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Secondary education

Standard Grades Scotland

6 replies

Jacaqueen · 31/01/2011 22:11

DS1 is in 2nd year and about to pick his Standard Grades. I am old and sat O Grades and Highers so am not really sure how it all works.

What is the difference between Foundation, Standard and Credit levels? Do you have to sit the Credit level to go on and do the Higher?

We have a meeting at the school in a few weeks so no doubt I will learn more then.
Apparently they get to take 8 subjects. DS has received his report card and seems to be doing well in most subjects. He has been advised to take 3 Sciences but also wants to do History and Geography. English and Maths takes the total to 7. He would also like to do Computing and Design Technology, I would like him to do French.

Do you think a language is important?

This part is bad enough. I have no idea how I will cope when he is actually sitting the exams!

He has no clear idea about what career he would like. I just dont want him to limit his options later on by making the wrong choices.

Thanks

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freerangeeggs · 31/01/2011 22:25

I'm surprised languages are optional. At least one has been compulsory at all the schools I've experienced, and three sciences have rarely been an option due to timetabling issues. I did two sciences and French.

All pupils sit two papers. If your son is expected to achieve a 1 or a 2 (ie a credit level mark) he will sit the credit paper and the general paper too as a safety net - you can't get lower than a 2 on a credit paper, so it's good to have a 3 in the bag in case of disasters. If he's general level he will probably also sit the foundation paper.

The levels are 1 & 2 (credit), 3 & 4 (general) and 5 & 6 (foundation).

Generally kids who achieve credit go on to sit the Higher. If they achieve a 3 they can sit Intermediate 2 in 5th year, then go on to the Higher in 6th year. If they get a 4 then they can sit Int 1, followed by Int 2 and there's nothing to stop them going on to do Higher at college after that.

I did 8 subjects at standard grade too - English, maths, French, chemistry, biology, art and design, computing and modern studies. Schools try to offer a wide variety - so usually a language, English, maths, something arty, something with technology... Timetabling issues limit the choices too.

Clear as mud? Good luck! :)

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pointylug · 31/01/2011 22:27

credit is the highest level which is basically your o grade level. Foundation is the lowest level. The teachers will recommend to you what level he should sit. If he's already been advised to take three sciences, I'd assume he'd sit credit.

I think a language is important, yes, and will always be looked on favourably.

He will be given subject options based on a variety of timetables and at that stage (very soon) he will be see if it's possible to carry on with history and geography etc.

Hold fire just now until you get all the information.

Have you any younger children? Because your son is in the last cohort to sit standard grades. It is about to change all over again.

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pointylug · 31/01/2011 22:28

Three sciences have been possible at all schools I know of.

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Jacaqueen · 31/01/2011 22:43

Thanks for the information re the different levels. That makes it all a bit clearer.

He doesn't think that he wants to do medicine, so 3 Sciences probably not needed. We will wait to see the timetable before making any firm decisions as you have suggested. I think a language is a sensible option, especially if he wants to go to a good uni.

I am aware that it is all changing. Thankfully DS2 is only in P1, mind you it could all change again in that time.

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cuckooclock · 01/02/2011 20:52

I too thought a language was compulsory (along with maths and english. At dd's school they have to do a social subject (geography, history, modern studies, or RMPS) and a science. The other 3 are almost a free choice. They will allow 3 sciences but don't recommend it unless needed for uni entrance for eg vet / medicine. It is also possible to do 3 languages. It does vary from school to school though but I think the basics are the same.

As to standard grades Jacaqueen explained it all above however more schools are bypassing standard grades in some subjects and presenting for Intermediate 2 exams. They carry the same weighting as a credit pass in Standard grade but the paper style is more like the Higher so is considered better preparation for it.

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pointylug · 01/02/2011 22:32

Didn't the government put an end to a compulsory mfl a few years back?

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