! This will likely be supported by Mr Macdonald.
Yearbook
• Do you have fantastic people skills, the ability to listen, good decision-making skills? Yearbook Committee could be for you!
• This team will meet approximately once a week to compile and organise content for this year’s yearbook, supported by Miss Gunston and Mrs Moore.
Love Literature
• Mr Maxwell would like to extend an invitation to all budding writers and literary critics to join him in a Literature and Creative Writing Group this year !
• If you aspire to be the next JK Rowling, Iain Rankin or William Shakespeare, sign up today!
Eco-Schools
• Forward-thinking individuals with an interest in the school environment are required for this committee.
• Mr Stebbing, Mr Ferriman and Mr Mumford support this group, along with other environmentally-conscious staff.
Gardening and Green Spaces
• Dr McKendrick does a fantastic job of maintaining our gardens but she can’t do this by herself!
• It is said that gardening is good for the soul so give it a go!
Hospitality
• A wonderful opportunity!
• Organise catering and refreshments for school events throughout the year, supported by Mrs Finney.
Fair Trade Group
• NBHS is a Fair Trade school and we’re seeking supporters of this initiative to ensure we can keep our status in the coming year, supported by Mrs Lowe.
• Opportunity to run the Fair Trade stall too – ideal for those interested in business, commerce, entrepreneurial types!
Careers Ambassadors/ My World of Work • A fantastic opportunity
to get involved in being a peer ambassador for the “My World of Work” resource run by Skills Development Scotland.
• Mr Burgess will have further information!
Performing Arts
• Planning, publicising, organising and becoming involved in music and drama events throughout the year, supported by Miss Taylor and Mrs Wilson from the Performing Arts faculty.
• Fresh ideas welcome!
Science Club
• Budding S6 Scientists required to staff and support a Primary Science Club and S1/2 Science Club throughout the year, supported by Mrs Purcell.
• A rewarding experience – do stuff you love and support younger pupils to learn!
Coaching
• You may wish to volunteer to support junior hockey/rugby/football/dance – younger pupils will be grateful of your expertise and advice!
• You can gain a formal coaching qualification – see PE staff or Mr Docherty for further information.
Music Ensembles
• Wide variety available to S6 pupils who can play an instrument to a reasonable standard or for complete beginners (Staff Senior Choir, Guitar Group to name but two!)
• See the Music Department for further information!
Christmas Traditions
• The S6 Pantomime
• Christmas Dances – helpers always required
British Heart Foundation and Leuchie House • Actively seeking volunteers!
• Sign up today and Mrs Moore will put you in touch with the relevant staff!
ASH Scotland/NHS Lothian
• Tobacco Policy working group led by Scott Walker/Mrs Moore – offering S6 pupils a leadership opportunity, conducting research into what a brand new North Berwick “campus” policy should look like, how it should be launched and sustained
North Berwick Youth Project
Volunteering opportunity
Are you looking for a challenge that will allow you to engage with young people, develop leadership skills and give something back to your local community?
If yes, the North Berwick Youth Project is looking for volunteers to work alongside experienced youth workers at our weekly drop-ins, groups and trips.
Benefits of volunteering:
Learn new skills in leadership
On-going training available ie, first aid, child protection, accredited youth work course (all through LAYC)
Great for your CV and we can provide references
Putting something back into your local community
We are also developing a youth committee which will allow young people to be the voice for young people in the local community and take a role in deciding what happens at the youth project. We are looking for S6 pupils to get involved to take on a leadership role in this process.
If you are interested in volunteering in either of the above, please contact Scott Walker (Project Manager) [email protected]
Beach Wheelchairs
This charity provides beach wheelchairs for hire from our Beach Hut in North
Berwick harbourThis allows families and friends to spend
precious time together on the beach, share
experiences and make lasting memories.
The charity has extended an
invitation to one or two pupils to sit on their Board as a learning experience –
they are also sure you would have plenty of ideas to
share!
Level 5 Skills for Work Volunteering Award • SQA accredited qualification
• We would like your support of the school to be acknowledged formally and officially in this way, if you require this type of recognition.
• 20 hours of volunteering to work with younger pupils - in-class support/ peer mentoring/ paired reading/ coaching
• Can opt in to 3 SQA units: “Preparing to Volunteer” (before) and “Volunteering Experience” (during)/ “Reflection” (after)
• Paperwork and records can be completed during S6 Check In supported by Mrs McCormack
P7 Support
• 22-24th June during P7 visit
• Chaperones needed – meet pupils from class and take them to next one etc.
• Lunch Club helpers needed
• P7 Sports’ Days – note name down and which school you would like to go to and Mrs Cairns will do the rest!
Homework Club
• Younger pupils love to hear your wisdom, your stories, your advice!
• Can you give up an hour a week or even fortnightly to support the learning of S1-3 pupils here at NBHS?
• Mrs Purcell would love your support – see her for further information!
Online Learning
• With our Connected Learning Network in place, there is opportunity for online learning to take place during study periods.
• Futurelearn is an excellent starting point – please register your interest at https://www.futurelearn.com/
UCAS – internal deadlines tbc
• By 30th June – personal details entered
• By 19th Sept – first draft of personal statement
• By Oct holiday – personal statement redraft
• Oct/Nov – “finishing” period
Skills Development Scotland – Mick Burns, Careers Advisor
• 1 to 1 interviews available
• Group work session on employability
• Regular updates on careers blog
• All S6 work on their options in term 1
• Be aware of closing dates
• Use the resources provided
• Ask for help when needed
• A useful resource - the “Keep Calm” booklet can be downloaded from the blog
• Everyone needs to start planning (no matter what option they take) in term one and build in a Plan B (and C and D!).
• Careers interviews are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays - just ask guidance teacher or see Mr Burns.
• http://www.edubuzz.org/careers/2016/06/11/nbhs-s6-parents-presentation-june-2016/
