SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE LEWES CAMPUS
TOPIC AREA INDEX PLEASE SELECT YOUR 4 TASTER CHOICES FROM WITHIN THE TOPIC AREAS ART, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY BEAUTY THERAPY AND HAIR & BEAUTY BUSINESS AND TRAVEL CARING EARTH STUDIES ENGLISH History HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ICT LANGUAGE MATHEMATICS Media, MuSIC and production PERFORMING ARTS PUBLIC SERVICES SCIENCE SPORTS
2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 9
Please note: PLACES ON SOME PRACTICAL COURSES ARE LIMITED
Lewes Campus, 1 Mountfield Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2XH Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
1
ART, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY TASTERs Taster
Overview
Art and Design
Practical work using printmaking processes and techniques to produce a final piece of creative fine art and a general introduction to the many pathways through an art and design career.
Photogram's
Some practical work in the darkroom to gain an understanding of the fundamental principle of chemical black and white photography.
Photographic Studio
Students will be introduced to working with studio lights, props and portraiture.
Please note: YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE OR TWO FROM THE ABOVE THREE OPTIONS.
BEAUTY THERAPY AND HAIR & BEAUTY TASTERS Course
Taster overview
Option A: Beauty Therapy
Find out about the work of a Beauty Therapist in our introductory session. Come to our professional salons and experience life in the beauty industry. You will have the opportunity to try some of the treatments yourself. Applicants should have a firm interest in Beauty Therapy as a career. We offer qualifications from the government approved awarding body of VTCT. Year 1: VRQ level 2 in Beauty Therapy; upon successful completion you will have the option to complete a Level 3 VRQ in Beauty Therapy treatments.
Option B: Hair & Beauty
Our introductory session will enable you to experience what happens on a typical day in the salon. You will have the opportunity to try some of the skills needed to work successfully in Hair and Beauty. Applicants should have a firm interest in Hair and Beauty as a career. You will also have the opportunity to try skills in Media make-up. We offer: A combined Level 2 Hairdressing and Beauty course, with Media make-up Level 3. Hairdressing Level 2 and Level 3 combined Hairdressing Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Please note: YOU CAN ONLY CHOOSE ONE OF THE TASTERS ABOVE BUT NOT BOTH.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
2
BUSINESS AND TRAVEL TASTERS Taster
Overview
Business
Do you have what it takes to start your own business? This session will offer a taste of the interests, skills and abilities you need to become a successful business person. Business Studies are available as an A level or a vocational qualification. The differences between these will be explained on our Taster days.
Economics
We all have to make decisions about what to do with our time, our money and other resources. We need to make the most of what we have to make sure we THRIVE, not just survive! This taster will be a demonstration of how the study of economics aims to solve the problem of meeting infinite wants with our scarce resources.
Travel & Tourism
Find out more about the fastest growing people business of the 21st Century! It offers numerous job opportunities in tour companies, travel agencies, call centres, airlines and cruise ships. Learn about the work of airline/airport ground staff, holiday representatives and what is involved in the planning of worldwide travel to sensational locations. We cannot tell you everything - but we can whet your appetite for the industry based courses at Sussex Downs College.
CARING TASTERS Taster
Overview
Health and Social Care
Are you interested in a people-orientated career within health care and related fields such as social work, teaching, nursing, occupational therapy and many more? Join us for a taster session on Health and Social Care and find out what it has to offer. We offer: Level 3: AS/A2 Single award in Health & Social Care – you will study two or three other subjects alongside the core Health and Social Care programme Level 3: AS/A2 Double award in Health & Social Care – you will study one or two other subjects alongside the core Health and Social Care programme
Children’s Play, Learning and Development
If you are interested in the way children develop and learn then come and find out about the importance of play and how to care for children. Some of the activities you do in small groups may include work on equal opportunities, diet, play and communication skills. We offer Childcare at: Level 2: As part of a GCSE programme – you will do 60 hours of work placement Level 3: One A level alongside other A levels – there is no work placement Level 3: Two A levels alongside one other A level – there is 800 hours of work placement over 2 years in three or four different placements.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
3
EARTH STUDIES TASTERS Taster
Overview
Earth Studies
Geography/Geology/ Environmental Studies If you are concerned about this planet, then the subjects within Earth Sciences give you the chance to find out how we came to be like this, where we seem to be going and what strategies we could adopt to make the earth a better place to live. Each subject covered in the session has a different theme. Earth Sciences offer so much more than just Geography.
ENGLISH TASTERS Taster
Overview
English
Know your English! Did you know we offer three different AS courses in English to appeal to a variety of interests? Come and take part in short activities designed to introduce you to the three exciting AS courses we offer. When applying to college you can choose between English Literature, English Language or the joint English Language and Literature course. If you really love English, it is possible to study both English Literature and English Language as separate AS levels.
History TASTERS Taster
Overview
History (Early Modern)/Classical Civilisation
We learn about today from our understanding of past societies. Come and find out how early modern history, ancient literature and culture, and archaeology can illuminate the present and enrich our understanding of the past.
History (Modern)
Do you think history repeats itself? Do you want to know more about the key events that have shaped the last 150 years of global history? Do you like thinking for yourself and challenging received opinions about the present? Then join us for a lively investigation of the past. Offered at both AS & A2. A minimum of a C in GCSE is required. If GCSE History has been taken then a minimum of a C grade is required. Modern History and Early Modern History cannot be taken together.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
4
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES TASTERS Taster
Overview
Law
Come and see how the law can affect your everyday life, from buying your favourite CD to playing football! You will get a taste of what studying law involves and how interesting it can be.
Philosophy
What are the great ideas which shape attitudes and human thought? Philosophers cover the broad range of ideas concerning knowledge, truth, beauty and the morally good. Join us for a challenge and some intellectual excitement. Offered at both AS & A2. You will need to have achieved high grades at GCSE, predominant As and Bs.
Psychology
This subject develops an understanding of the methods used by psychologists and explores the five main psychological approaches. You need to have good thinking and analytical skills. An interest in science is important. It is essential to be well organised for success in the practical work. You need to be willing to develop your communication skills. You should take this course if you are interested in studying human behaviour or if you are interested in progressing to further study and/or a career in Psychology, Law, Teaching, Advertising or Health Services. This subject blends well with subjects such as Sociology, Science subjects, Health & Social Care or Childcare. You do have to have an interest in science and maths as both skills are needed in Psychology.
Sociology
Sociology looks at a wide range of social issues. The course will require you to develop a critical view of the world we live in through questioning, discussion and evaluation. Sociology is about understanding society in all its variety and exploring the complex relationships between us all as human beings. Topics include sexism, racism, crime, religion, education, the family, equality and a whole range of other areas of debate. Offered at AS and A2. Also Offered as a one year fast track for students with exceptional GCSE scores Minimum of C grade at GCSE in English is required, although as the course demands significant amounts of essay style assessment a B grade is preferred.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
5
ICT TASTERS Taster
Overview
ICT -Informatics
Informatics is about getting the most out of working with IT: A professional looking web site from documents and data? Making a database app for an iPad? We’ve got all that covered. Come along and learn how to do the things no one ever told you about in IT.
ICT –Computing
Are you passionate about technology? Do you want to learn programming skills that are in demand by companies such as Google, Facebook and Twitter? A Level Computing teaches you the fundamentals concepts of Computer Science. You will learn how modern processors can perform over a billion calculations per second and the mathematical techniques used to design the next generation of chips. You will also learn the different techniques available to programmers and the fundamental principles of writing code. The taster session will include a hands-on session learning how to develop a program in Python and is your chance to learn more about this rapidly moving subject
ICT – Software Development
In Software Development, you make your own interactive web applications. Develop and produce your own games using Unity 3D. Create and manage your own databases and server software. Learn about the bells and whistles of web and games programming. We will cover html, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL and mobile web apps.
LANGUAGE TASTERS Taster
Overview
MFL - French
Do you enjoy the challenge of speaking in another language? Would you like to work abroad, developing your language expertise to help your career prospects? Come along and find out what Language study is like beyond GCSE.
MFL - German MFL - Spanish
MATHEMATICS TASTERS Taster
Overview
Mathematics
This is your first chance to find out what mathematics can be like beyond GCSE and discover that it can still be fun! The taster will give you a chance to try a practical activity at a higher level and see how it works. When applying for College there are options to study an A level in Mathematics with one applied option of Mechanics, Statistics or Decision.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
6
Media, MuSIC and production TASTERS Taster
Overview
Communication & Culture
One of the aspects of the course involves looking at codes. Codes are made up of the different elements we use to communicate with others. For example, we have dress codes, linguistic codes, codes of conduct and so on. Come and explore some of the meanings and practices of everyday life through examining cultural codes.
Film Studies
For anyone with a serious interest in films and cinema, find out about our approach to films within the AS-level syllabus. An informal session in which we’ll discuss a range of film extracts and you may discover something new!
Film and Video* Production
Come and explore our TV and Video facilities, getting a chance to experience the behind-the-scenes work in a TV studio, trying out some of our equipment and getting a feel for our practical media courses.
Interactive Media*
iMedia offers you the chance to explore the creative side of computing, like manipulating images, building web sites, creating animations and editing videos. For a taste of what this course has to offer, come and use our Apple Mac suite and learn some nifty tips and tricks in Photoshop.
Media Studies*
Discover the approach we take to the media on the AS Media course. We look at ways of understanding media products and how they influence our society.
Music
Music is for life just like a dog or a cat or a budgie……….. Whether you wish to make a career in music or you wish to enjoy lifelong music alongside another day job. Come and find out why East Sussex Academy of Music is the best place to study locally for serious minded musicians and why our results are well above national averages. As well as our traditional A level Music course we now also offer a vocational Level 3 BTEC Music course. If you've missed out on GCSE Music at school we offer a Level 2 BTEC Music course. Please bring your instrument with you on Taster day so that we can make some music.
Music Technology
It’s all about ears! Some people think that Music Technology is all about the ability to slide faders and twiddle dials. Actually the most important attribute you can have is a good pair of “Britney Spears”. That’s rhyming slang for the uninitiated. Come and listen up to find out what we have on offer at East Sussex Academy of Music and why this course is all about being a good musician who can use technology to perform like any other musical instrument.
Production Arts
An introduction to some of the many backstage production skills needed to create entertainment and arts events.
*Please note: YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE OR TWO FROM THE FOLLOWING THREE OPTIONS: interactive media, Film and video production and media studies.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
7
PERFORMING ARTS TASTERS Taster
Overview
Dance
Please note: Students must bring tracksuit bottoms and a t shirt for these sessions, not jeans, or they will not be able to participate or observe. Work is done barefoot. Take the chance to explore your movement potential in this practical dance workshop. The class will provide an introduction to dance technique and choreography. This is a physically active class and so it is not suitable for students who do not wish to participate in practical dance activities.
Performing Arts & Drama
Are you interested in finding out why we are one of the most exciting, vibrant and talked about Performing Arts Departments in the country? Then spend some time with us in our purpose built Performing Arts Centre and experience one of our taster workshops. They are fun and physical, and they’ll introduce you to our approach to performance, courses and progression. If you’re interested in a career in the Performing Arts and Creative Entertainment Industries or want to go on to study either the ideas or practice of performance at drama school or university this is the place for you.
PUBLIC SERVICES TASTERS Taster
Overview
Public Services
Please note: Any student wishing to do a taster session in Sport/PE or Public Services will need to be in PE kit. Ideally coming to college in clothes that they can do practical/fitness work – tracksuit bottoms, jumper & trainers will be fine! Are you interested in a career in the Armed Forces, Police or Fire Service? Try out our taster activities which are a preparation for public services and also find out more information about what goes on in this exciting course.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
8
SCIENCE TASTERS Taster
Overview
Biology and Human Biology
Have a taste of studying the science that unravels the mysteries of life!! A Levels in either of our courses are very rewarding and can lead to a variety of career paths; come and see for yourself. When applying for College there are options to study an A level in Biology or Human Biology.
BTEC Applied Science
This workshop is an opportunity for you to experience the work of a professional scientist in either Forensic labs or the wider aspects of Medical Science. Both areas can lead to an extensive range of scientific careers ranging from the Biomedical Sciences to Analytical Lab work and aspects of the Forensic services. Be prepared to experience the high intensity work of the professional lab based scientist. You will be able to study an applied vocational science course at BTEC certificate or Subsidiary Diploma level.
Chemistry
The science of matter and reactions. Come and experience life in the lab. Bunsen burners, dry ice, explosions and more! When applying for College there are options to study an A level in Chemistry.
Physics
Experience life as a student of the subject that helps explain how the universe works. You will have the chance to get your hands on some equipment and investigate such topics as magnetism and static electricity. It will make your hair stand on end! When applying for College there are options to study an A level in Physics.
SPORTS TASTERS Taster
Overview
Sports Courses
Please note: Any student wishing to do a taster session in Sport/PE or Public Services will need to be in PE kit. Ideally coming to college in clothes that they can do practical/fitness work – tracksuit bottoms, jumper & trainers will be fine! How good is your reaction time? How do you rate your coaching skills? Discover what affects your short-term memory and how important motivation is when performing. Come along on Taster Day and find out what is involved in these subjects at advanced level! Following the successes in a variety of sports in 2012 the role of PE & Sport in society has never been so important. Come along to a taster session to find out more about how the body responds to exercise, what coaching skills are important to a coach, how psychology can affect sports performance and much more information. You will find out how studying a PE & Sport related course at college will prepare you for a career in the PE, sport and fitness industry, or prepare you for studying a PE or Sport related course at university. Additionally, you will find out about the Sport Academies available at the college.
Web: www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days/ Email: schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk
9