Kilwinning Academy S3 News

October 2010

Welcome to our S3 Curriculum BulletinIn our recent visit by school inspectors we were praised for our effective partnership working. In the report it was noted that parents were asking for more information about how to improve the education of their youngsters and how to provide more homework support. We are taking steps to raise attainment in partnership with parents by promoting more active learning. We hope that this publication is helpful to parents and students in S3 as they start work on SQA certificate courses leading to qualifications at Standard Grade and Intermediate levels.

1

English

All S3 pupils will begin the two-year Standard Grade course. There are three elements to the course – Reading, Writing and Talking.

Reading includes both close reading skills and the study of literature (prose, poetry and drama).

Writing includes the production of personal essays, short stories and functional writing.

Talking involves both solo talk and group discussion.

All of the elements are assessed.

Pupils are expected to complete a folio of work (a minimum of two pieces of creative writing and three responses to literature) by the end of S3.

There is also an exam, which comprises two close reading papers and one writing paper.All pupils will sit the General level exam, plus either Foundation or Credit papers as appropriate.

Maths

Each pupil will be issued with a homework booklet, notes jotter, class work jotter and textbook. Problem solving booklets are also available and should be worked on through the year.

Homework exercises are due after the completion of each topic covered in class. These should be completed in line with departmental policy and are the minimum requirement for S3 pupils.

S3 has 3 assessments. Each assessment has two papers – Non calculator and Calculator.

Assessment 1 Class test- End of October.

Assessment 2 Class test- Mid December

Assessment 3 S3 Examinations- Beginning of May.

All pupils in General/ Credit are encouraged to purchase a Scientific Calculator.

GeographyOver the last few weeks our S3 pupils have settled in well to the Geography department. They will complete the introductory ordnance survey unit in the next few weeks, which will be followed by an assessment. They will then complete a target setting exercise with their teacher. They will have 2 targets which they will bring home to be signed by parents/carers. Hopefully this will help them to improve their grades over the course of the session.

By the start of September all our pupils moved onto the River Landscapes section of the Standard Grade course.

Pupils undertaking Acc3/Int 1 courses started by looking at river landscapes then studied glacial landscapes before completing the first of their 3 NAB assessments.

History Pupils have started work on Unit 2A: international co-operation and conflict. This will cover the causes of WW1, the experience of civilians and soldiers during war, and the peace settlement at the end of the war. Staff will be encouraging pupils to regularly revise jotters notes at home as part of their homework schedule. History staff will issue target sheets to pupils in the coming weeks. The department encourages pupils to attend the inquisitor club which provides quizzes to enhance factual knowledge.

2

Modern Languages

Standard GradeThose doing ‘S’ Grade have speaking and writing assessments which are both required by SQA. These count towards overall S4 grade, so are of great importance. Speaking Tasks:Interview about Self, Family, House and Home area.Role-play about Cinema / Sports’ Centre.Short talk on School and Future Plans.Writing Folio Tasks:Write a personal letter to introduce yourself to a new penfriend telling them about yourself, family, house and home area.Prepare an e-mail in French, to your friend, telling them about your interests and how you spend the weekends.Write a report, in French, on your school day and subjects etc.

Intermediate 1

Those doing this fast-track course follow the following themes : Lifestyles, Education and Work, The Wider World, The World of Work. NABS in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing are done at the end of each theme. Students must pass the NABS to be allowed to sit the external exam in May. The speaking exam is done before the Easter break and is recorded to be sent to SQA.

The writing exam consists of four sections on personal language and can be redrafted and learned off by heart for the external exam. It is crucial that this is done - otherwise wasted marks!!

By November - NABS in Reading. Personal & Social Language, Practice in Speaking for Oral. Writing prep for CV. NABS - completed by Easter: Transactional Language, Language in Work

As all these themes are inter-related the assessment is on-going with practice in each skill: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Core Religious EducationIn line with government requirements all pupils in S3 receive core RE for one period each week. Following our work on morality and moral issues in S2, pupils in S3 follow a continuously assessed free-standing SQA unit examining moral issues in technology which can be achieved at either Intermediate 1 or 2 level. Pupils identify different examples of technology (work and leisure, environment, medical) using newspaper and magazine articles, tv reports and documentaries, and their own experience. Next, drawing on class resources, they show how using technology raises religious and moral questions. Finally, they are expected to write a report on their choice of technology explaining the issues raised by it. There is normally no homework associated with core RE unless class tasks are incomplete.

Standard Grade Religious StudiesPupils are currently looking at Issues of Belief and should have returned an essay task recently. Much of what is learned requires pupils to reflect on what is happening in the world around them, and so it is worth spending time watching TV programmes which involve making moral choices, eg in issues such as abortion, sex, terminal illness, and warfare. Pupils should be revising from their notes regularly, using mindmaps, and highlighting/summarising different topics. Question answering practice will usually be set for homework at the end of topics. The class will be starting a study of Islam soon; watching TV news/current affairs programmes or reading good quality newspapers will be helpful.

Art & Design Pupils will be developing drawing skills in a range of media such as pencil, colour pencils, pastels, and paints, There will also be the opportunity to work in three dimensions and to work in developing their visual awareness in the design and expressive areas. Visual concepts such as pattern, form, colour and shape are developed as well as discussing ideas about the Design Process of research, development and considering solutions to a design problem. Some of the work done in S3 will be carried forward into the final units for S4. Pupils can use their sketch book/homework jotters to practice skills and to collect information for their design units. Understanding, appreciation and creativity can also be inspired through personal research. This is achieved by looking at artists and designers work. Examples of design in shops magazines and at home can be looked at and thought about in terms of how good they look and how well they work as well as looking at internationally renowned Art & Design.

Craft & DesignPupils will design and make a range of models which will give them a sound skills base from which to design their final projects. Practical skills will be developed through working in the workshops with wood and metal. Each model will be preceded by a design folio which takes pupils through the design process helping them develop their knowledge and understanding of their own models’ (aesthetics and function). Looking at models on the market, and also looking at ‘high end’ designers of international repute will help broaden pupils’ ideas and understanding of design issues. Gaining an understanding of manufacturing processes is also a major part of the course and pupils will be looking at the manufacture of plastics as well as wood and metal products. It is intended that pupils build up their knowledge of working terms and are able to recognise tools and understand how they should be used. Safety in the workshops is of course a major issue and pupils are expected to behave sensibly and responsibly at all times.

Graphic Communication Pupils will work through units 1-4 of the course. Various technical drawing lessons will develop both their skills and knowledge of graphic communication. Hand rendering and computer aided drawing will be explored while pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of terms techniques and symbols associated with industry practice. Techniques vary from pictorial illustration to quite functional technical drawings. These get more challenging as the units progress. In computer work pupils will work on the production of graphs, using a library of images and producing their own displays. Advertising techniques, packaging and basic construction drawing are all part of the course. Looking at technical drawings such as building plans, graphs, adverts, posters, commercially packaged products and magazine layouts can help pupils understand the importance of the graphic techniques they are learning, in their own lives and the world of work.

3

Chemistry

All our pupils have started their Chemistry course by studying what chemical reactions are and how to control them.

Each pupil will have a set of revision notes

in their class jotter and they are encouraged to

use these for revision and to help complete

homework exercises.We recently developed a CD

which pupils will be issued with shortly. This contains a full set of revision notes, homework exercises and links to useful websites. It is hoped that this will encourage students to complete work at home to their full potential and to provide them with the tools necessary to undertake independent learning.

Music

Solo 1/ Solo 2All pupils’ study 2 instruments in Standard Grade. By the end of S3, pupils should be ready to record their Solo 2 instrument. Once this is recorded, pupils can then fully concentrate on their Solo 1 ready for the final exam in S4. ListeningBy the end of S3 pupils will have completed the following Listening topics: Instruments of the Orchestra, Scottish Music, Musical StylesAt the end of each topic, pupils will be assessed on the concepts covered. At the end of S3 pupils will be given an SQA General Listening paper to sit.InventingPupils are required to compose a piece of music. This is ongoing throughout S3/S4.

Biology

Standard Grade p u p i l s a r e working on the first topic of their c o u r s e , Investigating Cells. E a c h p u p i l h a s homework sheets with exercises for the Topic. These are set at roughly fortnightly intervals. Pupils have their notes and summary booklets to help with completion. Around the middle of September pupils sat a test to assess their progress in t h e first two sub-units. This is used to set targets to allow pupils to achieve maximum potential.

Intermediate 1 Biology pupils are working on their first Unit, Healthy Bodies. Homework is set about fortnightly in the form of write on sheets.

The Homework sheets, summary notes and Powerpoint presentations used in the course are available to download from ‘Glow’. Pupils will soon be shown how to access and use ‘Glow’.

Pupils will be working on techniques and investigations which are compulsory if they are to achieve an award in their final exam. Good attendance is particularly important to avoid missing any of these practical assessments.

PEThe importance of engaging in an active lifestyle has never been of greater importance. The S3 Physical Education curriculum comprises of Core PE for everyone- this is a choice of activities which pupils will participate in 2 periods a week and Standard Grade PE/Intermediate 1 performance/Access 3 which some pupils have chosen as a subject. In Core PE pupils will have a choice of 5 activities for each block-covering a range of sports and recreational activities. These include: indoor and outdoor football, hockey, basketball, badminton, dance, fitness suite, table tennis, aerobics, self defence, gymnastics, rugby, athletics and summer games. Standard Grade PE comprises of 3 periods a week in which pupils work towards gaining a practical performance grade and to sitting a written exam. Standard Grade activities are football/hockey, fitness, gymnastics, basketball and badminton. Some pupils have elected for only the practical performance element of Intermediate 1 PE/Access 3-this comprises of 3 periods per week in a range of activities.Pupils are expected to bring their own kit, otherwise kit will be provided by P.E. staff. Kit should comprise of a plain dark t-shirt and either shorts or t r a c k s u i t bottoms-No football tops allowed. Should a pupil

be injured, they should still bring kit accompanied with a note from home to

explain their reason for not taking part. These pupils will either be

asked to assist with scoring, refereeing, timekeeping or

complete a writ ten exercise related to the

current activity. Pupils should enjoy P.E…

Physics

Those who have chosen physics will already know and be appreciating the

importance of physics within our 21st century world. The courses provide knowledge and skills which

will help those who study it to enjoy and understand modern life and play a full part in it.

In the Standard Grade course pupils have started into topics on Telecommunications or Health Physics. They will also study Using

Electricity and start a topic on Transport within S3 and then they have topics on Electronics, Energy Matters and Space Physics to look forward to in S4. Homework is outlined in the booklet given to pupils and takes a variety of forms, including the expectation of learning work as each topic progresses. At the end of each topic there is a test which checks on the knowledge and understanding gained as well as the problem solving skills practiced. Some practical skills are assessed during topics but pupils will also have to complete 2 investigations later in the year and/or into S4.

The Intermediate 1 and Access 3 course has started with a study of Radiations. During S3 they will also look at Telecommunications and Practical Electricity before moving on to Sound and Music, Movement and Electronics in S4. For each topic there is a knowledge and

problem solving skills test and some practical assessment of an activity. Both of these have to be passed to be awarded that

unit, and all six units have to be passed to gain the course award. There is no final SQA exam at Access 3 level.

All pupils will have a more formal S3 exam around Easter and the

prelim exams in S4.

Dates for your diary

S3 Parents Evening: 9 November Exams: 22 March - 1 April Reports: mid May

4

Computing Studies

The course divides into logical blocks of work, each one of which is assessed by written class exams, practical class tests, or both.Overview:Aug - Dec: Computer Systems, assessed by exam in December and Software Development, assessed by practical tasks issued at regular stages.Jan: Databases, Feb: Word processing, Mar: Spreadsheets, all assessed in the last 2 periods of unit through a practical assessment and then a 1 period exam.The S3 exams will then give an opportunity for the pupils to show that they have retained all the work up to this point. The remaining time in the year will be spent completing their coursework folio by doing an extended (10 hour) project. Any remaining time will be spent on rounding up the other commonly used applications like multimedia authorware, presentations and web development.

Administration

The pupils are currently working on ‘Organisation of Departments’ which will be complete and a class assessment taken by the end of September. The classes will then progress onto key functions of departments, office layout, safe working practices and procedures, reception, mail handling, purpose of filing, filing methods, and security of information.Most sections will have an end of unit test, unless time pressure requires that some consolidation is achieved by homework rather than tests.

Accounting & Finance

The class has just sat a balance sheet test and have completed it to a high standard. They will now progress onto trading, profit and loss accounts which will be completed and assessed by the October holidays.

After the October break work will continue with consolidated final accounts of a sole trader, ledger accounts, petty cash statements, and account of ‘not for profit’ organizations.Each one of the units work ends with a class test.

Business Management

The pupils are currently working on ‘Business in Contemporary Society' which

will be completed and assessed by the end of September. The classes will then progress onto marketing, business information, operations, business enterprise, and decision making.Each section will have an end of unit test and when pupils are judged to be ready a national assessment bank item will be used for certification purposes.

Home Economics

Standard Grade This is a two year course which is broken down into a number of units which provides variety and short term goals for pupils. Throughout the course these units offer choice to suit individual interest and expertise. Some examples of units are:-Food in your body, Shops and Shopping, A Testing Time, Beating the Bugs, Clothes for the FamilyAssessment is ongoing throughout the course. Pupils will be awarded grades for each of the three aspects of the course: Knowledge and Understanding, Handling Information, and Practical and Organisational SkillsHomework accompanies each unit to enhance learning and achievement.

Hospitality Intermediate 1This course introduces the student to skills used in the hospitality industry.The course is designed to allow for the development of knowledge and skills in basic food preparation techniques while identifying equipment and food preparation terms. The student will also gain knowledge of the principles associated with a range of cookery processes.This is a practical course and students are expected to be responsible individuals and come prepared for lesson.The units assessed in S3 and S4 are:- Introduction to Food Preparation Techniques. Introduction to Cookery Processes, Food hygiene for the Hospitality industry, Organisation of Practical Skills.There is a 1.5 hour exam at the end of S4.

LifeskillsThis is a school based course which pupils study one period per week .The basis of the course is to equip our students with Lifeskills which they require to be effective citizens.The course includes studying health and diet, money management, accidents and emergency procedures for dealing with medical emergencies and consumer issues. Many of the areas are supported by outside speakers.In S3 the students are presented for Accident and Emergency Procedures which is an external assessment.All students have the opportunity to participate in Heartstart training at the end of the S3 course.

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