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Strathearn SchoolBelfast

Form 4 Information Evening

2014

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PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING

• Introduction Mrs Graham (VP, Pastoral)

• Pastoral Miss Gibson (Head of Key Stage 4)

• Assessment Mrs Connery (VP, Teaching and Learning)

• Careers Mrs Hearst (Careers Adviser)

• Conclusion Mr Manning

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Introduction

Mrs Graham

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AIMS OF FORM 4 PARENTS’ INFORMATION EVENING

To give parents an understanding of the

GCSE experienceTo help parents offer practical support to

their daughtersTo strengthen the home – school

partnership

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GUIDANCE ON PIERCINGS:

Earlobe refers to lower part of ear as indicated. Piercings are not permitted in any other part of the ear.

Nose studs are not permitted

Girls may wear one simple, small studin each ear lobe only.

Other piercings are not permitted.These include•nose studs•nose rings•eyebrow piercings•lip studs•tongue piercings

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Advice to pupils and parents:Pupils should think carefully before having piercings carried out anywhere but in the ear lobe. They should ensure that if they need to wear a retainer for a prolonged period that this does not extend into term time.

Pupils will be asked to have any piercings that do not meet regulations removed.

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Pastoral

Miss Gibson

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What we offer….Teaching and Learning

• Content / delivery of all courses

• Revision guide and help (subject and tutorial)

• SEN / Learning Support Tutor

• Communication with parents / formal and informal

What has changed from Key Stage Three?

A Key Stage Four Student has to:-• take more responsibility for her learning• Handle a much greater volume of work• Organise notes, handouts and information

for each subject• Organise and plan her time over a longer

period to meet a deadline e.g. controlled assessment

• Plan and carry out revision for regular tests and exams

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What we offer….Pastoral

All Teachers have a role

Line of referral

Tutors / Head of Section / VP Pastoral / SEN

Offering

Support / Encouragement

Monitoring / Sanctions

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Pastoral provision and Tutorial programme

Who’s who in Form Four

4S Dr McBride4T Mrs Muldrew4R Mrs Ingram4A Miss Grier4H Ms Murphy

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What we expect of your daughter….

• A positive attitude- believing she is capable of academic success

• Arrive at school on time every day• Complete all work on time• Seek help when needed using channels

provided• Wear appropriate uniform every day• Behave in accordance with our Positive

Behaviour Policy

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How you can help?

• Encourager

• Sympathetic ear

• Attendance

• Monitor

• Act as go between

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How your daughter can help herself

• Organisation and planning

• Marathon not a sprint!

• Keep on top of work

• Use of planners

• Seek appropriate help

• Maintain a healthy work / life balance

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When things go wrong……

For example…..

(a) Organisation

(b) Relationship difficulties

(c) Family/ personal issues

Pupils adopt an all or nothing approach

Dealing with stress / resilience

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Curriculum and Assessment

Mrs Connery

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The differences

Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4• 17 Subjects (limited choice)

• All timetabled• Directed study

• 9 GCSEs (some optional choices)

• All timetabled• Directed study• Homework amount• Controlled

Assessment• Mocks• External Examinations

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Assessment and Reporting in Form 4

December : Short Report

May: Internal examinations

June: Full Reports

June: Parent Consultation Afternoon

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What is ‘Controlled Assessment’?

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Information Guides

For pupils For parents

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Controlled Assessment www.ccea.org.uk

Coursework - A guide for parentswww.jcq.org.uk

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www.ccea.og.uk

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Useful Addresses

www.strathearn.org.uk

www.ccea.org.uk

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Key Stage 4Careers Programme

Mrs Hearst

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Careers Suite

• Open 8.30am until 3.30pm• Including break and lunch time• No appointment necessary• Computer software programmes- JED• Access to the Internet• Careers Library – many books, publications and

journals which the girls may borrow

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Form 4

• Introduction to what constitutes a career

• Careers areas of interest to the pupils

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Form 5- During September – Unit of Employability within

Learning for Life and Work programme

- Questionnaire to determine priorities for the interview programme

- Career Guidance interviews – October to February

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Form 5 Cont’d

- Lunch time drop in sessions- How do I choose my A Levels - September to March – range of speakers on

various career areas.- Seminars on nursing and midwifery, teaching,

art applications and gap years

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And finally- Please encourage the girls to use the facilities in careers

suite

- Please look at the careers calendar and the useful websites on the careers section of the school website- www.strathearn.org.uk

- GCSEs are a useful snapshot of academic performance for admission onto university courses so girls should try hard to achieve the best grades possible.

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Concluding Remarks

Mr Manning