Larbert High School S4/S5 S5/S6: Curriculum Summary February 2016 1 Rector’s Introduction Our young people in S4 and S5 have reaped the benefits from following a very personalised curriculum throughout the ‘Senior Phase’ and, as they begin to make final preparations for their SQA examinations in a few weeks time, will no doubt begin to contemplate on what the remainder of their time at Larbert High School has in store for them. This booklet has been compiled to assist pupils and parents at this critical time of Curriculum Review. It merits careful study, for it will provide answers to many important questions. It includes useful information on the various courses provided by departments in the school. It should form part of the preparation for the discussion pupils will have with senior staff and the Guidance team who will give assistance to pupils in making a wise choice based on their knowledge of them as individuals, their abilities and their aspirations. It is particularly important that these choices are related to intended destinations, be that higher or further education, employment or training. Do these choices match the entrance requirements for the chosen pathway? Our young people will have the opportunity to study 2-year Higher courses over S5 and S6 (‘crash’ Higher courses are available, mainly to S6) and either 1-year or 2-year National 4 and National 5 courses from a broad range of subjects and as detailed within this booklet. S6 pupils will have the option of studying some subjects to Advanced Higher level (depending on demand and staffing levels). In summary, all pupils in S5 will study: · 5 subjects (of 5 periods each) of their choice. Please note, there is no compulsion to do Maths. Pupils should select the subjects that are most appropriate to their intended career pathway and destination, which they enjoy the most and in which they are most successful. · Health & Well-Being for 3 periods per week (2 periods of Physical Education and 1 period of PSE). · Wider Achievement Opportunity (WAO) for 2 periods (one double) per week. These WAOs are designed around the ‘softer skills’ sought by employers, colleges and universities and will form an important part of the Senior Phase. In the majority of cases, these will be accredited by SQA or other external bodies. · A structured Tutorial for 2 periods (one double) per week. This tutorial will be used to provide additional time in one subject to help provide focussed support towards achieving their designated target grade. It will either be identified from the tracking reports or by discussion with the pupil in relation to their intended destination – i.e., the subject that would benefit them most. 2 In summary, all pupils in S6 will study: · 4 or 5 subjects (of 5 periods each) of their choice. Please note, there is no compulsion to do English and/or Maths. Pupils should select the subjects that are most appropriate to their intended career pathway and destination, which they enjoy the most and in which they are most successful. (Please note: 3 subjects at Advanced Higher level will count as ‘5 subjects’). · Please note that in S6, all pupils must be ‘engaged in at least 4 subject columns’ which must have a minimum ‘tariff’ of 10 points. [4 points = Advanced Higher/Bacc : 3 points = Higher : 2 points = N5/N4 : 1 point = Vocational/Work Placement] · Health & Well-Being for 2 periods per week (Physical Avtivity). · A structured Supported Transition period (1 single period), which will be a weekly contact with their Guidance Teacher and which will provide a focus on Skills for Learning, Life & Work to ensure a positive destination when leaving school. · Wider Achievement Opportunity (WAO) for 2 periods (one double) per week. These WAOs are designed around the ‘softer skills’ sought by employers, colleges and universities and will form an important part of the Senior Phase. In the majority of cases, these will be accredited by SQA or other external bodies. Please note that if Work Experience has not been completed in S4 or S5, this must be completed in S6 as part of the WAO programme. · A structured Tutorial for 2 periods (one double) per week. This tutorial will be used to provide additional time in one subject to help provide focussed support towards achieving their designated target grade. It will either be identified from the tracking reports or by discussion with the pupil in relation to their intended destination – i.e., the subject that would benefit them most. · 1 column (5 periods) for Personal Study and participation in the Leadership Academy programme. I hope the information contained within this booklet provides the answers to your questions. As we move through the course choice process you will have several opportunities to meet with staff and ask any further questions which you may have. However, in the meantime, if I can provide any additional information then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Jon Reid Rector February 2016 3 INDEX Page Course Level on Offer 7 NPA/SCQF 14 National 5 47 Higher 74 Advanced Higher 92 College Courses 4 PROVISIONAL LIST OF SUBJECTS AND COURSES: S5/S6 2016/2017 LEVELS SUBJECTS NPA NAT 5 HIGHER Adv H Art & Design Bakery Biology Business Management Chemistry Computer Games Development Computing Science Customer Experience Skills Academy Dance Design and Manufacture Drama Engineering Science English Environmental Science Fashion & Textile Technology French Geography German Graphic Communication Health & Food Technology Health & Science Technology History Hospitality (Practical Cookery) Language Baccalaureate Mathematics Mathematics - Lifeskills Media Studies Modern Studies Music Musical Technology Musical Theatre Personal Finance Philosophy Photography Physical Education (Creative & Aesthetic) Physical Education Physics 5 PROVISIONAL LIST OF SUBJECTS AND COURSES: S5/S6 2016/2017 cont. LEVELS SUBJECTS NPA NAT 5 HIGHER Adv H Practical Cake Craft Practical Woodworking Psychology Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies Science & Technology Scottish Studies Spanish Sports & Recreation COURSES OFFERED AT COLLEGE: LEVELS SUBJECTS City & NPA NAT 4 NAT 5 Higher Advanced HNC Guilds Higher Childhood Practice Civil Engineering Computing Construction Craft Creative Industries Early Education & Childcare Electrical Engineering Engineering Skills Events Management Hair & Beauty Hospitality Make-up Artistry Police Studies Science Baccalaureate Sound Production Sports Coaching 6 National Progression Awards (NPA) Page Subject 8 Bakery (Course Cost - £65) 9 Computer Games Development 10 Customer Experience Skills Academy 11 Musical Theatre 12 Personal Finance 13 Science & Technology 7 Faculty: Health and Wellbeing Course Title: Bakery Level: National Progression Award 1-year or 2-year? 1 year Entry Requirements: Previous experience in Hospitality Interest in food preparation Intended audience: S5/S6 Number of units: The course consists of four units (1) An Introduction to Craft Baking (2) An Introduction to Cake Decoration (3) An Introduction to Bread making (4) Pastry Added Value Unit? NO Exam at end of NO course? Descriptor: This course is designed to extend the development of practical skills and techniques acquired through previous work in standard grade home economics or hospitality. The course allows pupils to develop a wide range of practical skills used to produce a variety of products within the context of the bakery industry. Course Cost - £65 This is a contribution to cover the cost associated with the course. Payment should be made in full at Curriculum Review. Expectations for Research based upon class work topics homework: Skills Coverage: Planning & organising Literacy across learning Problem solving Numeracy across learning Customer handling Thinking skills across learning Team working Health and wellbeing across Other technical and practical learning Oral communication Personal learning planning Written communication Working with others Strategic management Leadership Computer literacy/using IT Physical coordination and Additional IT or software movement Literacy Enterprise and employability Using numbers Any other Pupils must take part in all lessons as unit passes are based on information about continuous assessment of practical work which must meet the the course or units standards expected in a commercial industry. or the type of work that will be covered? 8 Faculty: Technologies Course Title: Computer Games Development Level: National Progression Award 1-year or 2-year? 1 year Entry Students would be expected to be studying for or have passed a range Requirements: of N5 courses including Maths and English. Intended S5/S6 pupils interested in the creative industries or wishing to develop audience: their computing skills. Number of units: 3 Added Value Unit? NO Exam at end of NO course? Descriptor: The Computer Games Development course gives students an opportunity to engage in the processes involved in creating a computer game. Throughout the course students will acquire an understanding of the concepts and principles involved in the planning and design of computer games. Students will also work with different types of media and develop and produce a finished game. Expectations for A variety of homework tasks including, research, revision and homework: suggested practical activities will be issued on a regular basis. Skills Coverage: Planning & organising Literacy across learning Problem solving