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Session 2015/16

Belmont Academy Third Year

Learning Choices Information

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Introduction

In the final year of the broad general education, all pupils will continue to study a wide variety of subjects. You will also continue to focus on Literacy and Numeracy while Health and Wellbeing will be delivered during timetabled PE, Universal Support and RME. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities will be taken forward by your choices in the Technology column of the option choices sheet. However, in what is an important time for you at Belmont Academy, there is a change to give each of you a level of personalisation and choice in your curriculum. In your first two years at secondary school, you have been following a fixed curriculum as part of ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’ and the move to third year allows you to specialise by studying specific courses within each of the curricular areas. This booklet provides basic information on each of the Learning Choices available. However, more detailed information is available from the teachers in each department. As part of the core curriculum, all pupils will study:

4 periods of Mathematics & Numeracy

4 periods of English & Literacy

2 periods of Physical Education

1 period of Universal support

1 period of RME The other 7 Learning Choices will be allocated 3 periods per week and you will choose from a selection of Learning Choices within each of the curricular areas. This will allow you to focus in greater depth on the subjects that best meet your needs. All subjects offered will have progression to qualifications at National 3, National 4 and National 5 during S4 to S6. These choices will be refined as you make a further selection at the end of S3 to determine the subjects you will take forward for certification. In addition to the significant aspects of learning from each curriculum area there will also be a focus on developing the core skills for learning and work which the school has identified as being important to make a successful transition into the Senior Phase of the curriculum. These are illustrated in the table below.

Skills for Learning Skills for Work

Analysis Communicating

Application Planning and Organising

Evaluation Problem Solving

Synthesis Working with Others

Thinking Critically and Creatively.

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Core Subjects

English & Literacy

Learners will continue to study the purposes and practices of written and spoken English. In particular there will be:

Development of their skills in listening, talking, reading and writing in a wide range of contexts.

Greater emphasis on more literary texts for analysis as learners mature in their understanding.

Further opportunities to develop literacy skills in the analysis and production of media texts such as :

o Adverts – TV and in print. o Films. o Internet communications. o The written press.

As part of their preparation for National 4 assessment learners will be given opportunities to practise the skills required for the Value Added unit; “... to provide evidence of their ability to apply and integrate their language skills in English. Learners will demonstrate their ability to plan and research a chosen topic in a familiar context, using their reading and writing skills. Learners will present their findings, providing evidence of their listening and talking skills.”

SQA Draft Course Specification

Mathematics & Numeracy Maths is compulsory in S3 and that’s because it has so much to offer you, including:

Learning about Mathematics and its importance in everyday life.

Developing skills that enable you to model real-life situations, make connections and

informed predictions.

Developing the skills required to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve

problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.

Developing skills for life, learning and work, in particular numeracy, problem-solving,

working with others, communication, planning and organising.

Pupils will continue to work through the remaining Level 3 and 4 Maths and numeracy experiences and outcomes, with an appropriate amount of breadth and challenge. The content covered in S3 will provide a strong foundation for future studies in S4, whether this is at National 3, 4 or 5.

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Universal Support All pupils will follow a structured course in S3 which builds on the Experiences & Outcomes delivered in S1/2 during PSE. The main focus of the course is the Outcomes & Experiences from the Health & Wellbeing curricular area. This will cover:

Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing

Planning for choices and changes

Relationships, sexual health and parenthood

Substance misuse There will also be a focus on vocational opportunities where pupils will undertake the preparation for a Work Experience placement in the senior school. The course will be delivered mainly by the guidance staff who will also provide additional support for all pupils within their house group. This single period also deals with learning areas such as study skills and the planning of work and homework to ensure that all areas of the curriculum are able to be fully accessed.

Physical Education – Core P.E In 3rd year core Physical Education pupils will continue to build on the basic skills and knowledge covered in S1 and S2 through active participation in a variety of activities. Pupils will participate in the following core activities: basketball, fitness, football/hockey, social dance and volleyball. In addition pupils will also have the opportunity to select a further two activities which best suit their needs and interests. The focus will be on consolidating and developing practical and other key skills while moving towards being secure by the end of S3. This course will help pupils develop skills which will enable them to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

Religious & Moral Education This core curriculum area is delivered through a weekly course in RME at CfE Level 4. Learners study towards Experiences and Outcomes in Christianity and other religions, as well as Developing Beliefs & Values. The theme of the course is ‘Justice in the World’ and covers Stewardship, Homelessness (including a fundraising project), Crime & Punishment and Forgiveness. Learners develop a range of useful transferable skills.

Health and Wellbeing (HWB) Learning in Health and Wellbeing ensures that children and young people develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future. This will be delivered during PE, Universal Support and RME.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) The main purpose of the STEM programme is to support pupils by enriching and enhancing the curriculum and encouraging an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) subjects. This will be delivered in the Technologies column.

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Modern Languages

French / Spanish/German

In the Modern Languages Department, we offer a motivating and relevant learning experience for all pupils. In line with Curriculum for Excellence, our teaching at S3 provides the pupils with a concise overview of the experiences and outcomes for Level 4. Choice and progression are key elements of our course and as a result pupils will be able to opt for one or two languages. Language is for communication and young people should develop the generic skills of talking, listening, reading and writing to allow them to communicate with others in the global marketplace and in order to forge meaningful relationships. Pupils will learn about interesting, relevant and current topics in a challenging environment. In such a competitive job market being able to communicate in a foreign language could make a big difference.

Language and Culture

In this course pupils will be introduced to skills in Speaking and Listening needed to communicate in a social context. These skills will be at a basic level and will be relevant if pupils wish to communicate in a holiday or other social context. This is for 1 period per week. The other period is not in the Modern Languages department but will be in other areas of the school and deal with the culture, food and other areas of the country being studied.

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Social Studies

Business Management

Today’s media has an increasing focus on business in programmes such as “The Apprentice” and “Dragon’s Den”. Students can now learn the skills and qualities required to be a successful business practitioner and entrepreneur. This subject illustrates the importance of business in today’s society and that the business world is a vibrant and exciting place where the decisions made affect us all in our everyday lives. Business pupils will:

Develop transferrable skills, for example the ability to solve problems, work within a team, become a leader and improve your communication skills.

Learn how a business works locally, within the UK and on a global scale

Learn business language and how finance, emerging technology, marketing and human resources can influence the success of an organisation.

Develop an understanding of how economic and business decisions affect peoples’ lives – which is especially relevant in the current economic climate.

Students will have the opportunity to apply their critical thinking and skills of analysis and evaluation across a range of contexts within the Business Management course, providing them with an ideal platform from which to further progress their study of this subject at the appropriate level within the senior phase.

Geography

Geography is unique within the social subjects, as it bridges the gap between the natural sciences and the social sciences. In third year, pupils will be introduced to a number of concepts that will lead to progression at National 3, 4 and 5 in fourth year. The topics that will be covered in third year include;

Ordnance Survey and specialist mapping

World climate with a particular focus on the Arctic climate and tundra environment

Extreme weather events, including the causes and impact of hurricanes and tornadoes.

The physical geography of Scotland, in particular the processes which shape our coastal and mountain areas and how these areas are used by humans.

The issues affecting our towns and cities including housing, shopping and traffic congestion. Pupils will focus on a case study of Glasgow

The location, causes and impact of volcanic eruptions and how areas which experience these events can be assisted

In addition, pupils will develop a wide range of skills:

Numeracy; through data analysis, problem solving and the production and interpretation of graphs and charts.

Literacy; including analysis of source material, essay and extended writing skills and report writing skills

Mapping skills, including interpreting specialist and thematic maps including Ordnance Survey maps, meteorological charts, Geographic Information Systems and using GPS equipment

Using information technology to research information and produce reports and presentations Fieldwork is an integral part of Geography. Pupils will have the to visit sites and features related to the topics studied and to observe, record and analyse sources of information, working individually and in groups.

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History

S3 History allows pupils to develop their knowledge of various important historical topics, including: • The life of a slave in the Americas • Living in Scotland in the 1800s • World War Two

Studying History helps pupils develop a range of skills, including: • Researching, including using different sources • Presenting facts • Analysing information • Evaluating different issues • Problem solving • Thinking critically, including recognizing bias and exaggeration

The course is designed to allow pupils to learn more about History whilst also preparing them for future years in the subject. After S3 pupils may choose to study History at National 3, 4 or 5 levels, before going on to National 6 (Higher) and National 7 (Advanced Higher).

Modern Studies

This course is designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of all students in two key areas; Social Issues: - Crime and Law International Issues: - Global Security – Terrorism

Additionally Modern Studies students will be given the opportunity to develop core skills including:

Critically Thinking

Evaluating

Analysis

Problem Solving

Research Skills

Presentation Skills

This course reflects the demands of Level 4 CfE, while preparing the groundwork for future progress in Modern Studies. By S4 pupils will be able to take national certification reflecting their needs and abilities from National 3, 4 and 5 qualifications. Progression to the National 6 and 7 courses in S5&6 are tightly linked into all course planning and delivery.

Religious & Moral Education

This course is completely independent of the core course and is intended for those students who wish to progress to National 3, 4 or 5 qualifications in RMPS and/or National 5 Psychology in S4. In S3, the over-arching theme of the course will be Religion and its Challenges in the 21st Century. This will include the study of religious experience from faith and psychological perspectives; religious and secular arguments for the origin of the universe and human life; the importance of free will, the problems presented by suffering and evil and the consequences for our experience of ourselves as humans. Students develop the following skills:

Critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints

Problem-solving

Understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication

Debating, role-playing and empathy

Presenting arguments using a range of media

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Science

Biology The last mass extinction of species happened 66 million years ago when the dinosaurs disappeared from our planet. We are currently facing a new mass extinction due to human activities. It has never been more important than now for us to understand how we can prevent the loss of life on Earth. In Biology you will have the opportunity to learn about topics which are current to the world around you with a particular focus on the environmental issues in Scotland. You will investigate various ecosystems and learn about the importance of maintaining biodiversity. We will cover topics such as energy flow in ecosystems, using keys to identify organisms, genetics and natural selection and the use of indicator species to monitor pollution. You will learn about the world around you by developing your investigative skills. Weather permitting, we will be outside sampling plants and animals and calculating their abundance. The S3 Biology course will help prepare you for the National 3, 4 and 5 courses in S4.

Chemistry The S3 Chemistry course will cover topics including Chemical Energy, Atoms and Ions, Bonding Formulae, Fuels and Hydrocarbons, Carbohydrates and Alcohol. The course will be relevant for those students wishing to continue their studies in Chemistry at National 4, National 5 in S4 and then at Higher level in S5. The Chemistry department will also offer a similar course to those students wishing to progress to National 3 and National 4 in S4.

Physics In Physics, you will make a start in trying to understand the fascinating natural laws of the universe. Physics explains many common-place experiences which we take for granted and the applications of Physics have made a huge contribution to modern society. The course is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of the concepts in Physics and show some of the contributions that it has made to our lives, e.g.

How understanding forces have led to advances in car safety The use of nuclear energy and renewables to potentially replace fossil fuel power

stations. How understanding the electromagnetic spectrum has led to improvements in

diagnostic and therapeutic medicine.

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Expressive Arts

Art and Design Learners will develop drawing and painting skills through a variety of media in the form of an Expressive Unit. Learners will develop problem solving skills by working through a design brief, design process and arriving at a solution to complete a Design Unit. Two pieces of associated written work will be produced where learners will express personal opinions and make judgements on the work of artists and designers.

Ceramics Learners will work through an Expressive and Design unit, producing drawings and design ideas, resulting in two ceramic final outcomes. Two pieces of associated written work will be produced where learners will express personal opinions and make judgements on the work of artists and designers.

Photography Learners will use the medium of photography to create Expressive outcomes. They will develop skills in observational drawing, camera technique and IT processes. Two pieces of associated written work will be produced where learners will express personal opinions and make judgements on the work of artists and designers.

Drama

This course will develop learners’ drama and production skills and provide opportunities for learners to generate and communicate thoughts and ideas when creating drama. The course also develops learners’ knowledge of social and cultural influences on drama.

Design & Manufacture

Design and Manufacture combines scientific, mathematical and technological rigor with design creativity and innovation. It is this interface between technology and creativity that makes the course so full of options, possibilities and of great educational benefit. The Course allows learners to consider the various factors that impact on a product’s design. It will consider the life cycle of a product from its inception through design, manufacture and use, and finally to obsolescence and re-use. The course is supported by the emergence of the circular economy and the Ellen MacArthur foundation who have in recent years delivered aspects of course content. The course provides progression from experiences and outcomes in expressive arts, mathematics, science and ICT, as well as in craft, design, engineering and graphics. The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop:

Skills in design and manufacturing models, prototypes and products.

Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes

Understanding of the impact of design and manufacturing technologies on our environment and society.

This course is delivered through the focus on two design and make activities across the year and one specific product evaluation project all leading toward our National 5course in fourth year and beyond.

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Music with Performing S3 Music further develops pupils’ skills in three elements: Performing, Composing and Understanding Music covered in S1/2. It also provides opportunities for them to work individually and in groups to perform, create and discuss music. The course is structured as follows:

Performing Skills

Develop performing skills on two instruments or one instrument and voice

Pupil choice of repertoire

Opportunity to perform to peers and/or wider audiences

Pupils will choose from the following options; voice, guitar, bass guitar, drum-kit, tuned percussion, ukulele or keyboard. If a pupil plays an orchestral instrument, this is also an option for instrumental choice.

Composing Skills

Study a variety styles of composition

Create their own original composition/arrangement/song

Use of ICT where appropriate to enhance their learning

Understanding Music

Identify concepts and features found in different musical genres –

Instruments of the Orchestra

Voices

World Music

Popular musical styles

Baroque/Classical eras

S3 Music allows pupils to develop life skills such as organisation, time management, working with others, independent learning and problem solving.

Physical Education Pupils who select this option will participate in an extra three periods of PE each week in addition to their core PE periods. Pupils who select this course must be motivated to actively participate in all of the following activities throughout the session: Basketball, Badminton, Fitness, Gymnastics/Trampolining, Hockey and Table Tennis. As well as developing practical performance in a range of activities, pupils will also develop their theoretical knowledge of some of the physical, social, emotional and mental factors which can affect performance. In doing so there will be regular classroom based sessions and homework tasks throughout the year. This course will help pupils who have a genuine interest in the subject to develop a more in-depth knowledge and range of complex skills to enable them to progress into Certificated Physical Education in the Senior Phase.

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Technologies Accounting Accounting is the study of how financial information is recorded and measured by organisations, and students who like working with numbers will find the subject exciting and rewarding. From a multi-national corporation to a young entrepreneur starting a new business – the knowledge and skills learned in Accounting are key to effective decision making and success. The course provides experience within:

Preparing Financial Accounting – developing skills and knowledge of how organisations prepare and record their financial information.

Preparing Management Accounting – budgeting skills and how organisations use information to make decisions e.g. breaking-even, earning a profit.

Analysing Accounting – interpreting financial information eg business ratios, so that organisations can assess their performance and plan as required.

Students will have the opportunity to apply their critical thinking and skills of analysis across a range of contexts within the Accounting course, providing them with an ideal platform from which to further progress their study of this subject at N5 and Higher within the senior phase.

Administration & IT Administration & IT is the ideal course if you want to improve your IT skills and knowledge using Microsoft Office. You will then be able to create professional-looking assignments and projects on your pc or laptop for other school subjects. Having excellent IT and communication skills will also help you at university/college and be a real advantage with employment prospects. The course provides experience within:

IT Solutions – developing skills in IT, problem solving and organising and managing information. You will gain valuable experience in using current and emerging technologies to create, edit and update business documents.

Administrative Practice – how IT is used to support business and includes planning and organising events, customer care and business legislation.

Communication – skills in using IT for gathering and sharing information. Students will have the opportunity to apply their communication and problem solving skills across a range of contexts within the Admin & IT course, providing them with an ideal platform from which to further progress their study of this subject at an appropriate level with the senior phase.

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Essential Craft Skills Essential Craft Skills is a course which will introduce to the students to the Engineering skills required to work with Wood, Metal and Electronics. This course is designed to develop the applied skills required in creating and understanding the world we live in. This course will give the pupils the opportunity to understand the properties of different materials and a wide range of manufacturing processes in woodworking, metalworking and also Practical Electronics. The aim of this course is to enable learners to:

Read and understand working drawings and transferring dimensions from paper to material or identify correct components which allow products to sequentially be assembled. (numeracy for life)

Understanding of marking out, selecting jointing techniques and assembling circuit layouts. (literacy across learning)

Practical skills that will support vocational, recreational and engineering competence in constructing everyday objects. (dexterity and fine motor skills development)

Practical and creative problem-solving. (critical thinking skills)

An applied understanding of sustainability issues in practical wood, metal and electronic manufacture. (technology and society awareness)

This course is designed to give the students a good basis to build their practical engineering skills. This course progresses toward a choice of practical Engineering subjects in our senior phase S4-S6 of Woodworking Skills, Metalworking Skills and Practical Electronics. The course is delivered through a wide variety of small practical tasks in wood, metal and electronics which gets recorded in a pupil learning log by the student.

Computing Science The Computing Science Course provides students with an understanding of the technologies that underpin the digital world as well as developing transferrable skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. It brings together elements of technology and science and students will study units in Games Design and Graphics, Computer Security, the latest Emerging Technologies and Web Design. This will provide them with a solid grounding of the core Computing Science concepts that will facilitate their progress to National 3, 4 and 5 qualifications in S4.

Graphic Communication

Graphic Communication provides opportunities for learners to gain skills in reading, interpreting and creating graphic presentations. The course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature combining elements of creativity and communication for visual impact, with an appreciation of the importance of engineering detail and business marketing. These two aspects of the course develop very different and important skills which prepare the pupils for life in the world of work.

The course allows learners to engage with technologies in the use of CAD, Scanners, graphic tablets and the use of printers including 3D printing technologies. Graphic Communication enables learners to consider the impact that graphic communication technology has on our environment and society from building products and buildings, to sign design and publishing design for marketing.

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The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:

Develop skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of manual and digital equipment and software.

Extend and apply knowledge and understanding of British standards and protocols in communicating effectively across the world.

Develop manual dexterity and communication through the use of sketching and colour.

Develop digital literacy and enable students to communicate using a wide range of digital media. This course will focus on skills development which will be assessed through two added value projects which will prepare the students for progression to National 5.

Health and Food Technology The Health and Food Technology Course enables learners to develop and apply practical and technological skills, along with knowledge and understanding to make informed food and consumer choices. Learners develop and apply safe and hygienic practices in practical food preparation, as well as knowledge and understanding of the relationships between health, food and nutrition. This course combines theory and practical cookery work and pupils will cover 3 main areas of learning:

Food and health: Pupils will build on their work in S2 to further develop their knowledge and

understanding of nutrition, current healthy eating advice and the needs of different groups

in the community when planning, choosing, cooking and evaluating dishes. Pupils will also

learn to adapt recipes for a healthier lifestyle and to suit different dietary needs.

Food Product Development: Pupils will develop their own products to meet consumer

needs and learn about the stages of product development, Function of ingredients and

sensory evaluation. As part of this unit pupils will work in teams to produce and present

their products and will use literacy & numeracy skills in doing so.

Contemporary Food Issues: Pupils will investigate food labelling, sustainability of food,

seasonality, food additives, organic food production and other contemporary food issues.

They will learn how to apply this knowledge and understanding to the products they make.

This course progresses to National 4/5 in Health and Food Technology in S4

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