SAS
SAS 2012 - 13 Tudor Grange Academy Worcester
June 2012 The Skills, Action Service curriculum is part of our core provision within the Academy. We dedicate two hours every Wednesday afternoon to a variety of courses which are designed to ensure that students develop a skill of their choice and plan to put it into action, using it to serve a local, national or even international community. Students work in vertical groups: it is fantastic to watch year 11 students side by side with year 7 students working towards a common goal. This part of our curriculum achieves a wide variety of objectives: students develop essential skills and attributes such as project management skills, self-confidence and enterprise. The time we dedicate to this option allows talented students to immerse themselves in their area of expertise and everyone develops a keener awareness of the needs of communities and the benefits of utilising our skills to benefit others. Just as importantly, we know that students very much enjoy their SAS option and it is a delight to be around the Academy on a Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs C Maclean – Academy Principal Foreward
Active Cooks What skills will I learn in this option? During Active Cooks you will develop listening skills, enhance your creativity and increase your knowledge of health and safety in the kitchen and food hygiene. How will I learn these skills? Active Cooks will give you the chance to appreciate new dishes and flavours. You will learn to experiment with new combinations of ingredients, plan dishes for different occasions and use new and familiar ingredients in exciting ways. How will my achievements be assessed? Successful members of Active Cooks will be awarded certificates starting at Bronze Level. Progress will be monitored using photographic evidence, presentations about ingredients and dishes, recipe planning and execution and personal reflection. Please note that students will be required to bring in their own ingredients each week and that this SAS choice is only available to students in Years 7- 8 in September.
Angling What skills will I learn in this option? Taking Angling as your SAS option will help you to develop perseverance, mentoring and listening skills, respect for the environment as well as risk taking and looking for solutions to challenges. How will I learn these skills? During Angling you will learn how to tie rigs, care for fish, fishery rules, how to dismantle and care for your fishing equipment correctly and tried and tested techniques. You will visit Cobb House Fisheries at Martley as well as fishing locally on the canal. How will my achievements be assessed? A short series of exercises will assess your understanding of the theory behind angling and its techniques. Practical ability will be assessed at the bank side and in the classroom. Photographic records of angling successes and practical applications such as tying rigs will all provide evidence of your achievements. Please note that there is a voluntary contribution of ÂŁ20 per half term towards the overall cost of tuition and transport to and from the venue. Students who foresee any difficulties in making this payment every half term should see Mr Short or Miss Dewe.
Animal Care / Horticulture What skills will I learn in this option? Students opting for this SAS choice will develop an increased awareness of their immediate environment, discover how to care for animals and learn gardening skills whilst helping to set up and run the Academy mini farm near Worcester. How will I learn these skills? During the coming months students will work on clearing, re-fencing and planning the lay out of the farm. They will erect rabbit hutches, a chicken coop and run. Two raised beds will be constructed, one for flowers and the other for vegetables. Students will feed and water the animals as well as cleaning out and disinfecting the animal housing. In the new year seedlings will planted out in the raised beds, the paddock will be maintained and the animals’ health and well-being will be monitored as well as cleaning, disinfecting, feeding and watering. In the latter half of the year students will harvest the finished crops and maintain the care of the landscape and animals. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? Students will experience raised levels of self-esteem as they become more competent when handling and working with the animals and observing how their crops are growing. The vegetables and flowers which they have grown can be used in the Academy dining facilities and food lessons and other plants can be sold in aid of charities at the summer fair.
Art on the Outside What skills will I learn in this option? Art on the Outside offers students the opportunity to respond to a brief given to them by the Three Counties Education Officer. The brief will be to produce a show garden for the Malvern Spring Gardening Show in May 2013. Students will be involved in discussing and planning ideas around the theme. They will then produce finished designs which will be presented to the whole group who will then decide the best one to be developed and taken to the show. How will I learn these skills? The garden designing gives students the chance to explore their creative sides, whether it be through colourful planting ideas, drawing ideas, creating 3D work suitable for the outside, looking for sponsorship and fundraising ideas for the garden. It is an opportunity to work as part of a team and create an individual design that you can talk about confidently. What benefit will this have to me and the community? It is an opportunity to showcase their ideas at one of the largest and most popular garden shows in the country. Over the last three years the Academy garden has been a talking point in the schools’ gardens section of the show, making appearances on the website for the Three Counties and Gardeners’ World. This year, the students’ garden ‘The Good Life’, featuring a restored caravan, received ‘Highly Commended’ from the RHS judges. Students have the opportunity to visit the Spring Show, take part in the build and promote the garden to members of the general public from around the country. This boost students’ confidence and self esteem and affords them experiences they might not encounter in day to day life.
Authors Inc.
What skills will I learn in this option? Are you jostling to be the next JK Rowling? Do you claim to be the next Darren Shan? If your brain is bursting with characters, plots, poems and more, then Authors Inc. is the perfect option to help you polish your creative talents. You will learn how to chart your chapters, smooth out your scripts and be given the opportunity to perform, narrate and critique your own work as well as that of your peers. How will I learn these skills? We look to outstanding authors for inspiration and discuss in an open forum what we like and don’t like about different styles and ideas; feel free to come with a copy of your favourite book to pick apart! You will learn how to lay out a script, plan a poem and rework a radio play with help from expert examples. Finally, hearing your own work performed will help you understand how to improve and reflect. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? You will have the chance to share your work with other SAS groups as well as with individuals from Worcester in local primary schools and residential homes. The skills you learn will help you to articulate and present a vision of what you want to communicate that will benefit you in any subject. These skills will mean your coursework and projects will be clear, engaging and inventive!
Beauty What skills will I learn in this option? The SAS Beauty option provides students with the opportunity to develop their communication and teamwork skills, to improve their self-confidence and ability to assess and improve their performance. How will I learn these skills? Students will start with basic hand massage, looking at the bones of the hand, reflexology and how to give a manicure. This will be followed by pedicures and basic back and head massage. Students will also have the opportunity to make their own lotions and creams using natural ingredients. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? Students will be able to create creams and lotions which can be sold to raise money for charity. They will develop the self-confidence to market their products. The practical skills which they will learn will enable them to provide basic massage for friends and family and provide them with the knowledge of how beneficial massage can be. Please note that this SAS choice is only available to students in Years 9-11 in September.
Bling Bling What skills will I learn in this option? In this SAS option you will have the opportunity to develop your creative and practical skills through a variety of different jewellery-making projects. Valuable skills which will be developed include problem solving, attention to detail, patience, creativity and self-confidence. Through planning and designing projects for sale at the SAS Fair, you will also gain experience of material costing, product pricing and marketing. How will I learn these skills? You will acquire knowledge of basic techniques which you will then go on to develop to suit your own creative style and ideas. You will work with a variety of different materials and techniques including: polymer clay, natural fibres such as felt, metals and wires, and also a variety of beads and other findings. You will create your own beads from raw materials and use these to produce unique jewellery and accessories. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? The art of jewellery-making is a valuable skill for many reasons. It can help to develop self-confidence and a belief in your own creative ability. Through costing and marketing products, you will also develop a sense of commercial awareness, which may be useful in later life should you choose to run your own business. Through selling items which you have made at the SAS Fair, you will also help support the community by raising money for chosen charities. *Please note that students who wish to take home items which they have made will be asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the overall cost of the materials.
Boxing What skills will I learn in this option? The syllabus will include stance, guard, foot work, jab, cross, hook and upper cut. As well as learning to box in a safe environment you are also learning great boxing related fitness techniques. How will I learn these skills? SAS Boxers will undertake Boxfitness (Worcester) Level 1 Young Boxing and Fitness course. Each week we will train at Boxfitness in Worcester under the guidance of NVQ and ABA qualified boxing coaches. What benefit will this have to me and the community? Boxing teaches discipline, self-control and will improve your concentration! It is an exciting, fun and effective way to improve your health, fitness and confidence through Boxing training routines and exercises. The students have a further opportunity to work towards achieving an Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) Boxing Award. Please note that there is a voluntary contribution of ÂŁ30 per half term towards the overall cost of tuition and transport to and from the venue. Students who foresee any difficulties in making this payment every half term should see Miss Dewe.
Carpentry What will I learn in this option? The SAS Carpentry option will equip you with basic woodwork skills needed to create designs out of wood and give you the know how to develop your own carpentry projects. Patience, self confidence and a sense of achievement will all be developed through this option. How will I learn these skills? Working with and supporting other SAS groups you will complete different carpentry projects as well as designing wooden items for presents and to raise money for charity. How will these skills benefit me and the wider community? This year students have worked as team to come up with ideas for items which could be sold for charity. They have costed and presented their items to the Governing body and the Academy Principal and taken commissions for other projects. Their presentation for their chosen charity of Acorns showed that they had learnt to market their products realistically and competitively. This year you could also have the chance to develop not only your woodworking skills but also the art of marketing and selling your product.
Ceramics What skills will I learn in this option? In this option creativity, experimentation, patience and perseverance are all important skills. It is an excellent opportunity to extend artistic skills using materials not usually available in lessons. How will I learn these skills? Students will create and produce pieces of sculpture and art commissioned by staff and other SAS groups, drawing on different influences and incorporating a variety of materials. How will my skills benefit me and the wider community? For the past two years SAS Ceramics has supported SAS Art in the Garden with their designs at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show. Students have created artwork and sold it in aid of charity and voted on and developed presenting skills when deciding on a charity to support.
Community Counts What skills will I learn in this option? Students will perfect their team working, problem solving and communication skills and, at the same time, develop an appreciation of their local communities. How will I learn these skills? Students will take part in a number of community based projects from gardening and litter picking to reporting on local events and meeting different members of their community. They will have the chance to develop and shape the projects by being creative and voicing their opinions. How will my skills benefit me, the Academy and the local community? Students who have been part of Community Counts this year have developed relationships with older members of the community through an intergenerational project which resulted in the redevelopment of the Tolly Centre Garden. Outcomes from Wednesday afternoons at Bilford Court Residential Home have been very positive for students and residents alike, as they now have a deeper understanding of each other’s viewpoints and beliefs.
Crest Science What skills will I learn in this option? The National Crest Science Award option will guide and encourage students to develop their creativity, evaluation and communication skills in a scientific context. How will I learn these skills? Students will present their projects, set clear goals, produce and develop their own ideas. There is a requirement for students to plan their own investigations, carry them out and then refine and improve on their techniques. The Award suits students who already enjoy science. How will my achievements be assessed? Students will gather a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating how they have reached their conclusions and researched and gathered evidence in order to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Crest Award.
Drama What skills will I learn in this option? This SAS option will provide students with the ability to develop their creative skills. Devising scenes, acting, teamwork, self confidence, and learning to improvise are all some of the skills provided by this option. How will I learn these skills? Students will have the opportunity to devise and perform their own or others’ pieces of drama. They will be encouraged to experiment with their performances and develop different pieces for different audiences. Opportunities to film and record performances are also provided. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? As a result of taking this option you will gain in confidence and develop good communication skills. Students who take SAS Drama find that it has benefited their studies in performing and Expressive Arts and encourage them to display their newfound abilities in Academy productions.
Engineering What skills will I learn in this option? Students will learn the science behind conventional heating systems (such as gas boilers) and renewable energy alternatives, as well as how to build and install new energy-saving contraptions around the Academy site. Students will be trained in teamwork and problem-solving skills and assessed throughout the course. How will I learn these skills? The course will be divided into projects focusing on different key areas, such as solar heating, generating electricity and capturing rainwater. Groups will have hands-on training sessions at Worcester Bosch to develop their practical engineering skills, with the chance to practice installing boilers and solar panels. Scientific knowledge will be learnt in the classroom and then put to use in building energy-saving devices which will benefit the academy. How will my achievements be assessed? Students will keep a portfolio of their progress throughout each project showing what they have learnt and how their ideas have developed, which could lead on to a GCSE in Engineering in the future. During the final term, there will be an opportunity to take part in a national engineering competition with other schools to show off their newfound knowledge and skills.
Excellence In Sport What will I learn in this option? Excellence in Sport will provide students with the opportunity to take part in a variety of sporting activities and the time to hone their skills in various sporting environments. Students who select Excellence in Sport must be willing to represent the Academy in extra curricular fixtures and events. How will I learn these skills? Coaching will be provided by Academy staff and local sports clubs. We work closely with Worcester Wolves, Worcester Warriors, Gaudet Luce Golf Club and Worcester FA. Students who select Excellence in Sport are expected to participate in all sessions. This will help to ensure maximum progress is made. How will my achievements be assessed? Students who select Excellence in Sport will be assessed in a practical form. All students will have the opportunity to represent the Academy during inter school competitions within Worcester and will be able to demonstrate their progression in skills such as teamwork, communication and organisation. Many of these competitions will be at county and regional level. Students will also be responsible throughout the year for organising and delivering multi sports festivals for primary schools. This will help support the development of sport within the local community.
Explorers What skills will I learn in this option? Over three half terms, students will have the opportunity to experience kayaking, archery and climbing at Top Barn Outdoor Education Centre near Hallow. How will I learn these skills? Every week, students will be shown techniques in one of the three disciplines and be able to build on any existing skills or experience they may already have. Sessions will be led by qualified instructor. How will these skills benefit me? Students who successfully complete these courses will be awarded the following nationally recognised certificates - Level 1 in Paddle Power, Level 1 Climbing and Level 1 Archery. These skills are important to students who wish to pursue Duke of Edinburgh awards and will show evidence that they can apply themselves, having shown determination, perseverance and teamwork in order to gain these qualifications. Please note that there is a voluntary contribution of ÂŁ30 per half term towards the overall cost of offering these qualifications and transport to and from the venue. Students who foresee any difficulties in making this payment every half term should see Mr Bell or Miss Dewe.
Film What skills will I learn in this option? SAS Film offers a range of skills, which allow students to watch, debate and review different elements of films such as acting, scenes, plot and special effects. It also develops an understanding of the film making process, from script writing to filming. Students will also be able to relate to the real world as they investigate emotional, social and cultural issues. How will I learn these skills? Students will watch and review films, chosen by staff,which cover a range of themes and issues. They will also plan, write, film and produce their own short films, based on the film genres investigated. How will my achievements be assessed? By keeping a detailed diary of accomplishments, ideas and photographic evidence of research and outcomes, students will compile a portfolio of their achievements. Students this year have had the chance to visit the BBC Newsroom Studio at the Mailbox in Birmingham to take part in the filming of ‘Midlands Today.’
Geology Rocks What skills will I learn in this option? This SAS choice will definitively get students thinking about the world beneath their feet! Geology is an earth science that looks at the study of the Earth’s surface and substructure. Geologists examine the processes that form the earth’s soils, rocks and landforms. If you like science, geography and fieldwork then ‘Geology Rocks!’ may well be the SAS choice for you! How will I learn these skills? Over the course of the programme students will team up with the Hereford and Worcestershire Geological Trust to study the geology of the local area. Working with a team of experts they will: Go on frequent field trips to quarries around the Malvern Hills to carry out fieldwork investigations. Learn how to identify different types of rock and explain how they developed by taking part in a rock identification workshop. Unlock the past by studying fossil remains to create their own fascinating fossils. Develop orienting skills through map reading. Be able to transfer the skills learnt by working with primary school pupils. How will my achievements be assessed? Students will build up a portfolio of reports, pictures, drawings and photographic evidence which will not only benefits their studies in geography and science but could lead to a GCSE in Geology.
Hair What skills will I learn in this option? The SAS Hair option provides students with the opportunity to develop their communication and teamwork skills, to improve their self-confidence and ability to assess and improve their performance. How will I learn these skills? Skills will be developed at the Tudor Hair Salon. These will include discussing how to meet and greet customers, health and safety in the salon and an introduction to styling. How will my skills benefit me, the Academy and the local community? Students have supported other SAS events this year, providing hair and make up for the Catwalk Creations Fashion Show and working with Photography during one their photo shoots. Opportunities to practice their skills on staff also arise from time to time! Please note that this SAS choice is only available to students in Year 9 in September.
Handmade Homemade What skills will I learn in this option? Group work, discussion, self-evaluation, creativity and self-confidence are all skills which are developed in this SAS option. How will I learn these skills? You will take part in a variety of activities such as mosaic making, papier mache, card making, note holders, brooches, bracelets, gift tags and bags. This year students have also made rag rugs and small tapestries. You will also be able to shape the kinds of products being produced by making your own suggestions and doing your own research. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? You will produce a portfolio made up of photos, plans or ideas. Running a workshop or stall in aid of charity will develop your ability to cost items realistically and market them to customers. Working with members of staff who have commissioned items will also help with communications and presentation skills. Students have already raised money for local charities by selling the items made in this SAS option. Commissions for work by staff have also given the students a real sense of pride in their work, knowing that what they produce is valued and appreciated.
Music What skills will I learn in this option? Performance is at the heart of SAS music. Students will have opportunities to sing, play, compose and record their work in the recording studio as part of this SAS option. They will explore a variety of different styles and genres in SAS Music, always with a view to performing to their peers and at other venues in and around the community. Why choose this option? We all enjoy watching performances and listening to music. In SAS Music students will develop the skills to become confident and musical young performers and composers who can share their talents with the wider community. SAS Music is fun, challenging and enjoyable; you will progress very quickly, develop independent learning skills and work with other young people who love making music! How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community? In SAS Music you will be assessed on your performance, compositional skills and your ability to work as a part of a team. Teamwork is an extremely valuable skill to develop in relation to music. It is all about working with others, responding to an audience and sharing ideas as part of the creative process. Students from SAS Music have performed at Worcester Cathedral, St. Stephens Care Home and perform every week to other SAS groups and each other. We will continue to look for new performance opportunities throughout the year and will welcome all students’ suggestions.
Navy What skills will I learn in this option? You will take part in activities which help you develop teamwork and leadership skills as well as experiencing what the Navy Training Corps has to offer. How will I learn these skills? Students will take part in drills, learn semaphore and different types of knots. Camping, map and compass work also feature as well as the opportunity to take part in Navy Cadet camps and visits to naval ships docked in port. Further training in logistics, seamanship, engineering and communications are also possible. How will my achievements be assessed? A log will be kept of your progress and certificates and badges will be awarded for your achievements in different areas. Cadets and marines from the Navy training Corps have provided invaluable support for important events at the Academy such as Prize Giving in Worcester Cathedral and Open Evening.
Photography What skills will be learnt? SAS Photography is a combination of learning about how a camera works, setting up photo shoots, composing good photographs and then manipulating them on Photoshop. How will you learn them? During photo shoots you will prepare the models, apply make-up, select clothing and decide on lighting. Approximately two thirds of the time will be spent on the computers manipulating photographs or completing research. How will they be used to provide a service to the Academy and wider community? You will learn a range of skills and will take part in a series of projects with a wide range of outcomes depending on the time of year. These projects include, ‘Pop Art Yourself’, a Happy Halloween photo shoot, creating movie posters, a Christmas photo shoot, making Valentines cards, architectural photography and creating illusions using photography and Photoshop. One of our new projects for the coming year is an Academy calendar. The first Academy Valentine’s Post was a huge success with the proceeds being donated to charity and it is hoped to raise even more this year.
Radio Tudor What skills will be learnt? In SAS Radio Tudor you will learn the skills to plan, produce and run your own radio show to be broadcast weekly. This will give you the opportunity to develop your teamwork, organisation and communication skills as well as building your confidence in public speaking with a difference! How will you learn them? You will take on various roles within the radio station and have the opportunity to experience working in the production, technical and broadcasting teams. Are you a budding producer, researcher, news reader or DJ? How will they be used to provide a service to the Academy and wider community? You will plan, produce and broadcast weekly shows across the Academy which will include topical issues, debates and interviews with local communities about events in the local neighbourhood.
Spanish What skills will I learn in this option? Students learn to listen for information in Spanish, read unfamiliar signs and menus, hold a basic conversation and give some basic written information about themselves. How will I learn these skills? Students will be able to appreciate the culture and language of the Spanish people through a variety of language games and activities, building on their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. How will my achievements be assessed? Students will use their language skills to complete different levelled Asset language tests which in turn can lead to a GCSE in Spanish.
TGAW News What skills will I learn in this option? In this option you will be given the opportunity to plan and create video reports for our very own news reporting show. The range of skills will include presenting in front of a camera, learning different camera compositions, video editing, video manipulation on the computer and being an investigative journalist to find stories throughout the academy and the wider community to report on. How will I learn these skills? We will be based in a computer room where we can plan different reports for the TGAW news show. We will learn how news reports are structured and work to replicate different camera shots for use in our very own TGAW news reports. You must be interested in video editing and manipulation as we will be working with professional programs to create our desired effects. How will these skills benefit me, the Academy and the wider community?
TGAW news will report what is happening throughout the academy and in the wider community. The skills you have learnt will benefit you if you would like to be in the creative media industry or learn more about investigative journalism.
Tudor Media What skills will I learn in this option? This SAS option will provide students with the ability to develop their creative skills in digital media. They will be working on producing a variety of animated video elements for TV titles and Film special effects. We look at how to film and alter video to produce the effects you see on TV and in films. We will also have a look at 3D graphics. We will work with green screen and adding elements like explosions to create a dynamic video shot. How will I learn these skills? Students will be taught how to film and edit footage for special effects and TV graphics. We will work with SAS News and SAS film and help produce work for those options, along with producing our own projects. This will help students to appreciate the work done in post video production and give them the skills to enhance video work done else where in their school life and further.
Young Chamber What skills will I learn in this option? Young Chamber will provide some essential skills such as leadership, working to deadlines, planning, risk taking, ICT skills, communication, financial awareness, entrepreneurism, enterprise, innovation and independence. How will I learn these skills and how will they benefit the Academy? You will work on independent and group projects based on your own ideas involving staff and students. Over the past three years these have included ‘Staff Strictly’, Academy discos, educational visits and commissions for signage by different departments. Students have undertaken research and helped set up TGI rewards using the My Stickers website. Students have felt a real sense of achievement when events have been completed successfully.
Skills Action Service
Ms. K Dewe Curriculum Leader SAS kdewe@tgaw.org.uk Tudor Grange Academy Bilford Road Worcester WR3 8HN 01905 454627 www.tgaw.org.uk
TGAW