OPTIONS BOOKLET FOR 1995-96



St Margaret Mary's Secondary School

S2 OPTION CHOICES

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Session 2010-2011

Name: ________________________________________

Class: _________________________________________

Pastoral Care Teacher: ___________________________

INTRODUCTION

Dear Pupils/Parents/Carers

This handbook is designed to help you in the important decision making process you are involved in. Hopefully you will find it useful and helpful - if you need any further help or advice please contact either your Pastoral Care teacher, or parents can call the school (0141) 582 0250 to arrange an appointment to discuss matters with Pastoral Care staff or Senior Management.

The decisions you will make are perhaps the most important you have made so far, so take your time and take advantage of all the help and expertise you have available in assisting you choose the right course for you.

The following staff will be available to help:-

Mr J Burke Pastoral Care for pupils in Columba House.

Mrs J Flannigan Pastoral Care for pupils in Ogilvie House.

Mrs M Ramage Pastoral Care for pupils in Kentigern House.

Mrs A Floyd Depute Head Teacher with responsibility for S2.

Ms MA Doyle Depute Head Teacher with responsibility for Pupil Support.

The Pupil Support Team consists of Principal Teachers Pastoral Care, Mrs Lennon and Mrs Lafferty Support for Learning.

Yours sincerely

James Hendrie

Head Teacher

OPTIONS - The Choice of Third Year Subjects

Some General Information for Pupils and Parents

You have now reached the stage in your Second Year when decisions must be made about which subjects you will study in your Third and Fourth Years.

Your parents, classroom teachers and Pastoral Care teacher will help you with these decisions.

You will be taken through your Options Booklet in class by your PSE teacher to help you understand what is required. The importance of the decisions you have to make will be stressed to you.

Every department has produced information to assist you and your parents and this information is included in this booklet.

As most of the courses will lead to Standard Grade awards, here is some essential information about these awards.

STANDARD GRADE

Any pupil may choose to do any subject but within each subject there are usually 2 courses available. The first course will lead to an award at Credit or General level. The second course will lead to an award at General or Foundation level. Awards on the final certificate are made at 7 levels.

1

CREDIT COURSE A

2

3

GENERAL

4

COURSE B

5

FOUNDATION

6

7 Course completed only

Level 1 is the hardest to get and if you follow Course A and fail to get a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 you will get grade 7, so unless you have a good chance of getting a credit award you should do course B.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE COURSES

Science, Mathematics and Spanish offer an alternative to Standard Grade.

Please note that Science may not always be offered at Intermediate I and Standard Grade.

Intermediate 1 – taken over two years with 3 units to pass before taking the exam.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

All subjects offer equal opportunities to both boys and girls and you should not feel that any subject is only for girls or only for boys.

All subjects can lead to good jobs for both boys and girls who work hard and develop their skills.

It is important that you choose subjects which you are interested in, enjoy and are likely to achieve success.

Some of our greatest scientists are women, some of the world’s finest restaurants have men in charge of their kitchens and more and more men are working with computers and word processors and women are becoming car mechanics, engineers etc.

So the message is, don’t be put off by any old-fashioned ideas other people may have about subjects. If you are interested in a subject, have ability in it - then why not just do it!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SUBJECTS

In accordance with the National Guidelines, pupils in St Margaret Mary’s Secondary School study English, Mathematics, Spanish, PE and RE. In addition S3 pupils must study one of the following types of subject which will generally lead to SQA certification.

1. A Science Subject Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

2. A Social Subject Geography or Modern Studies.

3. A Technological Subject Craft & Design, Computing Studies,

Home Economics, Business

Administration. or Business Management.

4. A Creative and Aesthetic Subject Art, Drama, Music or PE.

5. A Prevocational Option Further information to follow.

With the introduction of National Certificates each pupil should have a clear line of progression from their Standard Grade course into S5/6. Given the wide range of courses and course levels within National Certificates it will be difficult for any school to ensure all courses at all levels are available. As at present, however, the arrangements we enjoy with neighbouring schools should mean that each pupil will be able to follow appropriate National Certificate courses when they progress to S5/S6.

In addition pupils will be assisted in the following ways to prepare for future employment.

a) Work Experience In Fourth Year you will have the

opportunity of one week’s work

experience.

b) Careers At all stages in the Secondary School you will have the benefit of Computer Based Careers Guidance Systems to keep you up-to-date and advised on what subjects and programmes of study are right for you.

c) Careers Officer The school has regular visits from a Careers Officer who will meet pupils in their final year of school and meet individuals to offer careers advice.

INFORMATION ON THE DIFFERENT SUBJECTS

In the following pages you will get information about the subjects you will be able to choose for your Third and Fourth Years.

Remember that certain subjects are taken automatically - ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS and SPANISH. By looking at the Option Form you can get a good idea of where you have to make your choices. A final version of the Options form will be available later to help you make your choices in consultation with your parent and Pastoral Care teacher.

After looking at the Option Form - which will be explained to you in Personal and Social Education - you should have an idea of which subjects interest you. Read through the information on these subjects in the appropriate pages which follow.

E N G L I S H

All pupils will begin a Standard Grade Course or National Qualifications Course in English in S3. This is a TWO YEAR COURSE leading to a Standard Grade or Intermediate certificate in S4. The certificate will show what level the pupil reached at the end of the Course. While all pupils will sit a national examination in English towards the end of Fourth Year, they will also be assessed on a FOLIO of work completed in class and at home over the previous 2 years. The idea is that a pupil is assessed on the work completed over 2 years, not just on how he/she performs in one examination on a particular day, so good attendance and consistent effort are needed, and rewarded, over the 2 year course. Pupils who do not attend or do not complete the work of the course will be awarded nothing.

What is Standard Grade English?

Broadly, it can be divided into 3 areas:-

1. WRITING

2. READING

3. TALKING/LISTENING

Pupils are assessed in all 3 areas and this will, with the final examinations, decide what overall Grade will be awarded. They will study Short Stories, Novels, Plays and Poetry; they will write compositions, do tests of close reading, take part in Discussions, give Short Talks and Read, privately.

NB Information on National Qualifications – Intermediate 1 or 2 will be given to those pupils who will be on this course.

What do we have to decide now?

Nothing! All pupils will take English in S3 and S4, so no decision or choice is required just now. All we need from you and your son or daughter is a commitment to ensure that he or she will attend regularly and undertake the work to the best of his or her ability. Later on, we will give you information on your child’s progress and an indication as to the levels he or she should be aiming for in the final examinations. These levels are called FOUNDATION and GENERAL or GENERAL and CREDIT; INTERMEDIATE 1 OR 2.

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M A T H E M A T I C S

Who does Mathematics?

Everyone. All pupils in Third and Fourth Year must study Mathematics.

Courses followed will be one of the following:

Standard Grade or Access

What must I do?

1. Attend regularly.

2. Work hard in class and do all classwork and homework to the best of your ability.

3. Sit regular assessments. There will be a National Examination at the end of your course. This will include a non calculator paper.

Will Mathematics help me?

Yes because:

1. It helps everyone cope with solving real life problems - checking wages, working out electricity/gas bills, costing the decoration of your bedroom and lots of other things.

2. It helps you with other subjects - Science, Graphic Communications and others. Figures and calculations are used in many subjects.

3. It may help you get a job. If you can show that you can work with numbers and can solve problems you will make a promising employee.

Calculators Calculators are essential in modern Mathematics. You will be using everyday figures which can be very awkward to work with. A calculator helps you solve problems quickly and accurately.

A Scientific Calculator is absolutely essential for most pupils.

SPANISH

(Hablas español?

In your Third and Fourth Year of Spanish you will build on what you did last year, so that you can cope with more situations.

What will I learn?

The course will continue to be Topic Based. Each unit or set of units will deal with a particular situation and you will learn what to say and do in this situation. You will do this by reading adverts, signs, learn short dialogues and listen to short conversations in Spanish.

How will I do that?

The main emphasis will be on speaking either in groups, with a partner, with the teacher or with a native Spanish speaker. You will develop your listening skills by hearing tapes of Spanish speakers. Your reading will also be improved by using texts based on topics you are studying. You will only manage this however by listening carefully to the teacher and doing your best in the classroom.

What topics will I study?

SPANISH

(Family life/pocket money.

(Travel/holidays.

(Free time/healthy living.

What about Homework?

Of course you will be expected to do some homework. This will be mostly learning new words and phrases and preparing short dialogues. You will benefit greatly from having your own dictionary to use at home.

Don’t forget the harder you try, the more you will learn. It’s up to YOU!

S T A N D A R D G R A D E P H Y S I C S

Would you like to be able to:

predict the weather work with robots construct a bridge?

fight pollution? work in a hospital help handicapped people have a better life?

find an alternative energy source? fly a space shuttle?

If so then next year Physics could be for you!!

Next year learn about:

Telecommunications Health Physics Electricity Energy

Electronics Transport Space Physics

Physics plays a vital part in the lives of everybody by studying what happens all around us and then using this knowledge to improve the quality of life.

FACT

In 1965, a communication satellite was put in orbit

above the Atlantic Ocean. Within four years

world-wide satellite communication became possible.

Today many modern satellites circle the earth which

allow us to watch live sporting events such as the

2000 Olympics from Sydney, Australia, WWF

Wrestling from the United States and Sumo Wrestling from Japan.

P H Y S I C S Intermediate I

The course is split into six units:

➢ Telecommunications

➢ Practical Electricity

➢ Radiations

➢ Sound and Music

➢ Movement

➢ Electronics

All students will be taught at Intermediate I Level. Assessment will determine whether achievement is at Intermediate I or Access 3.

THE UNITS

Telecommunications – looks at the world of radio, TV,

satellites and telephones.

Practical Electricity – electrical circuits and their use in the home.

Radiations – a look at the medical uses of various types of radiations.

Sound and Music – a scientific view of the musical world.

Movement – the science behind moving bodies in space and sport

.

Electronics – technology made simple.

Physics plays a vital part in all our lives, studying it will help you understand how our modern world works.

STANDARD GRADE C H E M I S T R Y

Have you ever wondered why?

You put vinegar on a wasp sting?

Food lasts longer in a freezer?

Salt is put on roads in winter?

Carbon monoxide comes out of car exhausts?

Your gold jewellery doesn’t rust in water?

Are you interested in any of the following?

Chemical Reactions Acids Metals

Plastics Alcohol

Do you enjoy any of these?

Experiments DVDs Computers

Trips to Universities Entering competitions

If you answer yes to some of the above, consider taking STANDARD GRADE CHEMISTRY in S3.

Chemistry tries to explain what things are made of and why chemicals behave the way they do.

Medicine/Hospital/ Nurse Also lots of careers

Engineering/Electrician possible with a

Fire-fighter qualification in

Hairdresser etc. etc. Chemistry.

IMPORTANT Chemistry is a challenging subject offered only at GENERAL/CREDIT level (no Foundation) so you must be prepared to work hard. To study Chemistry you must have good grades in S2 chemistry.

C H E M I S T R Y Intermediate I

INTRODUCTION

Would you like to continue studying Chemistry but think Standard Grade might be too difficult?

Then this exciting course might be for you! You will continue to study the relevance of Chemistry in everyday life through written and oral work and practicals.

COURSE STRUCTURE

There are 3 units to be completed and tested between S3 and S4.

➢ Chemistry in Action

➢ Everyday Chemistry

➢ Chemistry and Life

ASSESSMENT

Internal Assessment

Each of the 3 units is tested by an End of Unit test which tests your Knowledge and understanding of the Unit and Problem Solving skills. In addition you will write a report on a Practical Activity for each Unit.

External Assessment

You must also pass an external exam lasting 1hour 30minutes.

Award in Chemistry

To gain the award of the course, you must pass all three End of Unit tests and Practical Assessment as well as the external exam.

Anything else I should know?

This course is considerably more demanding than S2 Chemistry but is achievable by most pupils if you work hard and attend regularly.

Your final certificate in S4 will give credit for every Unit you have passed and credit for passing the final exam.

STANDARD GRADE B I O L O G Y

Biology is the study of life, what could be more important?

What will I learn in Biology?

What careers are there in Biology?

Research

Solving problems that face the world. Eg finding a cure for cancer.

Health Care

Doctor, nurse, vet, beauty therapist.

Environmental

Zookeeper, marine biologist, conservationalist.

Other

Forensic science, psychology, food production and more.

The course

It is a GENERAL/CREDIT course.

It involves – knowledge and understanding,

learning new facts (this requires a good memory),

problem solving involves maths and this requires good thinking skills.

B I O L O G Y Intermediate I

Are you interested in Biology but think Standard Grade might be too hard?

Intermediate 1 is a way of easing you in gently to studying biology.

It looks at the importance of biology in everyday life.

The topics studied are:

Health and Technology

You will study how to keep healthy and how to find out if someone is healthy or not.

Growing Plants

You will learn how to grow plants and look after them.

Biotechnological Industries

You will find out how biologists make products that are useful to mankind eg alcohol, cheese, medicines.

At the end of each topic there is an assessment and if passed you are credited with gaining the topic.

Your final certificate in S4 will give credit for every topic you have passed and also credit for passing the final exam.

G E O G R A P H Y

Standard Grade Geography is a two year course suited to pupils of all abilities. At the end of S4 pupils sit an examination, this examination has 3 levels –

Foundation, General and Credit.

S4 pupils are presented for the exam level that best suits their ability. In each level the exam consists of knowledge and understanding questions (40%) and enquiry skills questions (60%). The Geography Standard Grade course will give pupils a wide knowledge of people and places around the world today. Pupils will study the following units of work:

1. Weather;

2. Rivers;

3. Glaciation;

4. Natural Regions (hot and cold deserts, tropical rainforests, Mediterranean);

5. Farming;

6. Settlement;

7. Industry;

8. Population;

9. Trade and Aid;

10. Ordnance Survey Map Skills.

During the two year course pupils use a variety of materials, these include: Textbooks, Worksheets, Ordnance Survey Maps, DVDs and Videos, Slides, Smartboard interactive materials, the Library, Fieldwork internet research.

Pupils who successfully complete the Standard Grade Geography course can go on to study either Travel and Tourism (Int 1/Int 2/Higher) or Higher Geography in S5/6.

If you have any questions about Standard Grade Geography your class teacher will be happy to answer these.

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M O D E R N S T U D I E S

Standard Grade Modern Studies is divided into 4 units called syllabus areas. These are:-

1. CHANGING SOCIETY (UK)

2. IDEOLOGIES (THE USA)

3. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

4. LIVING IN A DEMOCRACY (UK)

Each syllabus area can be divided into topics as follows:

Changing Society:

➢ The Elderly

➢ The Family

➢ The Unemployed

Ideologies:

➢ Social and economic conditions in the USA

➢ Politics in the USA

International Relations:

➢ The politics of aid (Africa)

➢ Alliances (Europe)

Living in a Democracy:

➢ Politics

➢ Pressure Groups

➢ Trade Unions

D E S I G N & TECHNOLOGY

(Craft & Design)

Standard Grade Craft and Design is a very interesting and enjoyable subject. It will provide both boys and girls with many skills for life as well as many for future careers. The course is based on learning about design, materials and processes and is roughly 40% practical – working with wood, plastic and metal.

The course should provide opportunities for students to develop confidence and skills which will equip students for life beyond school. Assessment will be continuous with a final external examination. The course is practically based which means pupils will produce a design folio and make a project as part of their overall grade.

Career Opportunities:

Civil Engineer, Architect, Product Engineering, Interior Designer, Fashion Designer, HM Services (Army), Merchant Navy, Plumber, Joiner, Electrician, Retail Services, Product Design, Engineering, Advertising, Communications, Lecturing, Teaching.

If you are keen, enthusiastic, hardworking and have enjoyed Design and Technology classes in S1 and S2, Craft and Design in an option.

D E S I G N & TECHNOLOGY

PRACTICAL CRAFT SKILLS – WOODWORKING

Intermediate 1 and 2

DO YOU ENJOY MAKING ITEMS FROM WOOD?

DO YOU LEARN MORE BY DOING?

IF SO PRACTICAL CRAFT SKILLS IS FOR YOU

This year for the first time the Design & Technology Department is offering Intermediate 1& 2 Practical Craft skills from Third Year.

Intermediate Practical Craft Skills provides both boys and girls with many skills for life as well as many for future careers. The course is based on learning how to make items from wood using the correct tools equipment and processes. Practical Craft Skills is approximately 85% practical. You will work in groups, pairs and individually to develop and improve knowledge and practical skills. All learning takes place through first hand experience.

The course should give you plenty of confidence and many new skills which will equip you for life beyond school. Pupils will study the following units of work:

Health and Safety

Bench Skills

Machine Skills

Course Project

Assessment will be continuous with a final practical examination at the appropriate level. There is no final written examination. The course is practically based which means you will be skilled in woodworking, by the end of S4 and an attractive potential employee to the construction industry.

If you enjoyed the practical aspect of Design & Technology in S1& S2; THINK of Practical Craft Skills as an option.

Examples of Career Opportunities:

D E S I G N & TECHNOLOGY

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

Intermediate 1 and 2

Intermediate Graphic Communication will be offered for the first time in St Margaret Mary’s. This will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop drawing and designing skills both manually and computer aided.

This course will provide the opportunity for individuals to enhance their graphic communication skills using a variety of media, including using ICT. Pupils have an opportunity to develop transferable computer aided drawing and modelling skills using the software package, autodesk inventor.

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The course is drawing based which means pupils will be assessed on their drawing skills and knowledge in an external examination. The pupils computer skills will be assessed via a thematic presentation.

C O M P U T I N G S T U D I E S

Computers are involved in almost every aspect of modern life, whether work or leisure. This trend is set to continue into the future, and the Standard Grade Computing Studies course aims to give pupils knowledge of all aspects of Computing.

The course is suitable for and open to boys and girls of all abilities. Pupils who plan to leave after Standard Grade will find that a knowledge of the use of computers and/or how they work is essential or a big advantage in most jobs. Pupils who hope to continue to Higher and University level will find that for university entry the Computing Higher is accepted as a Science Subject alongside Maths, Physics, Chemistry etc.

The following areas are studied over the two years of the course.

General Purpose Packages. The use of computers in the workplace. Word Processors:- for typing of letters, documents, reports, novels etc. Spreadsheets:- used by accountants and people who work with figures and finance.

Graphics:- used by artists, designers, cartoonists, animators etc.

Databases:- Storage and processing of information by all large organisation.

Communications:- use of the internet, i.e. E-mail, world wide web etc.

There will be a short practical assessment after studying each package

Computer Systems. What happens inside the computer which makes it able to display text, make sounds, play video clips, games etc.? How does a computer seem to be able to “think” for itself? This part of the course looks at the various parts of the computer and how they operate.

Industrial and Commercial Applications. We take money from the “hole in the wall” bank machine, cross the road at computer controlled lights to go the supermarket where checkout receipts now give every possible detail on the goods we have bought. Huge factories and warehouses have very few human employees, the bulk of the work now being done by robots and computer controlled machines.

We study how computers are used in these situations and the effect on society.

Programming. How Bill Gates made his fortune! Everything a computer does is possible because a set of instructions called a program has been written. Changing the program changes the task. Pupils start with very simple programs which, for example would make someone’s name appear on the screen. They then work at their own pace until, at credit level, relatively sophisticated programs such as control of a central heating system would be accomplished.

Practical assessments are completed as pupils progress through the course.

ASSESSMENT

The written exam at the end of fourth year provides 60% of the overall mark.

The other 40% comes from practical assessments in General Purpose Packages, Programming , and a Project which every pupil must complete in fourth year.

H O M E E C O N O M I C S

HOSPITALITY – INTERMEDIATE I

DO YOU ENJOY COOKING?

DO YOU LEARN MORE BY DOING?

IF SO HOSPITALITY IS FOR YOU

The Home Economics Department is offering Intermediate I from Third Year. This allows easier progression to Intermediate 2, Culinary Excellence and Creative Cakes in S5 and S6.

Intermediate hospitality provides both boys and girls with many skills for life as well as many for future careers. The course is based on learning about food, nutrition and technology and is roughly 85% practical (cooking). You will work in pair and individually to develop and improve knowledge and practical skills. All learning takes place through first hand experience.

The course should give you plenty of confidence and many new skills which will equip you for life beyond school. Pupils will study the following units of work;

• Food Hygiene for the Hospitality Industry

• Hospitality: Organisation of Practical Skills

• Food Preparation Techniques

• Cookery Processes

Assessment will be continuous with a final practical examination at the appropriate level. There is no final written examination. The course is practically based which means you will be a skilled cook, by the end of S4 and an attractive potential employee of the hospitality industry.

If you are keen, enthusiastic, hard working and have enjoyed your Home Economics classes in S1 and S2; THINK of Home Economics – Hospitality as an option.

Examples of Career Opportunities

B U S I N E S S A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

This year for the first time the Business Education Department is offering Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 from Third Year. This allows easier progression to Intermediate 2 and the Higher in S5 and S6.

The course has been designed to provide pupils with the excellent IT skills required when they leave school and progress to either employment or Further Education. As a result pupils spend a considerable amount of time at the computer developing these essential skills.

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?

• Skills in the use of electronic communication skills such as internet, e-mail and fax;

• IT skills in software such as Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Publisher and PowerPoint;

• Knowledge and understanding of various areas of Administrative Services including Organisation Effectiveness, Internet Technology and Travel and Accommodation.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

The course consists of 3 units:

• Presenting and Communicating Information (PowerPoint, Internet, e-mail);

• Information Technology for Administrators (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases);

• Administrative Services (services required in the running of a business).

HOW USEFUL IS ADMINISTRATION AFTER SCHOOL?

Almost all areas of employment today expect employees to have highly developed IT skills. Some examples of these are:

Call Centres Dentists Doctors Banking

Receptionists Restaurants Travel Agents Retail

Hotel Industry

Pupils who have studied Administration will find the course to be most beneficial when they enter Further Education. All colleges and universities expect students to word process their assignments, regardless of the course they are studying!

Pupils will also have experience of using e-mail and the internet, which will allow them to communicate electronically with their tutors and research their coursework.

Whether Further Education or employment is your aim when you leave school studying Administration will equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s ever-changing technological environment.

B U S I N E S S M A N A G E M E N T

Are you interested in Business?

Want to be a Manager?

Then Business Management is for you!!!!!

Business Management is a practical course which will look at the management skills required to run a business. You will develop decision making skills and will use information technology to help you. You will have access to computers and use spreadsheets and databases to help solve business problems. Working in a team will prove to be both educational and fun!

The course will look at 4 questions:

1 WHAT IS BUSINESS?

2. HOW DO BUSINESSES DEVELOP AND PERFORM?

3. WHAT RESOURCES DO BUSINESSES USE?

4. HOW ARE BUSINESSES MANAGED?

These questions will be answered with regard to MARKETING, HUMAN RESOURCES, OPERATIONS (organising production and research and development), FINANCE and STAKEHOLDERS.

You will be involved in a variety of activities and experiences:

business games discussions mini-enterprise

surveys outside speakers case studies

group work field trips team building

In addition to this you will have hands on experience with a variety of business applications on computer.

The course has 3 assessable elements:

1. Knowledge and Understanding ] both of these are assessed and

2. Decision Making ] marked externally

3. Practical Abilities this will be a computer based

business simulation which will

be assessed by the class teacher.

A R T & D E S I G N

Standard Grade Art & Design is for all pupils who are interested in Art and who want to learn new skills and ways of thinking creatively. Art is important in all our lives in many different ways and in the Standard Grade course you will have many opportunities to develop both your practical and analytical skills. You will learn how to express yourself using specialist vocabulary and also how to prepare and present your final projects attractively. The course is spread over 2 years and every pupil will complete two units of Design and Expressive work. You will also learn about the work of important artists and designers and write your opinions about them.

In Standard Grade Art and Design every pupil is encouraged to respond individually to the course work and will be supported in developing his or her work to the very best of his or her ability. The Art department aims to create a harmonious and creative working atmosphere in which everyone can develop individually and also enjoy using a range of materials.

What will I be doing in Standard Grade Art & Design?

A variety of artwork will be covered e.g. drawing, painting, printing and 3-dimensional work. The course will explore different themes and you will also learn about the work of professional artists and designers and evaluate their work. You will be encouraged to record your ideas, opinions and feelings in the written element of the course. As part of your research for the written work you will visit places of architectural and artistic importance such as the Glasgow School of Art and you may also be invited to take part in workshops provided by the Art School and Metropolitan College.

How will Standard Grade Art & Design help me?

If you are considering a career in fashion design, illustration, advertising, architecture, graphic design, photography, computer animation or teaching then a good Standard Grade qualification is important and you should lead on to a Higher level of study. If you enjoy being creative and like to think independently then the Standard Grade course will help develop these skills. The Art Dept. can give you advice and support if you wish to apply for an art course when you leave school. The department has many links with outside agencies, art colleges and organisations, which are in regular contact with the department in a variety of different ways.

M U S I C

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What is Standard Grade Music?

Standard Grade Music is for everybody!

Part 1. Solo performance

A lot of time is spent in class practising the pieces taught at your keyboard/voice/guitar lessons etc. Attendance at Instrumental Lessons is COMPULSORY.

Examination Details - Perform 3 pieces for a Visiting Examiner in March of S4.

Part 2. Group Performance

Using your second choice of instrument you learn to play along with others as part of a small group.

Examination Details - Make a tape recording of your best piece.

Part 3. Composition

Here you learn how to compose your own original music, this can be written for any group of instruments and in any style you like, from a Pop Song to a keyboard piece etc.

Examination Details - make a tape recording of your best piece.

Part 4. Listening

This is a continuation of the work we did in Second Year where we study a list of "concepts" found in a very wide variety of music.

Examination Details - Multiple choice question papers with accompanying tape.

LIST OF POSSIBLE INSTRUMENTS FOR SOLO AND GROUP PERFORMANCE:

KEYBOARD DRUMKIT VOICE

TUNED PERCUSSION ACOUSTIC GUITAR RECORDER

BASS GUITAR BRASS VOILIN

It is not possible to pass Standard Grade Music without attending Instrumental Lessons

D R A M A

In Third year the Drama department offers a two year Standard Grade course.

The course consists of units of work

which will develop your subject

skills in areas such as Voice,

Movement, Mime, Role Play and

Characterisation as well as some

new ones such as Stage Make Up.

The course will also develop personal and life skills such as

Listening, Discussing, Sharing, Co-operating Problem Solving,

Leading and Teamwork.

The course will also develop your Self Confidence and your

aa ability to express yourself, in and out of role.

Performing in front of others is a very important part of the Standard Grade Drama course. You will regularly act out in front of your peers and there are major productions staged during the two year course.

Two thirds of your final Standard Grade award is based on the grades given by your teacher for your practical work in class over two years.

At the end of the course in Fourth Year you will

also sit a Standard Grade exam, which will account

for one third of your marks.

If If you are thinking about this course it is very important

that you are aware of, and prepared to do, the homework,

the class tests, the revision and the exam practice

which are so important to success.

Checklist

Complete this checklist if you are thinking about taking Standard Grade Drama.

In S1/2. YES NO

have I shown ability in this subject?

• am I comfortable and confident about acting out in front of an audience?

• have I worked enthusiastically and well with others in S2?

have I asked my Drama teacher for her advice?

am I prepared to work hard at the written as well as practical

aspects of the course?

P H Y S I C A L E D U C A T I O N

During your First and Second Year in school you took part in 3 PE lessons each week. This 2 year course introduced you to many sports and activities, some of which were new to you, and developed your basic skills as well as your knowledge and understanding of these activities.

This was the CORE PE COURSE. You will still have at least 3 PE lessons each week in Third Year and Fourth Year and possibly more. You will be able to choose some of the sports and activities which will be included in your course. Again some new activities may be introduced that were not available in First Year and Second Year. You would also find out more about your own Personal Fitness. Everyone in Third Year and Fourth Year will take part in the core course.

You may decide that you want to take part in more than Core PE. If so Standard Grade PE is an option you might choose.

To gain an 'S' Grade pass at Foundation, General or Credit Level assessment is divided into 3 areas.

1) Practical Performance (PP) assessed by your teacher and later in Fourth Year a

check is made by a person from the exam board 50% of your marks

2) Knowledge & Understanding (KU) of the activities is assessed by written tests in

3rd year and by a written exam at the end of Fourth Year. 25% of your marks

3) Evaluation (EV) of performance - again this is assessed by written tests in 3rd year

and by a written exam paper at the end of Fourth Year. 25% of your marks

Course activities include badminton, basketball, hockey, football, gymnastics, trampolining, netball and a fitness study

So at the end of Fourth Year the PP marks together with the KU exam and EV exam would determine whether you have gained an 'S' Grade Certificate. You must pass all 3 components.

You would require good performance grades to enter this course (grade 1 or 2) the quality of your written work will also be important so a good English grade will help you to gain a good Standard Grade pass in Physical Education. Written homework is also part of the course.

It is essential to take part in ALL activities not just your favourite, so it is important you choose this for the right reasons - discuss this with your PE teacher.

R E L I G I O U S E D U C A T I O N

All pupils receive two periods of Religious Education every week.

Each year group follows National guidelines for Religious

Education. The current courses are as follows:

Third Year

Self awareness and personal growth. Living in Love, relationships

and moral education. People of Prayer. In the Presence of God.

Fourth Year

Preparation for Christian Adulthood.

Living in a Wounded World. Relationships, values and

maturity. Committed in Love.

The aim of these courses is to develop a more mature understanding of what it means to be a young Catholic Christian in the world today. Over the course of these two years pupils are asked to reflect on their own experiences of life and come to a deeper awareness of God.

The third year courses explore Catholic values in relation to family and friends, prayer, repentance, morality and personal commitment.

The fourth year pupils explore the problem of pain and evil in the world, a search for spiritual moral and religious values to live by and an exploration of a Christian understanding of marriage and human sexuality.

The teaching of the church, scripture and liturgy are main sources in all these areas of study.

X L E R A T E W I T H X L

What is XL?

XL is offered in S3 and S4 for 3 periods every week. The pupils in the class are called XL club members and they are encouraged to work together to achieve goals relating to their education, training and future lives. In St Margaret Mary’s Secondary, XLworks with The Prince’s Trust and Glasgow City Council Culture and Sport. The course is accredited by an award scheme called ASDAN, which gives club members an award in the ‘Wider Key Skills’ of Problem Solving, Working with Others and Improving own Learning, as well as recognising achievement in five key areas including citizenship and entrepreneurship.

How does it help?

XL helps pupils to

• Improve confidence and self-esteem

• Increase attendance and motivation

• Increase the number of qualifications attempted

• Enhance citizenship and community awareness

• Improve social skills and behaviour in schools

What do you do?

Pupils in St Margaret Mary’s XL clubs have been involved in:

• Recycling project

• Rugby 6 Nations Cup

• Heartstart

• Fundraising – The Body Shop, Strawberry Tea, facepainting

• Learning community activities

Who to ask? :

Ms Doyle, Mrs McLaren, Mr Burke, Mrs Flannigan, Mrs Ramage

M A K I N G C H O I C E S

What is Making Choices?

Making Choices is a course which is offered in collaboration with Langside College and nurseries in the local community. Pupils who choose Making Choices will work towards a Skills for Work qualification in Early Education and Childcare at Intermediate 1 or 2. The class is taken by a college lecturer from Langside College who meets with the pupils for one afternoon each week. In September of Third Year, the pupils are allocated a placement in a local community nursery. Once arrangements have been made, Making Choices pupils will then visit their placement every alternate week and put their classwork into practice.

How does it help?

Skills for Work courses aim to enable young people to:

• develop practical vocational skills

• improve their employment prospects by developing a range of employability skills

• widen their opportunities for progression and

• prepare them for further learning and employment

Who to ask? :

Ms Doyle

Pre-Vocational courses may be offered by St Margaret Mary’s in the following career areas: Hairdressing and Beauty, Construction, Uniformed Services, Administration, Sport and Leisure.

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