Course Options for S3
Session 2016-2017
Subject Information
*Please note that all vocational courses listed are presented at National 4 only.
Contents
Course Descriptions Page
Accounting 2
Administration & IT 2
Art & Design 3
Biology 5
Business 6
Business Management 7
Chemistry 8
Computing Science 9
Design and Manufacture 11
Drama 12
Early Education & Childcare
English 13
Geography 14
Graphic Communication 15
Health & Food Technology 16
History 17
Hospitality: Practical Cookery 18
Mathematics 19
Modern Languages 20
Modern Studies 21
Music 22
Physics 23-24
Physical Education 25
RMPS 26
Practical Woodworking Skills 27
Other Information 29
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Subject Title / Levels offeredAccounting / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
Preparing Financial Accounting Information
· Sole trader
· Role of financial accountant
· Business documents
· Recording entries in ledger accounts
· Preparing trial balance
· Final accounts and the balance sheet of the sole trader
Preparing Management Accounting Information
· Role of management accountant
· Costing
· Break-even
· Cash budget
Analysing Accounting Information
· Business analysis
· Decision making
Main purpose of the course
The purpose of the Course is to enable learners to understand, and make use of, financial information so that they can prepare accounting statements and analyse, interpret and report on an organisation’s financial performance. Accounting relates to many aspects of everyday life and, therefore, gives learners experiences which are topical and which develop skills for learning, life and work. The Course encourages learners to think logically and to apply accounting principles in their everyday lives, thereby supporting their personal financial awareness.
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
Anyone interested in a career in Business or Finance should consider Accounting. Other potential areas of employment include:
v Accountancy
v Actuary
v Advertising
v Book-keeping
v Company Secretary/Management
v Economics
v Financial Services, eg Banking, Advisor
v Investment Analyst
v IT
v Management
v Teaching
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Administration and IT / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Administrative Practices
· IT Solutions for Administrators
· Communication in Administration
· Administration in Action (is the added Value Unit at Level 4)
Main purpose of the course
The key purpose of this Course is to develop learners’ administrative and IT skills and, ultimately, to enable them to contribute to the effective functioning of organisations in administrative positions.
The Course aims to enable learners to:
· develop an understanding of administration in the workplace and key legislation affecting employees
· develop an appreciation of good customer care
· develop IT skills and use them to perform administrative tasks
· acquire organisational skills in the context of organising and supporting small-scale events eg meetings
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
This Course, because of its practical component, is relevant to the world of work and develops employability skills. Learners who have completed the Course will be able to use the acquired administration- and IT-related knowledge and skills in their day-to-day lives, as well as preparing them for the next stage in their education.
This subject is useful in any career which involves the use of IT technology and where the ability to organise, process and communicate information is also required eg office administrators, customer service personnel, receptionists, in fact, any job which requires the use of computers for administrative purposes. Many professional jobs also require IT skills to produce reports and make presentations - this course provides these skills.
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Subject Title / Levels offeredArt and Design / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Design Unit (with critical activity)
· Expressive Unit (with critical activity)
· Added Value Unit (Final Design/ Expressive Outcome)
Main purpose of the course
The areas we offer courses in include: Graphic Design, Jewellery Design, Ceramic Design, Product Design, Architecture, Painting, Sculpture.
To enable learners to:
· Communicate a range of personal thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and design media, materials, techniques, technologies
· Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and appreciation of a range of and design practice
· Work imaginatively and develop individual creativity, developing a range of skills in problem solving, critical thinking and reflective practice
· Understand the social and cultural influences on a range of artists and designers and their work
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
The subject has a wide range of applications within a number of areas.
For example :
Graphic Design; Animation; Fashion Design; Costume Design; Textile Design; Jewellery Design; Shoe Design; Web/ Game Design; Film making; Architecture; Interior Design; Landscape Architecture; Town Planning; Furniture Design.
Painter; Sculptor; Art and Design Teacher; Primary Teacher; College Tutor; Art Historian/ Lecturer (Art History); Curator; Make up Artist; Beauty Therapist and Hairdressing and many more.
This subject would be useful within any career which requires some degree of creative ability.
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Subject Title / Levels offeredBiology / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Cell Biology
· Multicellular Organisms
· Life on Earth
Main purpose of the course
The National 4 course builds on the level 3 Science outcomes. Pupils broaden their understanding of Biology by progressing through the level 4 experiences and outcomes. This includes introducing some new concepts, higher order thinking skills and ideas with an aim to develop their breadth of knowledge and further challenge their scientific minds.
The National 5 course builds on the level 4 Science and National 4 Biology outcomes. The aim of this course is to broaden pupils understanding of Biology by introducing new skills and concepts in order to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment.
National 4 and 5 courses aims to:
· develop scientific and analytical thinking skills in a biological context
· develop understanding of biological issues
· acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of biological concepts
· develop understanding of relevant applications of Biology in society
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
· Medicine
· Childcare
· Research
· Nursing
· Horticultural
· Teaching
· Veterinarian
· Sports therapist/physics
· Animal Husbandry
· Conservation
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Business / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Business in Action
· Influences on Business
· Business in Practice
Main purpose of the course
The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ understanding of the way in which businesses operate in the current dynamic, changing, competitive and economic environments, and to encourage entrepreneurial attitudes.
Through the use of practical activities and theoretical concepts, using real-life contexts, learners will be given opportunities to be involved in learning that is designed to inspire, challenge and motivate them, as well as giving them an insight into the steps businesses take to remain competitive and successful.
A main feature of this Course is the development of enterprise and employability skills; learners will gain a better understanding of the personal qualities and attributes required of people involved in business.
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
This subject is of value in a wide range of career areas, as the development of enterprise and employability skills within the course will be of benefit to students regardless of career options. Specific areas where Business would be a useful qualification include banking, accountancy, law, sales, office administration and management, retail and other service industry jobs. It is also of obvious benefit to anyone who might be interested in becoming self employed.
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Business Management / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Understanding Business
· Management of People & Finance
· Management of Marketing & Operations
Main purpose of the course
Business plays an important role in society. We all rely on businesses to create wealth and wellbeing, prosperity, jobs and choices. Therefore, it is essential society has effective businesses and business managers to sustain this role.
The purpose of the Course is to highlight the way in which organisations operate and the steps that they take to achieve their goals. This will be done through combining practical and theoretical aspects of business learning through the use of real-life business contexts. The skills, knowledge and understanding gained will be embedded in current business practice and theory, and will reflect the integrated nature of organisations, their functions, and their decision-making processes.
A main feature of this Course is the development of enterprise and employability skills. Learners will be able to understand and make use of business information to interpret and report on overall business performance in a range of contexts. The Course therefore includes the study of organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
The Course underpins the important impact businesses have on everyday life, and therefore gives learners experiences which are topical. It develops skills for learning, life and work that will be of instant use when entering into the workplace. It supports personal financial awareness through improving knowledge of financial management in a business context.
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
This subject is of value in a wide range of career areas, as the development of enterprise and employability skills within the course will be of benefit to students regardless of career options. Specific areas where Business would be a useful qualification include banking, accountancy, law, sales, office administration and management, retail and other service industry jobs. It is also of obvious benefit to anyone who might be interested in becoming self employed.
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Subject Title / Levels offeredChemistry / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Chemical changes and structure
· Nature’s Chemistry
· Chemistry and Society
Main purpose of the course
To enable learners to identify how Chemistry impacts on their every day lives. This course will also allow learners to gain a better understanding of the world they live in. Chemistry has been coined the ‘Central Science’ as it bridges together subjects such as Physics and Biology.
Chemistry is more than “bubbles and colours changes” as it seeks to understand what is happening at the atomic level as atoms react and the energy changes that occur. A good example of this would be the chemical reactions that occur in a battery to generate electricity.
Chemistry is one of the oldest sciences, having its routes in alchemy. Although changing lead to gold has not been done (yet!) Chemistry is still one of the best paid professions, taking 5 positions in the top 10 best science jobs. The list below provides an idea of the range and diversity a chemist may choose to pursue.
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
· Agriculture
· Bio Chemistry
· Chemical Engineering
· Food Chemistry
· Forensics
· Medical/Pharmacology
· Renewables
· Research & Development
· Synthetic Textiles
· Water Industry
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Subject Title / Levels offeredComputing Science / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Software Design and Development
· Information Systems Design and Development
· Computing Science Coursework/AVU
Main purpose of the course
To develop an understanding of the central role of computer scientists as problem-solvers and designers, able to design, implement and operate hardware and software systems, and the far-reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society. To also develop a range of transferable skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work, opening up a wide range of career and study opportunities.
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
Very many careers involve the use of computers. Computing and Information Science provides a good starting point for gaining entrance to these. In addition it would allow access to “pure” computing related careers including: software engineering, game design and production, database design and production, web design, network management, computer engineering, computer maintenance and many others. Computing and Information Science is well regarded and recognised entrance qualification for many University courses.
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information
Subject Title / Levels offeredDesign and Manufacture / Most pupils progress through level 3/ level 4, transitioning to a National 3/4/5 during S3 with a view to undertaking the SQA exam in S4.
Units
· Design and Manufacture: Design
· Design and Manufacture: Materials and Manufacturing
· Design and Manufacture Assignment
Main purpose of the course
The Design and Manufacture course aims to develop learners’ skills in the design and manufacture of both custom built and commercial products. The course introduces pupils to a range of materials and processes which are commonly used in school, and allows pupils to design and manufacture a range of products to meet specified design briefs. Pupils will have the opportunity to work as individuals and as part of a design team over a range of challenging and engaging tasks.
The Design and Manufacture course also develops learners’ understanding of the impact of design and manufacturing technologies on our society and environment, looking at product evaluation from both a functional and environmental point of view.
Possible Careers where subject would be useful
This course develops problem solving and motor skills which would be useful in any line of work. It also lends itself to professions where creative ability is important. Particular trades which it relates directly to include;
· Engineering
· Architecture
· Trade skills such as electrics, plumbing, building etc.
· All manufacturing roles
· Teaching
· Product Design
S3 Course Choice - Subject Information