year 10 tasters programme
2014
eastbourne campus
PARK CAMPUS, Kings Drive Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UN VOCATIONAL CAMPUS, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UF WEB: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ EMAIL: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
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year 10 taster days helping you to make choices The next few years will be an exciting time as you begin to unlock your future career and explore all the choices available to you. Our Yr10 Taster Days will help you make an informed decision about your next steps after Yr11. On the day you will have the opportunity to sample real lessons, speak to teachers and students and explore the campus. Taster selection Please take a look through this programme for our range of tasters and select 3 TASTER sessions out of the possible 48, you will be allocated 2. Special clothing requirements We want you to get the best experience possible from your visit to Sussex Downs College so please read the information carefully for the tasters you are interested in and make a note if you need to wear particular clothing on the day. Schedule of the Day – Eastbourne Campus Over 600 students from numerous schools will be attending each day. If you are booking through your school you will receive information regarding the date you are to attend, arrival times and where to register on the day. On arrival to your registration area you will be given your own personal programme for tasters you have selected. There will be staff and students on hand to help you navigate your way around. Please bring a snack and a drink or some money with you for break time.
08:45 09:15 10:45 11:10 12:50
Registration open Taster 1 Break Taster 2 Finish
3 Key to Qualifications Within each subject taster there could be many different types of qualifications on offer. We have over 400 different qualifications ranging from Entry Level though to A Level across the whole of Sussex Downs College. Please view the symbols next to each taster session as it will indicate the different types of qualifications offered. A Levels - with over 40 A Levels to choose from we can provide the right programme for you. A Levels are primarily exam based. Vocational Courses - We have a whole range of vocational areas offering BTEC’s, NVQ’s and City and Guilds courses covering levels 1, 2 and 3.Vocational qualifications are mainly coursework based. On certain vocational courses there is the opportunity for a work placement. Apprenticeships - There has never been a better time to become an apprentice. With over 40 different apprenticeships at Sussex Downs College why not be part of the fastest growing progression option for young people and employers. Get Experience. Get Qualified. Get Paid. GCSE’s - We have a selection of GCSE’s available. Please select 3 different TASTER sessions, you will be allocated 2 for the day. As an example choose your TASTER selections as follows: taster 1: Fine Art taster 2: Pasta Workshop taster 3: Law
Additional Information Prospectus 2015/2016 Our 2015/2016 prospectus will be available online or at your school from September 2014 onwards. It will contain our full range of courses for you to choose from including entry requirements. Dependant on your exam results we can help you find a programme of study to suit you and your ambitions. Our current 2014/2015 prospectus can be found at: http://www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Open Events Come along to our Open Events in the autumn term where you and your parents or carers will have the opportunity to speak to our teachers, students and support services and see all the facilities we have to offer. Please see our website for dates and times. Information for Parents and Carers Moving on from Year 11 can be a daunting process looking at the many choices on offer. We have included a guide for parents and carers on our website that will help you to help them navigate their way to their next stage of learning. http://www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/parents-information/
DEPT: business, management and law
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TASTER: ADMINISTRATION
A rough guide to Secretarial courses. Have you ever considered a wellpaid career as a PA/Secretary? Do you enjoy working with computers? Are you a born organiser – and have a natural flair for communicating? If so, then this is the Taster session for you! As part of this course you will also be studying shorthand and speedkeying.
TASTER: ACCOUNTING
This course is designed for those looking to pursue a career in the exciting (and well paid) world of accounting, business, management and finance. Today’s accountants are anything but grey and this course is definitely not for shrinking violets. You will need to have strong numeracy and literacy skills as there is so much more to Accounting than merely processing numbers. At the taster session you will be given the opportunity to assess the financial and social performance of a real business in a fun (yet purposeful) environment. This subject is available to study at A Level.
TASTER: BUSINESS - A LEVEL AND BTEC
BTEC The business world is always changing and over the last 18 months we have seen many businesses disappear from our high streets because of financial problems, selling an out of date product or not understanding what customers want. If you want to find out why this has happened and you think you could do better then studying a vocational business course will give you knowledge as well as hands on experience of what it is like in the “Business World”. A Level Any business exists to satisfy customers in order to make a profit for its owners. On this popular course you will learn about the planning, operating and financial reporting done by businesses, small and large. Each unit uses a series of case studies in which students have to assess the nature of problems and recommend solutions. Each unit does include some Maths, as part of the financial topics, so Grade B or better in GCSE Maths is required. When applying to college there are options to study at A Level or a vocational course.
TASTER: LAW
A levels
Are you interested to know more about how judges make decisions in important cases? Do you want to know more about the role of a barrister and solicitor? This taster day is designed to give you an idea of the kind of tough issues the law has to deal with everyday and how judges attempt to use legal rules to arrive at fair judgements both for defendants, victims and wider society. Ideal for students looking to study law at university and those with an inquiring mind keen to develop their critical thinking skills. This subject is available to study at A Level.
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TASTER: ECONOMICS
Economics is concerned with making choices about the best use of scarce resources. Any society, rich or poor, only has so much land, labour and capital. Usually we let the market forces of supply and demand guide producers, but sometimes we have bad outcomes such as pollution or poverty. This is where Economists can be useful by guiding Governments to deal with these problems while maintaining general prosperity. This course covers individual markets and also the national economy. In the second year we look at international trade and issues surrounding increasing “globalisation”. Some Maths is needed in the first year, and we do use a lot of graphs as models of the real economy. This subject is available to study at A Level.
dept: catering and hospitality TASTER: PASTA WORKSHOP
Why not come and learn how to produce delicious pasta the professional way? This is a ‘hands on’ practical workshop where you can work with professional chefs. Due to the use of hot fluids no flip flops will be allowed, you must wear a closed shoe or trainer. Please wear comfortable, suitable clothes which cover the torso and shoulders, hair tied back and no jewellery. Personal protective equipment provided. When applying to college there are options to study a variety of catering courses.You can also take an apprenticeship course if you have a job.
dept: Childcare, Health and Social Care TASTER: HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE/EARLY YEARS
Health and Social Care/Early Years This is a combined taster covering the subjects below. Health and Social Care (A Level) Students will be provided with practical small group activities that are related to the AS syllabus and given the chance to reflect on their interests in the subject area. The A level course would usually form part of a general A Level programme but can also be chosen as an option when studying some vocational courses. Health and Social Care (Vocational) Are you interested in the Health and Social Care sectors with a career working in nursing, midwifery, healthcare assistant, social work or other caring professions? Would you like to study subjects such as Diversity and Rights, Communicating with individuals, Anatomy and Physiology, Diet and Nutrition and investigating careers in the health and social care services - looking at how to help people lead a healthier lifestyle and
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issues relating to adult social care? Would you like to study a course which can help you work towards a rewarding career working with vulnerable people - then Health and Social Care may be the course for you! At level 2 you will complete six units including individual rights, communication and creative activities. At level three you will complete a range of specialist units which focus on both health and social care. Maths and English for those who haven’t achieved GCSE equivalent. There will be opportunities for you during the course to look at the careers available to you in the care sector such as physiotherapy, social work, hospital porter, nursing assistant to name a few. You will need a DBS check. Early Years - An Introduction (Vocational). For people of all ages who are interested in working in all childcare settings. You will be given an overview of all course contents and the qualifications required to gain entry to each level. A chance to take part in a practical activity to demonstrate awareness of the type of attitude needed to be an effective childcare practitioner. Time for questions related to career progress once you have completed your chosen course. When applying to college there are options to study numerous vocational childcare courses at level 1, 2 or 3 and you will attend placement as part of the course to help develop your skills.
dept: Construction and the Built Environment TASTER: BRICKWORK
These tasters will give you a chance to see skilled trades which make up the modern construction industry, and to talk to tutors about the opportunities for employment for qualified crafts people. You will be based in the specialist workshops of your chosen trade and will have a chance to try some basic practical work for yourself. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL THESE COURSES. If we have enough interest we will try to arrange a ‘girls only’ taster session, so encourage your friends!
TASTER: CARPENTRY & JOINERY For all construction trades you must wear OLD CLOTHES. Also, please bring any protective clothing you may have, e.g. Overalls, steel toecap boots, workshop gloves, goggles. If you do not have steel toecap boots, please wear sturdy footwear (no trainers etc.) Most construction trades can be studied as full time courses or as an apprenticeship if you have a suitable employer. TASTER: ARCHITECTURE
A levels
Architecture – Construction and the Built Environment. Interpret a simple design brief for a new building, produce a quick series of sketches for it, and then use Google Sketch Up to produce a 3D CAD model of your design. If you are interested in this activity you may want to consider the Construction and Built Environment Diploma. vocational courses
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dept: Engineering and Electrical TASTER: ELECTRICAL
7 Electrical Installation If you like practical tasks and have an interest in Maths and Science, electrical installation could be for you. It provides a route to a variety of jobs including domestic installation, large scale industrial projects, aspects of engineering, as well as giving you a way to start your own business or to work abroad. This course will give you a taste of the practical side of the work a professional electrician. We’ll also tell you a bit about the apprenticeship system. Electrical courses can be studied as full time options or as part of an Apprenticeship. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR TASTERS AND COURSES. The girls on our full time courses do just as well as the boys and tell us they enjoy their time in the department. If we have enough interest we will try to arrange a ‘girls only’ taster session, so encourage your friends!
TASTER: ENGINEERING A ROUTE TO UNIVERSITY
If you like Maths and Science, and also have an interest in problemsolving and design, Engineering could be for you. Engineers bring together technical and theoretical learning and turn scientific progress into a reality. The BTEC Engineering Diploma course is a good alternative to A Level study as a route to university for students with and interest in science.You may also be able to take A Level Maths alongside this course. This short taster will give you an opportunity to understand what BTEC Engineering is like and how it leads into further study and interesting careers. The taster will also include a chance to try some fun practical work, but don’t be confused Engineering is not all about engines! Engineering courses give you a progression route to university or jobs with good prospects and further training. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR TASTERS AND COURSES. The girls on our full time courses do just as well as the boys and tell us they enjoy their time in the department. If we have enough interest we will try to arrange a ‘girls only’ taster session, so encourage your friends. Engineers don’t follow the herd, they lead it!
TASTER: ENGINEERING THE PRACTICAL ENGINEER
Engineering is a very wide ranging subject including traditional skills in fabrication, welding, use of milling and turning machines etc. It also includes the latest developments such as 3D printers, electronics and computer-aided design. Engineering courses at Level 2 could suit you if you like some practical work but are also interested in Maths and Science. They can also lead on to A Level equivalent courses in Engineering. (see above) This short taster is a great opportunity to develop some practical
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skills in a real engineering environment and produce a useful tool. Engineering courses give you a progression route to university or jobs with good prospects and further training. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR COURSES. The girls on our full time courses do just as well as the boys and tell us they enjoy their time in the department. If we have enough interest we will try to arrange a ‘girls only’ taster session, so encourage your friends. Engineers don’t follow the herd they lead it! You must wear old clothes. Please bring any protective clothing you may have, e.g. overalls, steel toecap boots, workshop gloves, goggles. If you do not have steel toecap boots, please wear sturdy footwear (no trainers). TASTER: MV - BODY REPAIR
Motor Vehicle - Body Repair and Refinishing Body Repair and Refinishing courses suit students who want to develop practical skills such as welding and metal fabrication alongside creative skills needed for paintwork. This taster will give you an opportunity to try your hand at some of the practical activities involved with this part of the motor vehicle trade and find out more about the options. This can be studied at college as a full time course. You can also take an apprenticeship course if you have a job. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR COURSES. We have increasing numbers of girls on our full time courses and they do just as well as the boys and tell us that they enjoy their time in the department. If we have enough interest we will try to arrange a ‘girls only’ taster session, so encourage your friends! You must wear old clothes. Please bring any protective clothing you may have, e.g. overalls, steel toecap boots. If you do not have steel toecap boots, please wear sturdy footwear (no trainers).
TASTER: MV – MECHANICAL REPAIR
Motor Vehicle – Mechanics Would you like a career in the motor industry? We have courses for students at all starting points. All mechanics need to be practical but this is no longer just a career for people with hand skills. As vehicle technology develops the industry is also looking for people with science/maths skills for higher level better paid jobs. It’s worth remembering, if you get good GCSE passes you can start our mechanical courses at Level 2 and make faster progress. This taster is suitable for all levels. Come and try your hand at some of the practical activities in our workshop and find out more about the options available to you. This can be studied at college as a full time course.You can also take an apprenticeship course if you have a job. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR COURSES. We have increasing numbers of girls on our full time courses and they do just as well as the boys and tell us that they enjoy their time in the department. If we have enough interest we will try to arrange a ‘girls only’ taster session, so encourage your friends!
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You must wear old clothes. Please bring any protective clothing you may have, e.g. overalls, steel toecap boots. If you do not have steel toecap boots, please wear sturdy footwear (no trainers).
Please note that you can choose either Motor Vehicle Body Repair and Refinishing or Motor Vehicle Mechanics but not both.
dept:English and Modern Foreign Languages
TASTER: ENGLISH LANGUAGE
How do words work? What do they do? Why have they been chosen by writers to convey certain meanings? What would studying English Language at this level be like? Come along and find out the answers in this session.You will work in groups and pairs in activities designed to allow students to explore the fascinating mechanics of language.
TASTER: ENGLISH LITERATURE
Enjoy reading? Interested in how writers make us happy or sad, scared or thrilled? The English Literature taster introduces you to the key questions we ask of fiction, poetry and drama during the A Level course.You will work in pairs and groups on activities designed to investigate texts. Three English A Level courses are on offer at Park College: English Language, English Literature and a combined course of English Language and Literature. These are separate qualifications. It can also be studied at GCSE Level.
TASTER: FRENCH (PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE STUDIED FRENCH BEFORE)
TASTER: SPANISH (PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE STUDIED SPANISH BEFORE)
A levels
Modern Languages – French or Spanish Are you interested in communication? Do you want to learn about other cultures and give your career prospects a boost at the same time? Learning a language at any level will give you an insight into other cultures and a wider view of the world. This session is designed to give you a flavour of language learning at Park College, whether you are interested in continuing your language study with A Levels in French or Spanish or starting Spanish, Chinese or Japanese from scratch. We will also give you information on careers in languages and introduce you to the basics of Chinese/Japanese! Please indicate which language you are interested in and whether you have studied it before. You can study French and Spanish at A Level. There is also the possibility of studying another language from scratch with NVQs in Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.
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dept: hairdressing, beauty and complementary therapies tasters
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TASTER: BEAUTY THERAPY
Beauty Therapy Workshop An opportunity to explore the career paths available in Beauty Therapy and try out some of the skills involved in this industry. Please would you wear closed in, low heeled shoes and clothes which are suitable for working in a professional environment, e.g. comfortable/smart/covering the torso. This is a vocational full time course.
TASTER: FLORISTRY
Floristry Workshop An opportunity to explore the career paths available in Floristry and try out some of the skills involved in this industry. This will be a basic hands-on session. Please would you wear closed in, low heeled shoes and clothes which are suitable for working in a professional environment, e.g. comfortable/smart/covering the torso. This is a vocational full time course.
TASTER: HAIRDRESSING
Hairdressing Workshop Learn about the many and varied career paths open to you in this area. You will also get to learn some basic hands-on practical skills. Please would you wear closed in, low heeled shoes and clothes which are suitable for working in a professional environment, e.g. comfortable/smart/covering the torso. This can be studied at college as a full time course.You can also take an apprenticeship course if you have a job.
Please note: you can choose either Beauty Therapy or Hairdressing but not both.
dept: Humanities
TASTER: HISTORY/POLITICS
A levels
History/Politics This taster will introduce History and Politics at an advanced level. It will provide different insights into aspects of the world we live in, both past and present. During the session you will experience activities to support your understanding of these subjects. The session will be informative for students intending to study History and/or Politics at AS Level. It will be an ideal opportunity to experience new and familiar subjects that you may already be studying at school. No prior knowledge is required to study either of these subjects at Park College and are available to study at AS & A Level. Course outline and topics on offer will be explained during the taster session.
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TASTER: PHILOSOPHY/ SOCIOLOGY
Philosophy/Sociology This taster is designed to give students an insight into what it is like studying these two subjects at AS/A Level. Philosophy focuses on the benefits of thinking and questioning without expecting definite answers. It exercises our intellectual and imaginative abilities, teaches us how to build and evaluate arguments and lets us explore a range of some of the key concepts in philosophy such as how do we gain knowledge, what is a mind and how do we make ethical decisions. Sociology: Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of ethnicity and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. No prior knowledge is required to study these subjects at Park College. These subjects are available to study at A Level.
dept: Information Technology TASTER: COMPUTER GAMES
Computer Games from Board to Binary Introduction to how computer games are designed and developed, including working through strategies, basic coding, and how to develop a basic game sequence. Also information about computing courses and qualifications that are needed to work in the Games Industry. This taster is offered by the Vocational College and lets you sample the style of work of some of our vocational courses. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR COURSES. The girls on our full time courses do just as well as the boys and enjoy their time in the department.
TASTER: COMPUTING/ICT
Computing and Information Technology This will be an entirely practical session where we will use some simple programming to create animations.You do not need any particular skill with computers, just able to use a mouse and a keyboard and have a good imagination! We will also give you some information about the range of ICT and Computing courses on offer at Park.
TASTER: WEB WANNABEES
Wanna be a web designer? Find out how to quickly and professionally design a really good website – what you need to consider, what works and what doesn’t, what people want, how to get your site seen. You will try out web editors, html code and java script. This taster is offered by the Vocational College and lets you sample the style of work of some of our vocational courses. GIRLS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME ON ALL OUR COURSES. The girls on our full time courses do just as well as the boys and enjoy their time in the department. ICT and Computing can be taken as a vocational course or as an A level option. Both A Levels and vocational courses can take you into higher education or well paid jobs. A vocational course usually forms your whole programme whilst
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for A Levels you will choose a number of subjects of which ICT and Computing could be one. Vocational courses in ICT are usually assessed by means of assignments and continuous assessment. A Levels in ICT and Computing are assessed through project work and examination. A levels require a grade C in both Maths and English Language at GCSE
dept: Mathematics
TASTER: MATHEMATICS
This taster will show you that Maths is a challenging subject that will keep your mind sharp and stimulate your imagination.You will be developing your problem solving skills. There is a national shortage of mathematicians at the moment and people with a good qualification in Maths are highly valued in employment and further education. This subject is available to study at GCSE (within the explorer programmes) or A Level. To study A level Mathematics students need to achieve at least a grade B in GCSE Maths. Achieving a good grade in Maths A level requires lots of hard work and practice. There is a national shortage of mathematicians at the moment and people with a good qualification in Maths are highly valued in employment and further education.
dept: Media and Digital Media TASTER: MIDI MUSIC
Midi Music Production A short introduction to manipulating musical midi files using this powerful digital tool; a chance to work with the new technology to experiment with sounds and elements of composition and manipulation. When applying to college there are options to study this within the music BTEC courses.
TASTER: MEDIA AND FILM
Media and Film Studies Interested in knowing how filmmakers create meaning? This taster is designed to introduce students to the language and form of the moving image. During the session you will work in teams analysing and discussing film clips. Ideal for students wishing to pursue Film or Media Studies at Advanced Level. When applying to college there are options to study Film at GCSE (as part of the Explorer programmes) and A Level. Media can be studied as an A Level or in a variety of vocational courses.
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TASTER: RADIO
Radio Broadcasting A chance to see for yourself and participate in the workings of a radio station. Working in a small team to compile a show consisting of music, interview and live material. Please bring a blank CD or memory stick if you want to take your programme home with you. When applying to college there are options to study this subject within the Creative and Media Diplomas.
TASTER: TV PRODUCTION
Ever wondered how a live television studio works? This workshop gives aspiring broadcasters a chance to prepare scripts, conduct interviews, operate lights, sound and TV camera equipment as well as basic production and directing (numbers limited). When applying to college there are options to study this subject within the Creative and Media Diplomas.
dept: Performing Arts TASTER: DANCE/MUSICAL THEATRE
This is a combined session of Dance and Musical Theatre. Those interested in Singing will be split from the group half way through the session. All students will be involved in a dance workshop. Dance This session is practical (so wear suitable clothing which allows you to move freely – not mini-skirts and high heels! You may also need a pen and paper), and will allow you to see how we approach each course. It is expected when you sign up to attend the sessions that you are prepared to involve yourself fully in all activities. Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) All the sessions are practical (so wear suitable clothing.You may also need a pen and paper), and will allow you to see how we approach each course. It is expected when you sign up to attend the sessions that you are prepared to involve yourself fully in all activities. This may involve acting, singing and dancing. When applying to college there are options to study a variety of Performing Arts courses covering A Level and BTEC courses. There are no limits on how many Performing Arts courses you take.
TASTER: DRAMA AND THEATRE/ACTING
Drama and Theatre Studies AS This session is practical (so wear suitable clothing which allows you to move freely.You may also need a pen and paper), and will allow you to see how we approach each course. It is expected when you sign up to attend the sessions that you are prepared to involve yourself fully in all activities. This will involve a number of different acting activities and skills.
TASTER: STAGE MANAGEMENT
Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Performing Arts (Stage Management) This session will involve a short talk about how the course works; focusing on the need to be highly motivated and organised to succeed. You will also be given a tour of the theatre and technical equipment we
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use and an explanation of your role backstage. When applying to college there are options to study a variety of Performing Arts courses covering A Level and BTEC courses. There are no limits on how many Performing Arts courses you take.
dept: Public Services An introduction to the Public Services. You will be introduced to the course, experience a typical scenario of dealing with an incident, be challenged with some problem solving and teamwork task, finishing with command tasks outside. Wear clothes suitable for outdoors such as track suit bottoms and trainers. When applying to college there are options to study this course at various levels.
TASTER: PUBLIC SERVICES
dept: Science The three subjects in this section allow you to explore and learn about the way our planet works physically and how humans interact with it. You can choose any one subject or more than one to study at A Level. The Earth Studies taster session covers all of the subjects below:Geography looks at how human populations relate to each other over the planet and to the physical environment. Study why floods happen, why population is rising, how coasts are managed, whether we are running out of energy or have endless amounts of renewable power, why global wars happen, where and why volcanoes and earthquakes happen, why the tropical rainforest is important but threatened, whether we can eliminate world poverty and so on. Outside fieldwork and coursework are important parts of Geography. Geology is the science that explains the structure, evolution and dynamics of the earth. Find out when and how rocks form, how we exploit rock and energy resources, how tectonic plates move and volcanoes and earthquakes happen. Fieldwork is an essential part of this subject. World Development study why inequalities and poverty exist on earth, what development is and whether poverty can ever be eliminated, whether we can develop and not damage the planet. There is an opportunity to travel to Uganda on this course.
TASTER: EARTH STUDIES
These subjects are available to study at A Level. TASTER: CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS
A levels
Chemistry & Physics For those already studying GCSE separate Sciences, or Additional Units in Double Science, this taster will give you an insight into what Chemistry and Physics are all about at Park College. During the
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session you will undertake some practical work and discover whether or not your skills are suited to studying these sciences. This taster will highlight the differences between these two science options making clear what each is about. Anyone who might be interested in chemistry or physics based careers should attend this taster or those with a genuine interest but unsure what topics are covered. When applying to college there are options to study Biology, Physics Chemistry and Psychology at A Level. We also have some GCSE (as part of an Explorer programme) and vocational science courses available. TASTER: BIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY
Biology & Psychology Are you interested in understanding why people behave or think the way they do? Are you interested in studying this in a scientific way? If you are, then this is the taster for you. Designed for students wishing to study Psychology at A Level, students need to be aware Psychology is a Science and is taught as such. A good level of numeracy and literacy skills are required. In Biology, we will consider the biological basis for this behaviour and how it can be measured. For those already studying GCSE separate Sciences, or Additional Units in Double Science, this taster will give you an insight into what Biology is like at Park College. During the session you will undertake some practical work and discover whether or not your skills are suited to studying Biology and / or Psychology. When applying to college there are options to study Biology, Physics Chemistry and Psychology at A Level. We also have some GCSE (as part of an Explorer programme) and vocational science courses available.
TASTER: BTEC APPLIED SCIENCE
A levels
BTEC Applied Science The BTEC Applied Science course is very much focussed on the student becoming an independent learner. They need to learn to find information for themselves and find out how to apply it in a laboratory or industrial context. There is a large amount of practical work where students try to discover how scientific principles work. Assessment is by assignment not examination. BTEC Applied Science would suit students who enjoy scientific practical work and finding things out for themselves. In this session students will be provided with an unknown chemical compound. They will be asked to use analytical techniques to see if they can work out what it may be.
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dept: Sport and Fitness
TASTER: SPORTS - CSLA/SQUADS
Sports – Leadership Award (CSLA) and Development Squads This is a combined taster covering both of the subjects below. Leadership Award (CSLA). This course is designed for those who want to develop a number of personal qualities, including organisation, administration, communication and confidence. It is designed to suit a range of students, not just those wishing to focus on sport but also careers in medicine, teaching, public services, customer service and business. Classroom meet BUT Practical led session in sports park and tour of facilities. (KIT required). Development Squads – Football, Tennis. During this session one of the Team coaches will explain to you the Development Programme at Sussex Downs College, which is an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic players to improve their skills. The session will outline what the Development Squad programme includes, what qualifications can be achieved, expectations of players and time commitments. Classroom meet BUT Practical led session in sports park and tour of facilities. (KIT required). This course is available to study at college and can lead on to the HSLA. Sussex Downs College have a variety of Sports Development courses available to study alongside your main qualification.
TASTER: SPORT (BTEC AND A LEVEL)
In this taster you will be introduced to the world of studying sport through sessions on Sports Psychology and Sports Fitness. Components of Fitness: A classroom based session looking at the various components of fitness and how these link to Fitness Testing and Sports Performance. Classroom based Sports Psychology: A practical workshop that helps you to understand how an athlete copes with pressure or how their personality can affect how they perform. (practical tasks in a classroom, will include tour of the facilities)
dept: visual arts TASTER: BIG DRAW
Like drawing? Come and produce a piece of drawing larger than yourself. Materials provided; physically demanding and great fun! You must wear old clothing for this activity. When applying to college there are options to study at A Level or a vocational course.
TASTER: FINE ART
This is an opportunity to find out what you can do with contemporary fine art. There will be practical sessions working with a range of materials, exploring ideas and aiming to bring out your personal
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expressive qualities. When applying to college there are options to study at A Level or a vocational course. TASTER: GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graphic designers work in all areas of visual communication, ranging from illustrating for books and magazines right through to designing new fonts, packaging design and interactive media. This workshop gives you a chance to explore a graphic design problem and find out about courses which allow you to specialise in this very significant part of the creative industries.
TASTER: DARKROOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Despite the onslaught of digital photography during recent years, the darkroom still plays a very important part in the lives of many professional photographers. This workshop gives you a chance to work in the darkroom, printing from black and white negatives and seeing the magic of photochemistry at work and finding out about courses containing photography. All materials and equipment provided. If you have an old negative please feel free to bring it with you.
TEXTILE PRINTING
An opportunity to experiment with heat transfer printing in the textiles area; bring a design with you to work on, or work from visual resources in the department. This is studied within the Art and Design BTEC and Diploma courses.
dept: Apprenticeships TASTER: APPRENTICESHIPS
A levels
There has never been a better time to become an apprentice. Earn a real wage, achieve nationally recognised – industry approved qualifications and gain the employment experience local business want. An Apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future gaining technical knowledge and practical experience for their immediate job and future career and recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher (degree) level, covering more than 170 industries and 1500 job roles in sectors from Nursing to Graphic Design, Horticulture to Electric Vehicle Engineering. Over 200,000 workplaces in England offer Apprenticeships. 86% of Apprentices progress to new employment after completing their training with 67% staying with the same employer. In fact, a quarter of all former apprentices had received a promotion within 12 months of finishing! Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. With this in mind there has never been a better time to become an apprentice. Come along to our Apprenticeship information session to meet with our Recruitment Advisors who can talk to you about apprenticeships, what employers are looking for and how to start your career as an Apprentice.
vocational courses
apprenticeships
gcses
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