Banbridge Area Learning Community

1. Banbridge Area Learning Community Collaborative Courses 2017

2. Banbridge Area Learning Community The Banbridge Area Learning Community consists of six local schools who are working collaboratively to deliver an extended curriculum for their pupils. New-Bridge Integrated College Rathfriland High School Banbridge Academy Dromore High School Banbridge High School St. Patrick’s College Pupils are provided with opportunities to study additional GCSE, BTEC Level 2 and Occupational Studies qualifications. In addition to the six schools in BALC, some of these courses are delivered at Southern Regional College (SRC).

3. Recording Information about New Subjects Identify two interesting facts that you have learnt about this subject/course during Options Week-6th March 2017 Subject ……………………………………………………….………………. 1. 2. Did I manage to get some information from each of these subjects?

4. BTEC Level 2 Sports Studies Rathfriland High School BTEC ICT Banbridge High School GCSE Business Studies Banbridge High School BTEC Level 2 Engineering Banbridge High School BTEC Level 2 Countryside SRC Newry & Environment GCSE Construction New-Bridge Integrated College Pupils attend other school/SRC for one morning a week. They travel by bus and are supervised by a member of New-Bridge College staff.

5. BTEC Level 2 CertificateEquivalent to a GCSE qualification Assessed by: 25% Examination 75% Assessed Units of Work A Pass is equivalent to a C grade A Merit is equivalent to a B grade A Distinction is equivalent to an A grade A Distinction* is equivalent to an A* grade BTEC qualifications are recognised by both employers and education institutions.

6. BTEC Level 2 Qualifications are different from GCSEs in several ways • BTEC awards are work-related. All the topics you learn relate to the skills and knowledge you will need in the workplace. • They are practical. You will learn how to apply your knowledge, both on your own and as a member of a team, to develop your skills and abilities. • You will complete assignments set by the exam board based on learning outcomes also set by the exam board. These will be given throughout the course and will have a deadline.

7. BTEC Level 2 Sport Studies • The course is 75% coursework which is internally assessed • There is one electronic exam worth 25% • The structure of the course allows pupils to improve their grades through teacher feedback Pupils will complete four units over the two year course.

8. GCSE Business Studies Aims: Develop interest in Business Develop and apply knowledge in local, national and global business. Consider ethical and sustainable business activity in relation to environment. Understand use of ICT and e-commerce in business. Actively study a business case study. Assessment: 25% controlled assessment and 75% external examination components. There are two tiers of entry appropriate for the full range of GCSE students aiming to achieve grades A*- G.

9. BTEC Level 2 Engineering Core Units: Working Safely and Effectively in Engineering Interpreting and Using Engineering Information Specialist Units: Using Computer Aided Drawing Techniques in Engineering Manufacturing and workshop based units Progression: Practical and theoretical engineering skills will assist moving on to technician level employment or entry into Further Education: Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Design Engineering, Automation Engineering, Process Engineering.

10. BTEC Level 2 Countryside & EnvironmentEquivalent to two GCSE’s A*-G Core Units Environment and Land-based Business Investigate structure and development of land-based technology and it’s organisation Estate Maintenance Application of skills needed in practice for estate management. Principles of Land-Based Machinery Knowledge and Skills of working with engines and maintenance of them Progression: Careers and level 3 study in area of Land based sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry and conservation management.

11. Occupational Studies Target Audience Year 11/12 pupils Content 2 Single Award Certificates each requiring study of two units. Assessment Internally Assessed 60% Practical 40% Theory by SRC Tutors and externally moderated by CEA. Delivery 2 years 1 full day per week at SRC Newry Equivalence 2 GCSE’s A*-G GRADES

12. Occupational Studies Occupational Studies is a vocational course. This means that it is a practical course, where pupils are assessed on what they do and produce, rather than what they remember for an exam. Several local schools work collaboratively with SRC to deliver an extended curriculum for their pupils. Pupils will be in a class with other pupils from these schools but they will always be with someone from New-Bridge, if that is what they want. Pupils travel to SRC by a bus provided by the school and return to school at end of day to get their normal way home. They are supervised by classroom assistants on the bus and at SRC. Mrs Hasson will be at SRC to discuss any issues with course tutors every Thursday afternoon and sooner if required. All the courses are taught by SRC tutors in specialist teaching areas which have all the necessary equipment for the course.

13. Occupational Studies • This qualification provides a ‘hands on’ approach to learning. • Learners will have the opportunity to learn skills for work. • Good foundation for progress to other vocational qualifications. • The Schools Partnership Programme is designed to allow pupils to sample four vocational areas, achieve a qualification certified by CEA and be in a better position to choose what they want to do when they leave school.

14. Courses Available • Creative Styling using Blow Drying techniques • Creative styling on long hair • Plumbing • Graphic Design • Electrical Wiring Installation • Digital Imaging • Brick/Block work • Website Development • Vehicle Servicing and Valeting Operations • Carpentry & Joinery/Bench Joinery • Sports Leadership

15. Courses Available • Maintenance of Land-based Machinery • Running a Leisure Event • TV & Film Production • Contemporary Cuisine • Plastering • Patisserie & Baking • Painting & Decorating • Contemporary Cuisine • The Physical Care of Babies • Childcare: the Play Environment • Total Beauty: Facial Skin Care/Manicure & Nail Art

16. “There are different courses which are more varied and practical than in school”

17. “Enjoy experience of trying something new.”

18. “ There are a wider range of activities available. You are always learning something new.”

19. “It is a more relaxed environment and you don’t feel under pressure as there are no exams - all your work is assessed by what you produce as you go along”

20. “ You can try four different courses which means you are never bored.”

21. Practicalities • Pupils are transported to various schools by bus at the school’s expense. • Pupils can make their way to their course at the start of the day independently but must provide a note with parental permission given. Attendance will be checked. • Attendance is essential to all courses as they are continually assessed. • Pupils are expected to adhere to the same high standards of discipline and work ethic expected within the College.

22. Close supervision of our pupils progress through monthly meetings of school coordinators within Banbridge Area Learning Community. • All pupils will receive a written report on their progress in line with our school procedures. • SRC tutors will attend parent teacher meetings throughout Year 11 and Year 12. • Parents will be invited to relevant parent teacher meetings at other schools involved in collaborative courses. • Any concerns should be directed to Mrs Hasson regarding all collaborative courses.