S2-S3 Technologies

Course Outline:

Engineering Science aims to develop pupil experience and understanding of the world of engineering, considering various roles and disciplines within the industry. Building on knowledge learned in S1 & 2, the course will see pupils develop skill, understanding and application in several topic areas. This course will provide pupils with a solid foundation of skill and understanding to aide successful completion of qualifications in S4-6 in Engineering Science. 

• Pupils will learn about systems, renewable energy, mechanisms and electronics 

• Pupils will be expected to design, simulate and/or construct and test mechanical, electronic and programmable systems to solve contextual problems independently and as part of a group 

• Pupils will be required to speak and write about, discuss and demonstrate all skills developed throughout the duration of the course 

This course would be of benefit to those pupils with an interest in engineering or considering a career in any discipline of engineering. Pupils will be expected to complete homework tasks regularly following on from lessons delivered in class. There will be regular topic assessments throughout the year which must be completed independently.  

It is recommended that pupils should be working at the high end of 3rd Level Maths and English to succeed in Engineering Science. A large portion of the course will involve complex systems and equations pupils must be able to solve themselves (showing all working), and written evaluations of simulation and testing must be in depth and analytical in nature to merit a passing grade.  

Course Outline:

Graphic Communication is used in our everyday lives, whether we realise it or not, to help us better communicate with people without the use of words or speech. The newly devised S3 course in Graphic Communication builds on knowledge learned in S1 & 2 and will allow pupils to develop skills in several key areas of the subject, using both manual and electronic methods to design and create various pieces of work. This course will provide pupils with a solid foundation of skill and understanding to aide successful completion of qualifications in S4-6 in Graphic Communication.  

• Pupils will be required to develop skill and accuracy using CAD software to generate models, drawings, renders and animations 

• Pupils will spend time researching and devising high quality graphic solutions to a given marketing brief and present work ready for client comment. Pupils will use Desktop Publishing software and will be expected to become familiar with various design techniques and rules to ensure their work is to a high standard 

• Pupils will be expected to work to British Standards in all aspects of their work, demonstrating skill and confidence in the use of both manual and electronic production methods 

• Pupils will be required to speak and write about, discuss and demonstrate all skills developed throughout the duration of the course 

This course would be of benefit to those pupils with an interest in graphic design, and/or those considering a career in the graphics industry. Pupils will be expected to complete homework tasks regularly, to build up a portfolio of various graphic pieces and to develop refined skill in the use of ICT. 

It is recommended that pupils should be working at the high end of 3rd Level English to succeed in Graphic Communication, as written evaluations of design pieces and analysis of given pieces of work must be detailed in nature to merit a passing grade. Pupils should also demonstrate some confidence and skill in the use of ICT as around 70% of the course will be computer based.  

 It is recommended that pupils should be progressing towards the completion of 3rd Level in Technologies and have demonstrated some skill during their S1/2 time in the workshop. Pupils must be willing and able to demonstrate independent work as they progress, as a large portion of their assessment will consider their abilities and problem-solving strategies to produce accurate pieces of work.  

Course Outline:

Practical Technologies aims to provide a broad introduction to both woodworking and metalworking. The course is largely workshop based and combines both practical application and theory of both materials. Building on practical experiences learned in S1 & 2, the course will see pupils develop practical psychomotor skills using both bench and machine equipment and an ability to be proactive in matters of health and safety. This course will provide pupils with a solid foundation of skill, knowledge and understanding to aide successful completion of National qualifications in S4-6 in both Practical Woodworking and Practical Metalworking.  

• Pupils will engage in both practical and theory-based instruction and application in both Metalwork and Woodwork techniques 

• Pupils will learn and be expected to demonstrate the ability to interpret working drawings and produce manufactured products to a high standard of accuracy and finish 

• Pupils will be expected to follow all Health & Safety procedures in a workshop environment when using both bench and machine tools and machinery 

• Pupils will be required to speak and write about, discuss, and demonstrate all skills developed throughout the duration of the course 

This course would be of benefit to those pupils with an interest in the construction industries, or those hoping to progress into an apprenticeship upon their departure from school. Pupils will be expected to complete homework tasks regularly following on from lessons delivered in class. There will be regular topic assessments throughout the year which must be completed independently.  

Course Outline:

The S3 Business Awareness course is designed to give pupils a ‘taster’ of the subject areas that may be chosen in S4 – Administration and IT, Business/Business Management and Accounting. 

The following topics will be covered by following 2 people setting up their own business:

BUSINESS/BUSINESS MANAGEMENT:

· What is meant by ‘business’ and why the success of the UK’s business community is important to all of us

· How businesses are structured/organised

· Stakeholders in business

· The resources used in business

· Recruiting staff and modern methods of working

· Factors influencing business Location

· Methods of production

· Health and safety in the workplace

· Business ethics

ACCOUNTING:

· Sources of business finance

· Using spreadsheet software to record financial information

· Choosing suppliers and recording receipts/issues of stock

· Petty cash and how its use is recorded

· Job costing for small businesses

The concept of ‘assets’ and ‘depreciation’ 

ADMINISTRATION AND IT:

· Layout of a business letter

· The role of an Admin Assistant

· The role of a Receptionist

· Keeping an electronic diary

· Keeping a supplier database

· Use of mail merge

MICRO-TYCO:

Pupils will also get the opportunity to take part in the above business challenge during the month of February.  They are put into teams of 4/5 pupils, given a micro loan of £1 and tasked with trying to increase the amount of money they have been given by coming up with enterprising ideas to make money.  This helps them to learn valuable learning, life and work skills such as enterprise, team working, problem solving, planning and organising, time management

and communication skills.