FOR STUDENTS
S4 Students
Deciding which subjects to continue with and study for your National Qualifications in S4 is very
important. Think carefully about which subjects you enjoy and do well in. Also think about your future;
which subjects do you need for future jobs, university or college courses.
S5/6 Students
Deciding whether to stay on at school is an important decision for you. You need to think carefully
about what you are choosing to do and what commitment you are prepared to give. We are very
pleased that the number of students staying on to our 5 th and 6 th years is steadily increasing. We
welcome all students who want to stay on and have thought clearly about what they want to
achieve at this time.
All students who return to S5 or S6 are expected to complete an application form explaining what
they hope to achieve from their S5/6 courses and sign a Learning Agreement Contract. Students
whose learning pathways raise some concerns will meet with a senior member of staff.
Senior students are role models for younger students in the school and all students who stay on should
be prepared to set an example by taking pride in the school, in their achievements and their
contribution to school and community activities.
School Leaving Dates
The dates on which you may leave school are fixed by law:
If you are 16 years old on or before 30 September 2019 you may leave on 31 May 2019
If you are 16 years old after 30 September 2019 you must remain in full time education at
school or college until the end of the Christmas term.
Christmas Leavers
Some of you don’t choose to be at school in fifth year but the law says you must return if your 16 th
birthday is after 30 September 2019. You can get a great deal out of your last term at school. There
are worthwhile courses which will help you gain employment or a place in further education
(college). It is possible to complete units as part of National Qualification courses and get awards
for these by Christmas.
Subject Courses
We provide a range of courses at different levels, as we want all of our students to benefit from their
time in the Senior Phase and experience a high level of success and achievement. Your time in
S4/5/6 should provide a good foundation for your future.
An important part of this is success in the courses you choose and qualifications you gain. If you are
to achieve your best, a serious commitment to hard work is needed. Most students find that Higher
and National 5 courses require much more work than they had anticipated. Teachers will expect
students to study hard, take responsibility for some planning and organisation of work and attend
well. In return, teachers will aim to give you clear guidelines on the work that is required and give
you the necessary help to succeed.
This booklet lists the courses on offer. We want you to choose your courses carefully and listen to
advice from staff and your parents/carers. Some courses may be better studied over two years.
If you wish to do a course not on offer at Deans, it may be possible for you to do the course at another
school, study via the Virtual Campus or at West Lothian College. Free transport is provided for
students who take courses elsewhere in West Lothian. If you choose to go to another college, you
would be responsible for transport costs.
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