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Gracemount High School 2014/15

Curriculum for Excellence S3 Course Choice

CONTENTS

ART & DESIGN 5

BIOLOGY 6

BUSINESS IN PRACTICE 7 - 8

CHEMISTRY 9

COMPUTING 10 - 13

DANCE 14

DESIGN AND MAKE 15

DRAMA 16

ENGLISH 17

FRENCH 18

GEOGRAPHY 19 – 21

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION 22

HISTORY 23 - 24

HOME ECONOMICS 25

MATHEMATICS 26 – 27

MODERN STUDIES 28 - 29

MUSIC – PERFORMING 30

MUSIC WITH TECHNOLOGY 31

PE - PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMEN T 32

PHYSICS 33

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION 34

SCHOOL OF FOOTBALL 35

SKILLFORCE 36 - 37

SPANISH 38

3

S3 CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE COURSE CHOICE

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Notes of Guidance

The S1-3 curriculum in Gracemount High School comprises the ethos and wider life of the school,

curricular areas and subjects, interdisciplinary learning and planned opportunities for personal

achievement. Pupils have the opportunity to enhance their skills and abilities to ensure a strong basis

for later learning and also a successful transition towards qualifications in the senior phase.

During S1 & S2 pupils attend all subject departments to ensure a broad general education. Pupils learn

best when they are enthusiastic and interested to learn. Giving pupils choices about what they learn

and how they learn can improve enthusiasm for learning. Throughout S1 & S2 pupils are offered

personalisation and choice within their learning and with an element of course choice at the end of S1.

During S3 pupils will continue to follow a broad general education but are able to make choices about

which courses they will follow within the eight curricular areas. This enables them to begin to

specialise their learning by doing fewer subjects in greater depth.

Progression to Exams and Qualifications

At the end of S3 pupils will enter the senior phase and choose subjects to study towards qualifications.

It is important to note that the Scottish Qualifications are changing. The diagram below shows the new

exam structure.

Old Exams New Exams

Standard Grade Foundation

Access 3 National 3

Standard Grace General

Intermediate 1 National 4

Standard Grade Credit

Intermediate 2 National 5

Higher Higher

Advanced Higher Advanced Higher

Other Achievement & Qualifications

Achievement is also recognised through awards such as:

Positive Rewards

Sports Leaders

Skillforce

John Muir

Duke Of

Edinburgh

Sports Academy

Prize Giving

4


________________________________________________________________

In this booklet there are outlines of all the courses available in the third year. Before making a final

choice, this booklet should be studied very carefully.

If you have difficulty completing the Choice Form, please telephone the school (664 7440) to arrange

an appointment with your child’s Guidance Teacher or Depute Head.

It is important that all forms are returned to school no later than Monday 24th February 2014.

Completing the Subject Choice Form

a. Your daughter/son will be given considerable guidance by the school prior to making a final

choice.

b. Please discuss the choices made with your daughter/son. If there are difficulties, or you wish

to discuss a particular subject in more detail please contact the school and make an

appointment with your daughter’s/son’s Guidance Teacher.

d. An information evening to go over S3 courses and the coursing process will be held on

Thursday 6th February 2014 at 6 pm. Completed and signed course choice forms should be

returned to school no later than Monday 24th February 2014.

e. Finally, may I point out that all courses are offered subject to a reasonable uptake and it may

be necessary to ask a number of pupils to reconsider their choice. In such circumstances you

will be fully consulted.

5


ART AND DESIGN

CURRICULAR AREA - EXPRESSIVE AND PERMORMING ARTS

AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

CONTENT: Learners will explore various forms of communication, covering expressive

art, design, and the work of others.

Design: Pupils will work through the design process and make a final piece; pupils will choose from

graphics, fashion and textiles, product design and jewellery design.

Expressive: Drawings and painting projects: Still life and portrait including art history.

Pupils will explore a variety of media and techniques, which will focus on developing pupil’s creative

skills, techniques and technology.

Theory work: Pupils will research and analyse the work of artists and designers in relation to their

practical work.

HOMEWORK: Artist research and presentations

ASSESSMENT: Pupils complete a self evaluation and are given written feedback at the end of

each unit of work

Peer and self- assessment, working with success criteria throughout each

project

Pupils will take part in an end of year exhibition showing design and

expressive projects.

PROGRESSION: Pupils will develop critical thinking, problem solving, creative skills and

techniques which will enable them to undertake the Access 3, National 4 and

5 course for assessment by the SQA.

6


BIOLOGY

CURRICULAR AREA – SCIENCES AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

CONTENT: Biology is all about the living world.

The course is made up of three units:

Cell Biology – Investigate the structure and variety of cells and their functions;

the function of DNA; risks and benefits of using DNA profiling for example in

solving crimes. In this topic you will also investigate the conditions plants

need to photosynthesis, the different types of micro-organisms and how micro-

organism growth can be controlled.

Multicellular Organisms – Investigate the structure and function of organs

such as the heart and lungs and their role in sustaining life. We will also

investigate the use of technology in monitoring your health and how to

maintain a healthy

lifestyle. We will investigate and discuss fertilisation and embryonic

development and how drugs such as alcohol and tobacco can affect human

foetal development.

Life on Earth – We will sample and identify living things from different

habitats to compare the types of plants and animals found there. We will

investigate the types of chemicals used in agriculture, alternatives and their

impact on global food production.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be issued on a regular basis.

ASSESSMENT: Pupils will be internally assessed to ensure the development of scientific skills

in problem solving, knowledge and investigative research.

PROGRESSION: This course will lead onto National 4 or 5 in S4 depending on

the level achieved during S3. National 5 leads to Higher Biology.

7


BUSINESS AND IT

CURRICULAR AREAS - SOCIAL SUBJECTS AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTENT: Business and enterprise is all around us and often affects the world we live in

even without us realising it.

Edinburgh’s world famous Hogmanay street party, 2014

Commonwealth Games Glasgow, 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

These large events raise money and awareness throughout the world.

Other events include film premieres, charity events and organising

staff meetings.

During the course you will plan an event using ICT,

money management and considering the affect the event will

have on the environment. Which will involve the following:

Communicating effectively is a skill that successful entrepreneurs

possess. If you are running an enterprise you need to manage

everything from serving customers to preparing your accounts.

Cash is vital to any enterprise; they need to budget to make sure

they don’t run out of cash and can't pay their suppliers or their

employees. Employees need to know how to budget the money that

they earn.

Businesses have a responsibility not only to keep their employees

safe and healthy but also to understand the impact they have on the

wider world.

There are 4 areas of study:

Planning an Event

Fair Trade

Personal and Business Budgeting

Health and Safety

8


BUSINESS AND IT

Skills developed throughout the course:

ICT

Teamworking and communication

Planning, researching and organising

HOMEWORK: Written homework will be issued regularly, approximately every 2 weeks.

Pupils are expected to read over their core notes regularly at home.

ASSESSMENT: Pupils will be assessed continually throughout the year based on their

classwork, homework and summative assessments.

PROGRESSION:

CAREER

OPTIONS: You name it! This is a subject which will equip you for life! Today, almost

every job requires the use of ICT. Whether you become Managing Director of

a multi-national company, a nurse in the Edinburgh Infirmary, a retail

assistant or run a sole trader business (e.g. plumber, hairdresser, electrician);

the knowledge of how a business operates can help you get there.

N4 Admin & ICT

N4 Business

N5 Admin & ICT

N5 Business Management

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Retail SQCF level 5

9


CHEMISTRY

CURRICULAR AREA – SCIENCES AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

From the moment you are born, and throughout your life, you are surrounded by chemistry – in the air

you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear. Chemistry is the study of substances; what

they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things.

CONTENT: Explore Materials all around you such as plastics and metals that make up so much of

the chemistry in society.

Planet Earth – Gases in the atmosphere, pollution, fertilisers

and organic farming and much more of nature’s chemistry.

Electricity and Energy – making electricity from chemicals in batteries, electric cars,

energy sources such as oil, coal, gas and plants.

Topical science – Chemistry in the news in 2014-2015.

Practical techniques using chemicals, burning, fizzing, colour changes, light, heat and

occasionally an explosion!

Investigations combining practical and research into topical chemistry.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be issued once per week through a variety of formats.


in problem solving, knowledge and investigative research.

PROGRESSION: This course will lead onto National 4 or 5 in S4 depending on

the level achieved during S3. National 5 leads to Higher Chemistry.

10


COMPUTING

CURRICULAR AREA - TECHNOLOGY AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

How does a computer actually work?

What is RAM and how much do I need?

Why do I need to backup my data?

How do I make my computer safe?

What computer should I buy?

How can I create my own apps?

How can I put my apps onto my mobile devices?

How can I create a multimedia animation?

Computers and Computing is all around us and often affects the world we live in even without us

realising it! Almost all jobs nowadays days involve computers in some way or another. More and

more people purchase goods online, play computer games online, search for jobs online and use

computers to be successful in business.

CONTENT: The computing world changes daily and our Computing course will help you

understand its many aspects.

There are 4 key areas of study:

1

Computer Systems &

Networks

How does the computer actually work? You’ll learn all about

these machines! You’ll also learn about the importance of

Computer Networking including E-mail, wireless networking,

SMS texting and mobile internet technologies.

2

General Purpose

Packages

This area covers all the packages and more that you might

find yourself using when you leave school including

spreadsheets, databases, presentation software and graphics

packages.

3

Computer Programming

We use a programming environment called LiveCode. This

is one of the latest and most innovative programming

language on the market. You’ll learn how to use this to make

simple applications.

4

Computing Project

You will plan and create a digital solution which will include

all aspects of multimedia such as pictures, audio, video and

animation.

5

Website Design

You will be given the opportunity to make a good start to the

National 4 Added Value Unit for S3 Computing Science by

starting some website design in HTML.

11


COMPUTING

The skills developed in Computing may be used to help with or use the following:

Buying a

Computer

Protecting your

computer from

Viruses and

Hackers

Multimedia

Presentation

Software to

produce

eye-catching

presentations

How computers

work

Networking

Computers and

use of

E-Mail

Producing simple

programs in

LiveCode

Develop simple

animations

Website design

using HTML – the

standard

programming

language for

websites.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be issued regularly throughout the course.

Pupils are expected to read over their course notes regularly at home.

All notes and homework exercises will be made available through

iTunesU. Students will submit their completed homework to their

teacher through Edmodo.

12


COMPUTING

ASSESSMENT: Pupils will be assessed at the end of the main topic as well as at the end

of each practical unit with a Practical Abilities assessment task.

RESOURCES: Our computing resources have just been updated to reflect the ever-changing

world of computing.

On starting Computing, you will be given the theory notes that you need to

know for the course. This will be available as a digital download from

iTunesU.

The Computing Department are big users of iTunesU and Edmodo. These

are e-Learning tools that can be used to access the S3 Computing Science

Course through the Internet at home or in the school.

The department has some of the finest resources on Glow which include

course notes, multiple choice quizzes and practical work.

PROGRESSION: This course will enable the pupil to progress onto NQ levels 4 and 5 which

lead onto Higher Computing, Advanced Higher Computing and beyond.

CAREER

OPTIONS: Computing is the biggest growth area and at the moment…but there’s a

problem! There are not enough people to fill these ICT posts due to a lack of

skills in the field. We’ll teach you these skills and at a level you can cope

with.

Computers are all around us! Our desktop computers, mobile phones and

server computers which bring together the Internet.

No business nowadays can operate without a network of computers and one

of the most important parts of the course will be learning how to use the most

important application packages that you might find yourself using in the

workplace.

There is an ever-growing demand for programmers. These are the people

who create code for the apps and games. You’ll also learn how to do just that.

13


COMPUTING

This course will give you the knowledge and confidence that can

perhaps be used to create the next Angry Birds app.

14


DANCE

ADDITIONAL CHOICE

CONTENT: Learners will develop movement, control and skills in a variety of different

dance styles including Jazz, Contemporary and Ethnic.

Pupils will be given the opportunity to develop a range of skills required

when working in groups, including leadership, communication, listening and

co-operative skills.

Pupils will develop performance qualities and musicality through learning and

performing a whole class piece in the annual dance show.

Learners will learn about and develop a range of choreographic skills

including: choreographic devices, short motifs, spatial patterns and

choreographic form

Teacher led classes will provide pupils with the opportunity to devise their

own movement material in small groups, based on the following stimuli:

audio, visual and written.

Theory work: Pupils will research and write 2 reports or give a 3 minute

presentation based on a jazz and contemporary choreographer of their choice.

HOMEWORK: Research choreographers and presentations

Practicing dance skills and technique learned in class.

ASSESSMENT: Pupils complete a self evaluation and are given written feedback at the end of

each unit of work.

Ongoing Peer and self- assessment, working with success criteria.

Learning will be expected to produce a report or oral presentation at the end

of each unit of work.

PROGRESSION: Pupils will develop a variety of interpersonal skills and dance technique,

which will enable them to undertake the NQ4 or NQ5 course for assessment

by the SQA in S4/5.

15


DESIGN AND MAKE

CURRICULAR AREA – TECHNOLOGY AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

CONTENT: This course will allow pupils develop their design and craft skills throughout

the session. It will be expected that all pupils taking part in this course will

have some design input into all models that are manufactured. This will

include research, generating ideas, developing ideas, presentation and analysis

of ideas. Models will be manufactured in a range of materials including wood,

metal and plastic. Pupils will be expected to contribute towards the cost of

material used during in this course.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be as required for research, developing

sketching and presentation skills.

ASSESSMENT: Assessment will be through the completion of the various design

processes and the safe and successful completion of crafted models.

PROGRESSION: Successful completion of this course will enable pupils to progress either into

Practical Woodworking (National 4/5) or Product Design (National 4/5).

Pupils who demonstrate an understanding of graphics during the design

process may also be able to progress onto Graphic Communication (National 4/5).

16

S3 CURRLICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE COURSE CHOICE

DRAMA

CURRICULAR AREA - EXPRESSIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

CONTENT: The S3 Drama course offers opportunities to explore a wide variety of drama

skills. Mandatory units include: Improvisation; Role-Play; Characterisation;

Voice; Movement; Stagecraft; Types of Staging; Theatre Arts (Lighting,

sound, costume, make-up, set, props). Personalisation and Choice will allow

a selection from the following units: Script-writing and Directing; Acting for

Film; Stage Combat; Mask. Performance is an essential element of Drama

therefore pupils will be expected to share their work in the safe environment

of the classroom. Opportunities will be available to perform to an outside

audience for those who wish to do so.

HOMEWORK: Written work and evaluation will often be completed as homework.

Examples of homework activities include: learning the key terminology,

learning lines, completing logbook entries, research, character cards, costume

designs, cue sheets. Pupils will be expected to take part in theatre visits.

ASSESSMENT: The S3 Drama course will meet the Level 3 and 4 outcomes and the four

principles of assessment; make, say, write and do.

Practical work will be assessed continuously throughout the course and in the

final presentation. A folio will contain all written work – self evaluations;

evaluation of professional production; logbook; vocabulary tests; character

cards; cue sheets etc.

PROGRESSION: The S3 Drama course will give pupils the opportunity to gain skills and

confidence in drama and theatre concepts which will be required if pupils

choose to study Drama in S4.

17


ENGLISH

CURRICULAR AREA - LITERACY

CONTENT: During the course you will continue to develop your skills in reading, writing,

listening and talking.

You will read a wide variety of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, for

information and enjoyment.

You will write in a number of different ways and forms, and for a variety of

purposes, including to convey information and to express yourself creatively.

You will talk with others as a pair or in a group to complete tasks and discuss

your work.

You will present your work to a group or to the class.

HOMEWORK: This will be a regular feature. Each week, a list of critical terms or vocabulary

will be identified from the homework book issued. Weekly lists will be tested

in class. Other homework may involve reading, watching, preparing for

performance, redrafting or completing work begun in class.

ASSESSMENT: This will involve self, peer and teacher assessment of

performance

PROGRESSION: The course will continue to build on the work of S1 and S2 in depth and

breadth and will work towards the further development of skills in reading,

writing, listening and talking in order to use and understand language in a

variety of situations – the skills required to progress to appropriate levels of

new National Courses

18


FRENCH

CURRICULAR AREA - MODERN LANGUAGES

“Languages can help students feel at ease with other cultures and the global economy and to

make their mark both here and abroad as citizens of a diverse, multilingual, global society.”

Scottish Executive

COURSE: Every pupil will be able to develop his/her skills of listening and talking,

reading and writing in order to use French.

Main topics covered:

Literacy in Language

Numeracy in Language

Culture and Society

The World of Work

CONTENT: We are committed to maximising the potential of all our pupils.

Use is made of ICT including the Internet, Smart-boards, Software packages

and Speaking/listening recording units.

Making learning enjoyable is important to us and language-learning games

form part of lessons.

Much work is undertaken in a co-operative and interactive situation with a

partner or a group.

HOMEWORK: To learn/revise vocabulary twice a week.

Skills homework will be set once a fortnight.

ASSESSMENT: All topics will be assessed internally and will cover all language skills –

reading, listening, writing and speaking.

PROGRESSION: Pupils can progress to National Qualifications in NQ3, NQ4 and 5 French.

Some pupils will have the opportunity to sit their Added Value Unit (AVU) in

June which is a part of the NQ4 French course. Pupils may also progress onto

a National Qualification in another Modern Language.

19


GEOGRAPHY

CURRICULAR AREA - SOCIAL SUBJECTS AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

Geography allows young people to make better sense of their world and to see how human and

physical processes have shaped and continue to shape our world. Geography allows pupils to see how

processes and places are often inter-connected. In Geography students consider challenges facing

people and earth’s environments both at present and in the future and helps them develop informed

views on the best ways in which these challenges can be addressed.

“Geography is the key to the future” -

Michael Palin

(Actor, comedian, writer, adventurer)

The S3 Geography course is divided into three sections:

1. Global Issues

2. Our Human Planet

S3 CURRICULUM

XCE

Water, the most important natural resource? Learn

why we shouldn’t take water for granted, how poor

access to water can affect people’s lives, how demand

for bottled water is created by big business, the impact

of bottled water on the environment, how to calculate

your own water footprint, how to use water in a more

sustainable way and how water can lead to war.

Globalisation – Learn what globalisation is and how it

affects people and the environment both here in Scotland

and elsewhere?

World Environments, Survival or Extinction? – Learn

how areas such as the Sahel, rain forest and Polar Regions

are under threat from human activity including climate

change.

Food – Learn about the environmental impact and

sustainability of the food we eat and other resources that

are grown for our use.

20


GEOGRAPHY

Urbanisation, the making of our cities – Learn why growing numbers of the world’s population

choose to live in cities, how the sites for cities were chosen, why cities grow, why new towns are built

and what might Scotland’s next new town look like?

HOMEWORK: Students will be given at one piece of formal homework every fortnight week.

They will also be expected to complete class tasks missed through absence

and to keep up-to-date will geographical news stories by watching the TV

news/documentaries at least once per week.

ASSESSMENT: There will be continuous formative assessment in the form of individual and

group tasks. Students receive a formal assessment covering all three sections

of the course towards the end of the year.

3. Our Physical Planet

Our Dynamic Coastline – The British Isles have a coastline over 17,800 kilometres long! Discover the

processes that are constantly changing the coastline of our island home.

Transport – Learn what causes traffic congestion, how

different cities are tackling the problem of traffic congestion

and evaluate whether the building of the new Forth Road

Bridge, is a good idea or not?

Population, - How does Scotland

shape up?

Learn how our population compares to

other countries. Find out what is

happening to the population of Scotland

and elsewhere and what this will mean

for our country and others.

Scotland’s Weather – Learn why it

rains so much in Scotland, how the

weather is measured and forecasted,

what air pressure has to do with

weather, how to use weather

technology and how weather affects

business, leisure and our everyday

lives.

21


GEOGRAPHY PROGRESSION: This Geography course provides an excellent basis for progression onto

Access 3, National 4, National 5 Qualifications and the Higher Geography

course.

Studying geography can be the gateway to a wide range of careers. Most employers, colleges and

universities are looking for young people with a good range of recognised and well-respected

qualifications and geography is one of them.

Some careers where having studied Geography could be a distinct advantage include: cartographer,

estate agent, chartered surveyor, remote sensing analyst, GIS specialist, market researcher, planner,

social worker, housing officer, transport manager, retail buyer, travel agent, logistics manager,

location analyst, charity co-ordinator, aid worker, diplomat/civil service, flood prevention officer, risk

assessor, weather forecaster or presenter, disaster manager, civil engineer, geologist, hydrologist, soil

conservationist, oceanographer, coastal engineer, estate manager, forestry ranger, environmental

consultant, pollution analyst, conservation officer, marketing manager, teaching, tourism officer,

media researcher, civil aviation etc

Transferable Skills: Geography equips young people with a very wide range of transferable skills,

knowledge and informed attitudes highly prized by virtually all employers.

These include literacy e.g. through writing descriptive and explanatory

answers and short summaries, numeracy e.g. interpreting and processing data

and using various types of graph, computer literacy e.g. through using

databases, spreadsheets, web based research and specialised geographical

software, problem solving by posing questions and investigating to help in

complex decision making, team work through class activities and outdoor

field work, social and environmental awareness, as well as spatial awareness

with well developed map making and reading skills giving you a better sense

of place.

Fieldwork is an important part

of the S3 Geography course.

You will have opportunities to

go on fieldtrips both in the

local area and further away.

Gracemount Geography

Field trip – Isle of Arran

22


GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

CURRICULAR AREAS - TECHNOLOGY AND EXPRESSIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

CONTENT: Pupils will gain experience in completing Manual 3D Drawings and

Computer Aided 3D Drawings. This will include

Isometric views

Oblique parallel drawings

Planometric drawings

One and two point perspective drawings

The course will also highlight drawing techniques used in industry and will allow pupils to gain

experiences in the following areas

The use of graphic pens, pastels and pencils to render 3D drawings

Use a powerful CAD program to render computer generated images

Design and use drawing techniques to enhance information displayed on a

graph

Design and make a scaled model of a room. An example may be – design

and make a scaled model of a kitchen suitable for a wheelchair user

HOMEWORK: A drawing board and drawing instruments will be provided to complete

homework exercises or finish incomplete class work at home. Homework

exercises will be issued every second week on average.

ASSESSMENT: Assessment will be through the completion of a folio, which will show the

range of work completed throughout the session.

The ability to work both independently and in small groups will be assessed

throughout.

PROGRESSION: Pupils who can develop their drawing skills and who show potential during

this session can progress into the next level of study at National 4/5.

Ultimately we are hoping to develop candidates who can eventually study

Higher Graphic Communication.

23


HISTORY

CURRICULAR AREA - SOCIAL SUBJECTS AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

CONTENT:

Britain: The Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807

World: WWI: Causes, conflict and consequences.

Scotland: 1700-1800: A divided nation? An

investigation into why Scotland

signed The Treaty Union in 1707 and

became part of the United Kingdom.

Pupils will also learn how Scotland

changed in this period and how

changes in the economy also changed

where people lived.

Pupils will investigate the Atlantic Slave

Trade with a focus on the reasons why it came

about, how it impacted those who were

enslaved in Africa, and how and why slavery

was abolished in Britain in 1707. Pupils will

also investigate the lives of slaves in the West

Indies so as to gain an understanding of the

horrors they lived through. This topic

provides pupils with a real opportunity to

understand one of the most brutal and

inhumane periods in recent History.

Pupils will study the causes of the Great War with a focus on the long

and term short factors that resulted in the war happening. They will

then study what life was like for soldiers in the trenches, the new

technology that was used to such devastating effect on the Western

Front (such as machine guns, gas and tanks) and some of the major

battles that took place. Following this, pupils will look at why the

Allies won and the attempts by the international community to make

peace following the war.

24


HISTORY

HOMEWORK: Once every fortnight pupils will be expected to complete source based

questions or revision mind maps on what was covered that week.

ASSESSMENT: There will be continuous formative assessment in the form of group and

individual tasks, as well as regular homework. A formal assessment covering

all three topics will take place at the end of the year.

PROGRESSION: Pupils who successfully complete their homework and formative assessments

throughout the year and then pass their end of unit assessment can expect to

progress to NQ3, NQ4 and NQ5.

25


HOME ECONOMICS – FOOD TECHNOLOGY

CURRICULAR AREAS – TECHNOLOGY AND EXPRESSIVE & PERFORMING ARTS

CONTENT: Pupils will:

Develop their basic cookery skills, food preparation techniques and

cookery processes to produce a range of dishes

Investigate ingredients and their uses while looking at sustainability.

Develop their organisational skills to plan, prepare and evaluate dishes

and meals

Investigate how new food products are developed and make a food

product to meet a specified brief.

There will be an option to choose to study textile technology.

This will include developing knowledge of fashion and textiles and production of textile items.

This flexible course will allow pupils to be equipped to make a choice of courses to suit their interests

and abilities for National Presentations.

HOMEWORK: As this is a mainly skills based course there will not be a need for regular

homework. When homework is issued it will be considered very important

and must be to a high standard.

ASSESSMENT: There will be both practical and written assessments at the end of each unit

and a practical food exam at the end of the course.

PROGRESSION: National 5 Health and Food Technology

National 4 Health and Food Technology

National 5 Creative Cake Production

National 5 Hospitality

National 4 Hospitality

26


MATHEMATICS

CURRICULAR AREA - NUMERACY

CONTENT: Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the

world around us. It equips us with many of the skills required for life,

learning and work. In S3, pupils will continue to develop their skills such as

logical reasoning, analysis, problem solving and the ability to think in abstract

ways.

Depending on their ability, pupils will continue to develop their mathematics

in the following areas:

Algebra: Patterns and relationships; expressions and equations

Geometry: Properties of 2D shapes and 3D objects, angles, symmetry and

transformation, Pythagoras and trigonometry.

Statistics: Data and analysis

Mathematics: its impact on society

Numeracy: Basic number processes, money, estimation and rounding, time,

measure, ideas of chance and uncertainty

The mathematics will be taught in units of work. Where possible, the topics will be linked to other

subject areas so that pupils will be able to see the relevance of what is being taught. Links will also be

made where Maths may be used in later life.

HOMEWORK: Homework will vary depending on the level of the course and is likely to be

of the following types: independent homework assignments, practising work

carried out in class, researching a topic, preparing a presentation (sometimes

part of a group). All pupils will be expected to back up their class work with

a considerable amount of private study.

ASSESSMENT: will be informal and formal and will take place throughout the year. Informal

assessment will be through class activities and homework, formal assessment

through tests.

PROGRESSION:

Access 3 Mathematics

National 4 Lifeskills

National 5 Lifeskills

OR

National 4 Mathematics

National 5 Mathematics

Higher Mathematics

Advanced Higher Mathematics

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MATHEMATICS Possible Careers where maths would be needed:

Actuarial Mathematics

Engineering

Accountancy

Many other careers involve a maths component. Further information may be found at:

http://plus.maths.org/content/Career

http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/viewItem.cfm?cit_id=383039

http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/11-14/career_profiles.cfm

http://plus.maths.org/content/Career

http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/viewItem.cfm?cit_id=383039

http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/11-14/career_profiles.cfm

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MODERN STUDIES

CURRICULAR AREA - SOCIAL SUBJECTS

CONTENT Modern Studies is the social, economic and political study of local, national

and international issues. It is an essential subject which informs students of the

changes in today's society and helps them understand the most important

issues facing people the world today. Modern Studies encourages students to

develop informed decisions and attitudes towards different values, cultures

and beliefs. In a climate of political change and global conflicts, Modern

Studies provides students with the skills and knowledge to make decisions that

will shape their future.

The Modern Studies course is divided into three sections.

Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom – Option 1: Democracy

in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament and

Local Government in Scotland.

Case study of the impact of the

media, pressure groups or trade

unions on democracy in Scotland.

Social Issues in the United Kingdom – Option 2: Crime and

the Law

Evidence, causes and consequences of crime as well as responses to

crime, such as local community, police, courts/ sentencing, legislation

including the role of the Children's Hearing System.

International Issues – Option 1: World Power

China – political, social and economic issues as well as the

impact of China on other countries.

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MODERN STUDIES HOMEWORK: Students will be given one piece of formal homework per week. They will

also be expected to keep up-to-date with current affairs by watching the news

at least once a week.

ASSESSMENT: Students will complete an assessment at the end of each section of the course.

The evidence from each assessment can be banked for National 4 and 5 unit

accreditation in S4.

PROGRESSION: The Modern Studies course provides an excellent basis for progression into

National 4 and National 5 Qualifications and the Higher Modern Studies

course.

Modern Studies is a very useful subject to study if you are interested in

pursuing careers in any of the following areas:

Police, Law, Teaching, Banking, Broadcasting and Media, Fundraising and

Charity Work, Civil Service, Insurance, Clerical Work, Youth and

Community Work, Economics, Journalism, Local Government, Management,

Marketing, Politics, Social Care, Social Work and Trade Union Work.

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MUSIC - PERFORMING

CURRICULAR AREA - EXPRESSIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

CONTENT: The S3 Music Course will be made up mostly of performing and creating

music and through these activities you will develop your vocal and/or

instrumental skills that you chose to focus on in S2. You will develop your

understanding and enjoyment of music through listening to musical

performances and commenting on them. Some of you will also use music

software to create your work.

PERFORMING - You may choose one or two instruments on which to

develop your skills already started in S1/2.

UNDERSTANDING - On completion of this unit you should be able to

recognise and identify simple music concepts and styles and have a basic

understanding of the musical features that influence the sound of specific

music styles.

COMPOSING SKILLS - By the end of this unit you should be able to

understand the things that influence and inspire musicians’ work and be able

to create your own music.

HOMEWORK: You will be expected to practise on your chosen instruments on a daily basis

and complete assignments to help your understanding of music and the

meaning of simple music signs, symbols and terms.

ASSESSMENT: Practical work will be assessed on a regular basis in the following ways:

verbal and written feedback from staff; discussion with and help from your

peers; recording your work to build up a folio of performances, either solo or

in an ensemble. Assessment of concepts and terms will be through listening

quizzes.

PROGRESSION: By the end of S3 you should have made sufficient progress and be proficient

enough to move forward to Nat4/5 certificate courses.

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MUSIC WITH TECHNOLOGY

CURRICULAR AREA - TECHNOLOGY

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ABLE TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT FOR THIS COURSE

CONTENT: SKILLS

Set up recording equipment appropriately and safely

UNDERSTANDING

Learn about 20th and 21st century popular music styles and the

developments of music technology.

APPLYING SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING

Create short sound tracks for film/animation

Produce a radio podcast

Create sound/music for gaming

Create ring tones

Use samples and loops

ASSESSMENT You will develop your skills by completing short tasks that will build up a

folio of work. You will then complete short assessment tasks e.g.

How to record a bass guitar

How to set up a microphone

You will develop your understanding of a variety of popular music styles by

presenting evidence through e.g.

Blogs

Powerpoint presentations/posters

Video clips

HOMEWORK: You will use your mobile phones, apps, Ipads, laptops etc. to record

and mix your own work.

PROGRESSION: By the end of S3 you should have made enough progress in your recording

sills to move forward to a NAT 4 or NAT 5 certificate course.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION –

PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT

CURRICULAR AREA – EXPRESSIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

CONTENT: The purpose of this course will be to develop, demonstrate and improve practical and

performance skills in variety of physical activities, including:

Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball, Gymnastics and Trampolines, Football,

Hockey and Rugby.

This course will also develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of

improving and maintaining their fitness.

CHOOSE PE IF:

You enjoy PE.

You are a keen, enthusiastic participant.

You would like to develop your skills and knowledge of PE

You are interested in improving your level of fitness.

DO NOT CHOOSE THIS COURSE IF:

You have trouble remembering your kit.

You are not keen to improve your fitness and ability in activities.

HOMEWORK: Pupils are expected to join/attend extra curricular activities.

ASSESSMENT: Through practical performance, pupils will apply and demonstrate their knowledge

and skills in a variety of physical activities.

PROGRESSION: National 3, National 4/5, Higher PE, Sports and Football Leaders.

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PHYSICS

CURRICULAR AREA – SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

Physicists don’t just ask big questions about the universe, they research and develop safer transport

systems, new modes of communication and better sound recording equipment.

CONTENT: Forces and Waves - measure and calculate

acceleration, forces and density

Electricity - Investigate electricity and magnetism

Planet Earth - Explore how the universe has

evolved over time

Practical skills will be challenged by measuring electrical components,

input /output devices, material densities and electro-magnets.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be issued once per week through a variety of formats.


in problem solving, knowledge and investigative research. By the end of S3

all pupils should be able to gain an award at N3 in Physics).

PROGRESSION: National 4 and 5 leading to Higher Physics

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RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION

COMPULSORY SUBJECT

CONTENT: The course in S3 focuses on medical ethics and deciding how we make moral

decisions. In the last few decades, the progress in Science has been terrific

and we now can do many things, which were unthinkable 50 years ago. The

course examines 3 main times in our life, the very beginning of our life,

prolonging life and the ending of life and looks at the ethics of medicine in

these times.

Should we be able to choose when we die? Is that up to us, our families,

doctors, the court, or even God? Is it our right to be able to choose when we

die?

We also look at the ethics of transplant medicine….from who gets the organ

and organ shortages to cloning, black markets and xenotransplantation.

The final part of the course looks at the beginning of our lives…or even

earlier. Do our parents have the right to decide what we look like or whether

we are sporty, musical etc? Is this acceptable at all, or what sort of choices

can we approve; is the film my sisters keeper a possibility, do saviour siblings

exist? And what if the baby is going to be sick, what are our responsibilities

to that child?

HOMEWORK: Occasional, keeping up to date with scientific developments, looking at wider

opinions.

PROGRESSION: Having studied this unit satisfactorily, you will progress to choosing to study

Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies in the senior school.

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SCHOOL OF FOOTBALL

ADDITIONAL CHOICE

The School of Football will provide an individualised training programme built into the school

curriculum that will enhance the young player’s life skills, education, physical, psychological and

social development. The programme will be delivered in conjunction with the Scottish Football

Association (SFA).

The Programme, which is entering its 5th year, will select the pupils from the current S2 School of

Football and a new intake of pupils wishing to enter the programme in S3. Should you wish to be

considered for School of Football please find out more information from Mr Kidd in the PE

department.

36


SKILLFORCE SKILLFORCE – COURSE INFORMATION

SkillForce delivers a proven, core skills based alternative to the traditional educational curriculum to

young people across the country. The course draws together academic and vocational qualifications

and awards, community work and life skills, and sits squarely within the aims of the Scottish

Government’s Curriculum for Excellence.

The aim of the course is to develop citizenship and improve the employability of the students in the

crucial years before they leave school. Students will be expected to adhere to the core values of

RESPECT, RESOLVE and RESPONSIBILITY.

Students participating in the course will have the opportunity to attain ASDAN Bronze and Silver,

(vocational qualifications recognised by employers), the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award,

Emergency First Aid Certificate (adult version), National Navigation Award and Heart Start.

Assessment:

ASDAN Bronze and Silver

Student portfolios undergo a process of continuous assessment followed by internal and external

moderation at each award level. They must show evidence of the core skills:

Working with others

Problem Solving

Improving own Learning and Performance

Research

Discussion

Oral Presentation

Duke of Edinburgh:

There will be internal and external moderation of student books. Students must show evidence of

having completed:

Skills – Developing a skill over a minimum of six months;

Physical Recreation – Undertake a minimum three month programme to improve an existing or

recently started sporting or leisure activity;

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Volunteering – Providing a service to the community over a minimum of three months;

Expedition – Attain the skills required to complete a two day supervised practise walk and final

unassisted expedition.

Heart Start

Heart Start is an initiative co-ordinated by the British Heart Foundation to teach people what to do in a

life threatening emergency: simple skills that can save lives. It aims to facilitate and support

Emergency Life Support training in the community and schools across the UK.

First Aid

Students will be given the opportunity to attain this qualification towards the end of their fourth year.

This is the adult version of the course, lasts approximately sixteen hours and is a useful addition to any

young persons CV as they prepare to enter the wider world.

National Navigation Award (NNA)

Basic map reading skills, how to use a map and compass. Preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh

Award expeditions.

Please note: this is NOT an outdoor pursuit course; approximately 80% of instruction takes

place within the classroom.

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SPANISH

CURRICULAR AREA - MODERN LANGUAGES AND ADDITIONAL CHOICE

COURSE: Every pupil will be able to develop his/her skills of listening and talking,

reading and writing in order to use Spanish.

Main topics covered:

Literacy in Language

Numeracy in Language

Culture and Society

The World of Work

CONTENT: We are committed to maximising the potential of all our pupils.

Use is made of ICT including the Internet, Smart-boards, Software packages

and Speaking/listening recording units.

Making learning enjoyable is important to us and language-learning games

form part of lessons.

Much work is undertaken in a co-operative and interactive situation with a

partner or a group.

HOMEWORK: To learn/revise vocabulary twice a week.

Skills homework will be set once a fortnight.

ASSESSMENT: All topics will be assessed internally and will cover all language skills –

reading, listening, writing and speaking.

PROGRESSION: Pupils can progress to National Qualifications in Access 3, NQ4 and NQ5 in

Spanish. Pupils may also progress onto a National Qualification in another

Modern Language.

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