Vocational and Technical Subjects at South Dartmoor

Transcription

1 Vocational and Technical Subjects at South Dartmoor Introduction Over the last few years, the government has relentlessly pursued an agenda of an academic English Baccalaureate, and whilst this drive to raise standards is to be supported, it has also resulted in increased pressure on students and schools. It has become increasingly obvious that the new academic GCSEs do not enable all students to be successful subjects such as the arts, sport, technology, vocational areas have seen their exams become more traditional, with increased written and exam paper content. This is not the way in which many of our students learn at their best and so we have decided to expand our vocational offer this year. We have chosen to offer a wide range of high standard vocational subjects. Our students have an outstanding track-record in the style of learning supported by these course and we are confident that students opting for these courses will be successful and enjoy their learning. We would encourage you to look closely at these subjects especially if your son/daughter would benefit from a different style of learning to compliment or enhance the academic subjects they have to study in their core education (English, Maths, Science, a Humanity, and a Language for most students). All students have a balanced curriculum as a result of this core set of subjects and option choices enhance this further so any option made is a strong and positive choice. For the few subjects on offer that do not lead to an examination, we will compliment the course with a range of Life Style courses to support future education and success inlife and employment. We look forward to teaching these subjects in September 2018.

2 Performing Arts Historically, one of our strongest and most popular study areas these courses focus on performance and technical support work in Drama and Dance; or Performance work in Music. We are offering two different courses: Course 1: RSL Level 2 in Creative and Performing Arts (Drama and Dance) Course 2: RSL Level 2 in Music Performance Aimed at: students who enjoy the practical elements of Drama, Dance and Music. Students can specialise in one or multiple disciplines, or look at technical aspects of theatre (lighting, sound). Child Care Historically, one of our strongest and most popular courses with an amazing 100% A*-B pass rate last year. The course: CACHE Level 2 Child Care Aimed at: students interested in future work with young children (aged 0-5), through care, nursery, teaching assistant work. See full option booklet entry for full details of all these courses. All students choosing music will study a foundation Year 9 course before being advised to follow a GCSE or RSL course to examination completion.

3 Land Based This is an non-examined course designed to enable access to full courses post-16. The course: South Dartmoor Certificate in Land based skills Attainment 8/Progress 8 approved: NO (non-examined) Aimed at: students interested in future work in the land based industry and at students who would benefit from a reduced number of exam based entries. We have a high success rate in supporting students move into further education, employment inthis subject. Students will be advised as to whether the school thinks that entry into less formal qualifications is beneficial with regards to overall success and well-being. IT An open qualification in Information Technology in which the focus is on technical skills and application. The course: Cambridge National Award Level 2 IT Aimed at: students interested in future work in IT, computers application and support rather than programming. See option book for further information. SDCC also offers GCSE Computer Science to able mathematicians and computer programmers - as a Guided Option Choice only. Please discuss suitability of this optional course with Computer Science staff.

4 Travel & Tourism Industry In a county with a strong tourism industry a course run by Geography developing tourism skills. The course: Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Travel and Tourism Aimed at: students interested in future work in the tourism industry; students interested in travel and UK heritage. This is a new and exciting course for SDCC as a full BTEC qualification, this vocational route will have a slightly higher academic content and delivery. technology Historically, one of our most popular option choice uptake areas these courses are excellent vocational alternatives to the GCSE courses also run in the department. Course 1: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creative Studies: Craft Course 2: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Studies Aimed at: students interested in careers in materials, product design technology and engineering. These courses are more vocational than the GCSE courses offered by Technology see Options book for further details.

5 Sport A vocational route into sport an area of outstanding success at SDCC. The course: Cambridge National Award Level 2 Sports Studies Aimed at: students interested in future work in practical sport, sports leadership or sports media work. SDCC also offers GCSE PE as a more academic pathway into sports career pathways. See Options Booklet for further details about either course Hair & Beauty This is an non-examined course designed to enable access to full courses post-16. The courses: (a) South Dartmoor Certificate in Hair & Beauty or (b) VTCT Level 2/1 Qualifications. Attainment 8/Progress 8 approved: NO (examined; and non-examined options available) Aimed at: students interested in future work in the hair and beauty industry and at students and students who would benefit from a reduced number of exam subject entries. See options booklet for details. Students will be advised as to whether the school thinks that entry into less formal qualifications is beneficial with regards to overall success and well-being.

6 Further Information Contacts: (Curriculum) (Vocational Education) Any Performance Leader. What to put on the Option Choices return form: Creative Drama/Dance Music Child Care Land-based IT Tourism Technology Craft Technology Engineering Cambridge Sport Hair and Beauty Examined Hair and Beauty Non-examined