Introduction
Our aim as a school is to raise attainment and achievement and therefore it is important for pupils and their parents/carers to have all the information available in order to make the best decisions about which subjects to study in the Senior Phase. Information is available from a number of different sources including the following -
- Here in this presentation
- Subject Teachers
- Pupil Support
- Heads of Departments
- PSE Lessons
- Teachers Careers Officer
- University/College websites
- Education Scotland
- www.myworldofwork
- Family/Relatives/Friends
- www.sqa.org.uk
- Local Employers
- Libraries
Important Dates
S3 into S4 Option Sheet
New S5/6 Option Sheet
Course Information
Administration & IT
Administration is a growing sector which offers wide-ranging employment opportunities. These skills have extensive application not only in employment but also in other walks of life. All learners will develop an understanding of administration in the workplace, looking at key legislation affecting employees and organisations and features of good customer care. Learners will develop IT skills and use them to perform administrative tasks as well as acquiring organisational skills in the context of organising and supporting small-scale events. There is a significant practical component to encourage the integration of skills, knowledge and understanding through practical activities. The use of real-life contexts makes this course relevant to the world of work. The course will take account of emerging technologies to ensure its continuing currency and relevance.
What will I do?
Art & Design
All courses to Higher are designed to provide all students with the opportunity to successfully complete any level of qualification offered in Art & Design after one or two years of study. Throughout the course, Art & Design students will not only develop their practical skill, but also their analytical ability which gives them a greater understanding of the world around them. Creative thinking feeds the rest of the curriculum as our students learn problem-solving skills that are invaluable as they become more independent learners.
Biology
Biology
Biology is the scientific exploration of the vast and diverse world of living organisms; an exploration that has expanded enormously within the last four decades revealing a wealth of knowledge about ourselves and about the millions of other organisms that inhabit this planet. Today, biological research spans an almost infinite spectrum of studies from molecules to landscapes. Biology teaches useful skills that can be used in any career and teaches us to be objective, how to reason and how to problem solve. The National 4 and 5 biology courses are broken into 3 units: Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life on Earth. Higher Biology contains the units: DNA and the Genome, Metabolism and Survival and Sustainability and Interdependence. The units in each level reflect candidate’s previous knowledge and understanding, ability to problem solve and ability to plan and carrying out practical activities.
Business Education
Business is integral to everyday life. In society we rely on business to satisfy our needs, whether that is provision of food, clothing, education, health or transport.
The course introduces learners to the dynamic, competitive, financial and economic environment of business. Learners develop skills in researching, communicating, decision making, problem-solving and presenting business-related information. This allows them to succeed in life with determination and the ability to think logically.
These skills will also support learners to become more confident, particularly regarding their own education and place in the world of work.
Computing Science
Computing Science encourages candidates to become successful, responsible and creative in using technologies, and to develop a range of qualities including flexibility, perseverance, confidence, and enterprise. At all levels, the course covers a common core of concepts which underpin the study of computing science and explores the role and impact of contemporary computing technologies. It also includes a range of transferable skills, which opens a wide range of career and study opportunities. All courses highlight how computing professionals are problem-solvers and designers, and the far-reaching impact of information technology on our environment and society
Design & Manufacture
Design and Manufacture introduces learners to the multi-faceted world of product design and manufacturing. In the course learners are encouraged to use imagination, creativity and logical thinking, and to apply practical skills. The course thus provides a broad scope for personalisation and choice.
Creativity is at the heart of this course – and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic. The course provides progression from experiences and outcomes in expressive arts, mathematics, science and ICT, as well as in craft, design, engineering and graphics.
Design and Manufacture develops skills that allow learners to learn, live, and work more effectively in our advancing society.
English
The ability to make sense of our world is dependent on being literate in the broadest sense of the word. In English, young people will develop the ability to understand, analyse and evaluate a variety of texts in order that they can make judgements and decisions about what they read, see and hear, so they can become critical and informed thinkers. Pupils will experience a range of challenging literature which will provoke consideration of universal aspects of life and the themes explored will act as a stimulus for writing and discussion.
Geography
Geography is the study of the Earth; its people, landscapes and their interactions. The subject helps us understand the modern world in which we live and prepares students for life within it. Throughout the course we will be referring to contemporary case studies and learning about issues that affect different countries around the world. Geography is an essential subject that addresses relevant issues and helps pupils makes sense of the world in which they live.
Graphic Communication
Graphic Communication offers learners the opportunity to communicate in what is effectively an international language. The course covers the use of technical graphics in education, construction; industry and commerce.
Learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking.
History
“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday” (Pearl Buck). You should study history if you wish to learn how and why the world and its peoples came to be as they are today.
History asks "How did things get to be this way?" There is nothing in the world that does not become more intriguing and far more mysterious - once we recognize the complicated events and causes that led to its creation. At the same time, history also recognizes that there is far more to the past than the events that created the world we know today. You will become philosophers, debaters and orators.
Mathematics
Mathematics is important because it is the most widely used subject in the world. An understanding of mathematical concepts is the bedrock for so many other subjects.
Learning mathematics provides us with the ability to make calculations, simplify and solve problems, think logically, interpret and analyse information, assess risk and make informed decisions. It provides us with a method of solving a whole host of life's problems.
Application of Maths
N5 and Higher
Mathematics engages learners of all ages, interests and abilities. Learning mathematics develops logical reasoning, analysis, problem-solving skills, creativity and the ability to think in abstract ways. It uses a universal language of numbers and symbols, which allows us to communicate ideas in a concise, unambiguous and rigorous way.
The National 5 Applications of Mathematics course explores the applications of mathematical techniques and skills in everyday situations, including financial matters, statistics, and measurement. The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course also support learning in other curriculum areas, such as technology, health and wellbeing, science, and social studies.
The purpose of the National 5 Applications of Mathematics course is to motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to think through real-life situations involving mathematics and to form a plan of action based on logic.
The mathematical skills within this course are underpinned by numeracy, and designed to develop candidates’ mathematical reasoning skills in areas relevant to learning, life and work. The course aims to:
motivate and challenge candidates by enabling them to select and apply mathematical techniques in a variety of real-life situations
develop the ability to analyse real-life problems or situations with some complex features involving mathematics
develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards the use of mathematics in real-life situations
develop the ability to select, apply, combine and adapt mathematical operational skills to new and unfamiliar situations in life and work to an appropriate degree of accuracy
develop the ability to use mathematical reasoning skills to generalise, build arguments, draw logical conclusions, assess risk, and make informed decisions
develop the ability to use a range of mathematical skills to analyse, interpret and present a range of information
develop the ability to communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms
develop the ability to communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms
develop the ability to think creatively and in abstract ways
Who is this course for?
This is a suitable course for learners who have achieved the fourth level of learning across the mathematics experiences and outcomes in the broad general education, or who have attained the National 4 Applications of Mathematics course, or who have equivalent qualifications or experience.
This course is particularly suitable for learners who wish to develop the mathematical reasoning and numerical skills which are useful in other curriculum areas and workplaces.
Course assessment structure
Component 1: question paper 1 (non-calculator) 45 marks
The purpose of this question paper is to allow candidates to demonstrate the application of mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding from across the course. A calculator cannot be used. This question paper gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of a range of mathematical skills and to select, apply and combine them to perform calculations. Candidates also have opportunities to demonstrate skills in interpreting and presenting information. It consists of short-answer and extended-response questions, most of which are in context.
Component 2: question paper 2 -65 marks
The purpose of this question paper is to allow candidates to demonstrate the application of mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding from across the course. A calculator may be used. This question paper gives candidates an opportunity to interpret and analyse real-life problems or situations, select appropriate strategies, carry out calculations and draw valid conclusions or justify decisions. It consists of short-answer questions, extended-response questions and case studies, most of which are in context.
Modern Languages (French/Spanish)
With growing competition for University places it is essential that we make our applicants stand out as highly competent and well-rounded learners. As it stands Universities require at least an SCQF Level 4 (National 4) in a modern language for entry into many of their courses.
Learning a foreign language can:
-Help you better understand your own language
-Help you develop the 4 key skills that are vital for any learning: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
-Help you increase your brain capacity and improve your memory
-Provide lots more opportunities as well as job prospects, travel and self-development
Being a language student allows you to have excellent communication skills, and a better understanding of global citizenship and world culture.
Modern Studies
In a fast changing and competitive world, young people must be given the chance to reflect on the challenges facing society today if they are to be part of the solution for tomorrow. In Modern Studies, learners develop relevant knowledge and understanding and discrete and distinct higher order skills that allow them to respond effectively to these challenges both currently and in the future.
Music
Music is all around us (mp3s, adverts, film themes, soundtracks for games, radio jingles, TV talent shows etc.) and is a huge part of many people’s lives.
Career opportunities in the Music industry include
performer
sound/recording engineer
events manager
music journalist
music therapist
teacher
lawyer (entertainment business/copyright)
songwriter/composer (film themes, jingles)
The skills gained through studying music go way beyond the subject – self discipline and motivation, patience, team work, social interaction, relaxation and enhanced cognitive skills to name a few!
Music Technology
We experience music all around us in our everyday lives:
live concerts
television
advertising
sports and national events
We also experience music in an ever changing digital world where downloading songs or sharing music across the globe through the internet has become the norm. This course teaches recording, editing and production techniques; the ability to create music and sound projects; and skills required in the digital music world and in the music industry, through practical activities.
Physical Education
The main purpose of Physical Education is for students to develop and demonstrate skills and abilities in a range of physical activities. PE encourages learners to develop positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle and the contribution that physical activity makes to this. By engaging in physical activities learners can demonstrate initiative, decision making and problem solving. Learners will work both independently and co-operatively to develop thinking and interpersonal skills. This makes PE an ideal platform for developing confidence, resilience and responsibility for self and others.
Experiential learning activities encourage candidates to develop an understanding of the benefits of participation in physical activities to their mental, emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.
Physics
Physics is perhaps the most fundamental of all the Sciences.
It is often described as the science that addresses the problem of “how things work”. It seems never to be out of the news these days with various discoveries (Higg’s Boson), Cosmology and engineering feats. However these are only small branches of Physics. It is a qualification that employers, colleges and universities value.
A growing number of girls seem to be opting for Physics, which can only be good for the country’s future.
Practical Cake Craft
This course, which is practical and experiential in nature, aims to develop a range of cake baking and finishing skills in hospitality-related contexts. It enables candidates to develop, consolidate and demonstrate creative techniques in the production of cakes and other baked items.
Practical Woodwork
This course is largely workshop-based, providing a broad introduction to practical woodworking allowing learners to develop skills in reading drawings and diagrams, measuring and marking out, as well as cutting, shaping and finishing materials. The skills that learners acquire by successfully completing the course will be valuable for learning, for life and for the world of work. It encourages independence, perseverance and resilience; responsibility and reliability.
In 2011 the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne stated “We want the words; made in Britain, designed in Britain’ to drive our nation forward.”
Prince's Trust
The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme in Scotland helps 11-19 year olds to develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their goals, through relevant, engaging and informal flexible learning. Pupil Support Teachers will discuss with individual students if this is a good course for them to take.
Participants complete a personal portfolio by taking part in projects within the curriculum including Personal Development, Life Skills, Active Citizenship, Enterprise and Preparing for Work.
The Achieve Programme aims to help young people improve:
Attainment - an opportunity to work towards a personalised Prince’s Trust Personal Development and Employability Skills (PDE) qualification at Level 3, 4 or 5
Skills for Work Hospitality
The Scottish hospitality industry is large, vibrant and growing. It employs a significant proportion of the nation’s workforce.
• Skills for Work: Hospitality provides an introduction to the different commercial and non-commercial sectors of the hospitality industry and the types of provision they offer.
• Pupils learn about the organisational aims of hospitality establishments and the products and services they provide.
• They develop vocational skills and knowledge while gaining practical experiences in: menu planning; preparing, cooking and presenting a range of foods in a professional kitchen; serving food and drinks; undertaking reception duties and customer care; and planning, organising and running hospitality events.
Sport & Recreation
National 5 Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation is an introductory qualification. It develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes, needed for work in the industry.
The Course content covers the main practical activities involved in carrying out a supportive role in sport and recreation environments: sourcing information about career pathways, identifying and reviewing skills and experiences; assisting with planning, setting up and delivering activity sessions; dealing effectively and courteously with clients; assisting with emergency procedures; assisting with setting up, dismantling and checking equipment and resources; helping to plan and review a training programme; and establishing good practice in identifying and reviewing goals. The Course also covers health and safety legislation and risk assessment.
At National 5, candidates will learn about:
assisting with planning, setting up and delivering activity sessions
assisting with setting up, dismantling and checking equipment and resources
assisting with accident and emergency procedures
dealing effectively and courteously with clients, staff and others
helping to plan and review a personal training programme
establishing good practice in identifying and reviewing personal goals
sourcing information about career pathways
identifying and reviewing skills and experiences
Candidates will develop relevant vocational skills and a variety of employability skills in the context of a sport and recreation setting.
Career Pathways - Cyber Security and Customer Services
Level 6 Cyber Security and Customer Service Career Pathway
The National Progression Award (NPA) in Cyber Security at SCQF level 6 provides knowledge and skills in data security, digital forensics and ethical hacking — and provide a skills pipeline into the cyber security industry. Presented alongside the NPA Customer Service at SCQF level 6, this career pathway allows you to develop two course awards focusing on developing essential skills and knowledge needed for working in the ever growing Cyber Security and Customer Service sectors.
Cyber Security Level 6 Qualification
This award is designed to raise awareness of cyber security and fill the current skills gap in this field. It will encourage learners to improve their cyber hygiene and enable them to identify security weakness safely, legally and ethically. It will also help learners to contribute more safely to virtual communities.
Ethics and the law is a fundamental aspects of this awards. Ethical considerations are included in every component Unit. The aim of the award is to produce knowledgeable and skilled individuals who are aware of the potential misuses of, and unauthorised access to, computer systems but who use these competences for legal and ethical purposes.
The NPA consists of three mandatory units:
Data Security
Digital Forensics
Ethical Hacking
Customer Service Level 6 Qualification
Customer service impacts on all occupational sectors. Employees working in hotels, retail outlets, travel organisations, beauty therapy, hairdressing, sports centres, local authorities or voluntary organisations all require effective customer service skills and knowledge. The focus of this qualification allows learners to develop skills and knowledge in modern customer service environments, which are fast changing with the introduction of internet shopping and social media. Learners must demonstrate the ability to manage information and communicate effectively.
This NPA consists of three mandatory units:
Communication Skills for Customer Service
Social Media for Custpmer Service
Customer Service: Product and Service Requirements
Assessments
Assessment is carried out internally throughout two qualifications. Assessment methods include candidate folio and practical activities supported by assessor observation. There is no external assessment.
Career Pathway - Enterprise, Business and Customer Services
Level 6 Enterprise, Business and Customer Service Career Pathway
The National Progression Award (NPA) in Enterprise and Business at SCQF level 6 is relevant to anyone considering starting a business, or with an interest in doing so. Presented alongside the NPA Customer Service at SCQF level 6, this career pathway allows you to develop two course awards focusing on developing essential skills and knowledge needed for working in the ever growing Enterprise, Business and Customer Service sectors.
Enterprise & Business Level 6 Qualification
The focus of this qualification is on pre-enterprise activity, with the aim of developing the knowledge and skills required to start a business. Self-employment is regarded as the most relevant opportunity for candidates completing this qualification whilst building essential knowledge and skills relevant to any workplace. Thus, equipping learners for future employment in a wide range of areas, or for further study.
The NPA consists of five mandatory units:
Business Formations: An Introduction
Business Skills and Behaviours
Business Formation: Commercial Aspects and the Law
Finance and E-Business
Business Formations: Developing a Business idea
Customer Service Level 6 Qualification
Customer service impacts on all occupational sectors. Employees working in hotels, retail outlets, travel organisations, beauty therapy, hairdressing, sports centres, local authorities or voluntary organisations all require effective customer service skills and knowledge. The focus of this qualification allows learners to develop skills and knowledge in modern customer service environments, which are fast changing with the introduction of internet shopping and social media. Learners must demonstrate the ability to manage information and communicate effectively.
This NPA consists of three mandatory units:
Communication Skills for Customer Service
Social Media for Custpmer Service
Customer Service: Product and Service Requirements
Assessments
Assessment is carried out internally throughout two qualifications. Assessment methods include candidate folio and practical activities supported by assessor observation. There is no external assessment.
Career Pathway - Customer Services and Leadership
Level 6 Customer Service and Leadership Career Pathway
This career pathway allows you to develop two course awards Customer Services (SCQF Level 6) and Leadership (SCQF Level 6) focusing on developing essential skills and knowledge needed for working in the ever changing employment World that our Young People will fac
Leadership Level 6 Qualification
The Award aims to encourage learners to respect the cultures and beliefs of others through working cooperatively with them and through valuing their contribution. The Award encourages learners to develop knowledge of leadership styles, skills and qualities and to understand the impact a leader can have on others and on the success of an activity. The Leadership Award is jointly certificated by SQA and the Chartered Management Institute.
The Award consists of two mandatory units:
Leadership: An Introduction
Leadership in Practice
Customer Service Level 6 Qualification
Customer service impacts on all occupational sectors. Employees working in hotels, retail outlets, travel organisations, beauty therapy, hairdressing, sports centres, local authorities or voluntary organisations all require effective customer service skills and knowledge. The focus of this qualification allows learners to develop skills and knowledge in modern customer service environments, which are fast changing with the introduction of internet shopping and social media. Learners must demonstrate the ability to manage information and communicate effectively.
This NPA consists of three mandatory units:
Communication Skills for Customer Service
Social Media for Custpmer Service
Customer Service: Product and Service Requirements
Assessments
Assessment is carried out internally throughout two qualifications. Assessment methods include candidate folio and practical activities supported by assessor observation. There is no external assessment.
LEAPS Transition Course
This course is designed to give you the skills and experience you need to make a positive transition from school to university.
As a higher education student, you will be challenged to work effectively as an independent learner, developing and then putting into practice a new range of academic skills. You will also find a less hierarchical relationship with staff than at school, and more time spent working collaboratively to develop your own knowledge and ideas.
This course introduces a range of practical learning strategies that will help you make a smooth transition into university. It is about arming you with the tools to be successful in your undergraduate studies. You will gain access to an authentic academic environment in which to experiment with new ways of thinking and a chance to engage and react to valuable feedback that you can take with you into your future studies.
This course will be benchmarked at SCQF Level 7 – i.e. 1st year university level.
Learning approaches, spaces and timings
Whether online or face-to-face, the taught aspect of the course will be in the form of interactive lectures, workshops, tutorial discussion, online participation and independent study. You will also participate in project work, library research and meetings with tutors and students. As much of higher education utilises online spaces as part of the teaching, this experience will put you in good stead for your future studies.
We will be using two online spaces for this course; Learn and Microsoft Teams. Both will be accessed via your course log in (note that this will be different to your school log ins): We will provide you with log-ins over the summer prior to starting. There will be an introduction and orientation with these spaces prior to the course starting. You are not expected to have advanced IT skills to be able to fully experience the course. Also, we don’t expect you to have expensive tech or devices – you should be able to access this all in school and at home provided you have access to a device and internet access. If you anticipate any difficulties with access, please inform us as soon as possible and we will work with you to resolve this.
Assessment
There will be 3 key pieces of work you will complete.
There are two formal (marked) assessments:
1. An individual written assessment on a learning-related theme. This will form 60% of your overall mark.
2. In a small team, you will work together to produce an academic poster presentation. This will form 40% of your overall mark
There will be formative (not graded) assessments and feedback where you get the chance to try ideas and skills out before submitting your final graded work. The two assessments will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your writing, information gathering, referencing, critical thinking, discussion and presentation skills - all themes we will cover in depth within the course
3. You will also complete a personal Zine – this will be a guide to your future self for when you start your studies for real in the future. Your zine will be completed in class and independently, with guidance from the course team and tutors. This will not be graded, but you will receive feedback on your work. To the pass the course, this needs to be completed.
Course themes and topics
See image below for a breakdown
Tutorial groups and your Tutor
You will be allocated to a cluster group of students. Each week, you will spend a session with one tutor in a tutorial setting online (and later, we hope, in person on campus). Your group will be made up of students aiming to study different subjects in higher education, so you will benefit from being exposed to a range of different perspectives. Your tutors will be there to lead sessions and discussions, but also to share their experiences, support and to guide you with your work.
Ethos
Within the course we will place an emphasis on encouraging you to share ideas and to learn from others. We will also challenge some of the ideas you may already have about what it means to be an effective learner. In order to make the most of the classes and resources, we ask you to enter the programme with an open mind. You should be willing to take new concepts on board, take part as best you can, and try out new learning strategies in new learning spaces.
Social & Community
We are really looking forward to welcoming you to the course, and the LEAPS community. There will be lots of opportunities for you to get to know others, both online and (we hope) in-person later in the year, as well as a taster of typical university-style social experiences such as clubs and societies. Much like attending university, we hope the people you meet will be one of the best bits!
Support
LEAPS will support you every step of the way on this course. If you are having issues with your academic work or with the technology, the teaching team will be happy to help you. If anything crops up that is affecting your ability to attend the course or if something is going wrong for you, we have a fantastic support team to help you. We’ll have a dedicated online space for student support resources and an email address that is only used for support work and is only checked by that team. We will be there to help whatever the issue.
Teaching staff
The course will be led by Alice Smith with contributing academics and colleagues from our partner universities. We have lined up an exciting range of experts to work with you!
If you have any questions before the beginning of the course please e-mail alice.c.smith@ed.ac.uk
Students who cannot access the courses that they require in their own schools can often be accommodated through the campus provision. The college now offer a number of Foundation Apprenticeships as well as vocational and SQA courses. Full information from these providers can be found below. The current West Lothian Academy offering will be reviewed at a later stage but the prospectus below gives a flavour of the courses that have been offered recently.
College Overview Sheet
Credits:
Created with images by geralt - "businessman founding financing" • Pexels - "pens brushes art materials" • MintBlack4u - "coronavirus disease covid-2019 coronavirus corona" • PhotoMIX-Company - "digital marketing seo google" • sutulo - "crystal grid molecular grid black background" • geralt - "trace circuit board technology" • blickpixel - "milling drill cutting tools" • Mikes-Photography - "comedy tragedy masks art theatrical" • Hermann - "books literature knowledge" • maciej326 - "globus earth world" • monicore - "background geometric triangle" • silviarita - "salad fruit berry" • DWilliam - "martin luther king jr dream american" • fotoblend - "pay numbers digits" • TheDigitalArtist - "geometry math shape" • sgrunden - "spanish teaching board" • Leonhard_Niederwimmer - "big ben london clock tower" • MaliAroestiPhotography - "guitar player music" • Pexels - "audio technology mixer" • TaniaVdB - "volleyball ball player" • WikiImages - "laser laser light research" • congerdesign - "vegetables slice knife" • RitaE - "eclair strawberrycake strawberries" • Grieslightnin - "hammer nails wood"