Occupational Studies Aims and Qualifications

OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES AIMS & QUALIFICATIONS

The world of work is constantly changing; it is uncommon for a person to have only one occupation throughout their working life, so it’s vital that we are able to transfer and adapt our knowledge and skills throughout our careers. To foster these abilities, Occupational Studies allows pupils to learn for work, through work and about work, and it provides the potential for this learning to take place in out-of-school contexts. This hands-on approach is ideal for those who prefer to develop their skills in a more practical, occupational environment. Occupational Studies is both coherent and flexible and provides a good foundation from which to advance to competence-based post16 courses. There are 6 Single Awards in the Occupational Studies Suite (given by each pathway below):

Pathway Subjects include

Design & Creativity Graphic Design, Website Development, Catering, Hairdressing & Beauty

Business & Services Hairdressing, Beauty, Childcare, Administration & Catering

Construction Brickwork, Joinery, Plumbing, Tiling, Plastering , Hard Landscaping & Painting & Decorating, Plumbing

Engineering Car Maintenance, Electrical, Land Based, Engineering, Plumbing

Environment & Society Caring, Sports, Horticulture, Tourism

Technology & Innovation Digital Imaging, TV & Film, Bench Joinery & Carpentry Joinery , CAD, Sheet Metal

If a pupil achieves a total of 120 out of 200 marks or more from their two subjects they will achieve a Level 2 Single Award in Occupational Studies which is the equivalent of 1 GCSE at grade A*- C. The pupil will also study a further different Single Award in their Year 12. Occupational Studies qualifications are delivered at the following campuses: • Armagh Campus • Lurgan Campus • Newry East Campus • Newry West Campus • Newry Greenbank Campus • Portadown Campus

BTEC Level 2 First Award

BTEC Level 1/2 First Awards provides opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised level 2 qualification. It provides vocational emphasis for learners following a GCSE route. It offers an engaging programme for learners who, at entry stage, wish to learn about the Engineering and Media industries. If successfully completed (at level 2) it provides the equivalent of 1 GCSE, grade A*-C

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary/Diploma

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma extends the specialist work-related focus from the BTEC Level 2 Certificate and covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma offers greater flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units. It is broadly equivalent to one GCE A Level. The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma, when studied alongside the qualifications offered in the pupils school will provide an understanding of the practical skills of the vocational area and will assist the pupils in moving on into technical level employment or entry into higher education. The College currently offer the BTEC Level 2/3 Subsidiary Diploma in the following areas: • Construction • Media • Engineering • ICT • Health& Social Care • Childcare

ASDAN Programmes

This qualification, at Level 1, is particularly suitable for students with learning difficulties. ASDAN Programmes are learner-centred with a modular and activity-based curriculum; they encourage young people to take responsibility for their own learning. These programmes are relevant to a wide range of settings, such as schools, colleges, youth and training and recognise, reward and celebrate achievement at all levels. The courses profiled in this prospectus are available to all Post-Primary Schools in the Southern Region and the mode of delivery for these courses is flexible. We encourage our partner schools to contact their SRC SPP Coordinator to discuss their specific needs and requirements. Our SPP Coordinators are available to meet with parents, pupils and attend information sessions as required by our partner schools.

CCEA Creative Crafts

Creative Crafts is a course of study which enables pupils to: • Develop basic skills in specialised areas of art or media • Provide underpinning knowledge of the creative process • Provide a basis of progression into further study. This qualification can provide a taster for pupils who are considering progressing into further study or employment in media or art and design. It can be used to enrich the curriculum by supplementing other areas of study. Pupils using this qualification can also progress to a more specific vocationally related course. All assessment is by portfolio. This qualification, at Level 1, is particularly suitable for students with learning difficulties. The most popular choices at this level are Photography, Digital Imaging and Pottery. Level 2 Creative Crafts is GCSE standard. The most popular choices at this level are Digital Imaging, Photography and Fashion Design, but as with all levels, other specialist options such as Ceramics, Pottery, Textiles, Jewellery and Interior Design. At Level 3, the students are required to work at AS Level standard. At this level the students are encouraged to respond to the requirements of a client, in the area of graphic design, photography, digital imaging, fashion, textiles, ceramics or other art based areas. This is particularly beneficial for enrichment purposes and to build a successful portfolio for further study or employment.

AS/A2 Qualifications

A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade. Year One: AS level The AS level can be taken as either a free standing qualification, or it can be the first half of the full A level.

Year Two: A2 Level In year two of a full A level, the A2 is taken - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge gained during the AS level. Grades AS and A levels are graded A*-E. The College can offer a wide range of AS and A2 A Levels. Currently offered; AS/A2 Level in Sociology, Psychology, Law, Moving Image Art, Life & Health Science and Health & Social Care.