blogs.glowscotland.org.uk€¦ · web viewthere is also a theory examination (worth 30 marks) and...

KEITH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SENIOR COURSE DESCRIPTORS

HIGHER

DECEMBER 2017

Keith Grammar School…. Working together to be Aspirational, Respectful, Healthy and Responsible

ADMINISTRATION AND IT

Course ContentThe Higher Administration and IT Course consists of three units: Communication in Administration, Administrative Practices and IT Solutions for Administrators. There is also a theory examination (worth 30 marks) and an assignment (worth 70 marks). This examination and assignment are marked externally. The Administration and IT course aims to develop learners’ administrative and IT skills and to enable learners to: - develop an understanding of administrative theory within the workplace and - develop IT skills and use them to perform administrative tasks.

ART & DESIGN

The Higher Art & Design course consists of three elements: Design, Expressive and Critical. During the Design element pupils are tasked with designing a piece of Stained Glass or Lighting; challenging their ability to answer a brief, problem solve and work with materials. The Expressive element requires observational drawing and media handling in response to a chosen theme and genre: Portraiture, Still Life or Townscape. Lastly, there is a written exam which relies on critical analysis of art and design.

Advanced Higher Art & Design allows pupils to concentrate on a chosen area (Design or Expressive) and independently explore a theme or brief through idea generation; material and media experimentation; development and refinement. The practical work is complimented with a Critical Enquiry of inspirational artists and or designers. This involves a written piece of work which analyses their work, influences and the impact this has had on the pupil’s own body of work.

BIOLOGY

Human Biology

Course ContentThe purpose of higher human biology is to develop learners’ interest and enthusiasm for human biology in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed, throughout the course, by investigating the applications of human biology. This will enable learners to become scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims they will meet. The course provides a broad-based, integrated study of a range of biological topics which develop the concepts of human biology.

The course provides the opportunity for learners to acquire a deeper understanding of cellular processes, physiological mechanisms, communication between organisms, and the biology of populations as they apply to the human species.

Higher human biology is composed of four units.

Working together to be Aspirational, Respectful, Healthy and Responsible

Human Cells - In this unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding through studying stem cells, differentiation in somatic and germline cells, and the research and therapeutic value of stem cells and cancer cells. The Unit covers the key areas of division and differentiation in human cells; structure and replication of DNA; gene expression; genes and proteins in health and disease; human genomics; metabolic pathways; cellular respiration; energy systems in muscle cells. Analytical thinking and problem solving skills will be developed in context, through investigation of DNA, the expression of the genotype, and protein production, which allows study of mutations and genetic disorders. DNA technology is covered, including sequencing and medical and forensic applications. In addition, the Unit covers metabolic pathways and their control, through enzymes, with emphasis on cellular respiration and the role of ATP.

Physiology and Health - In this unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding by focusing on the key areas of the structure and function of reproductive organs and gametes and their role in fertilisation; hormonal control of reproduction; the biology of controlling fertility; ante and postnatal screening; the structure and function of arteries, capillaries and veins; the structure and function of the heart; pathology of cardio vascular disease (CVD); blood glucose levels and obesity linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. By studying these systems, learners will be able to develop their problem solving and analytical thinking skills. Reproduction covers hormonal control and the biology of controlling fertility, including fertile periods, treatments for infertility, contraception, antenatal care and post-natal screening. The Unit also covers relevant tissues and circulation and the pathology of cardiovascular disease, including the impact on society and personal lifestyle.

Neurobiology and Communication - In this unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding through the key areas of divisions of the nervous system and parts of the brain; perception and memory as storage, retention and retrieval of information; the cells of the nervous system and neurotransmitters at synapses; communication and social behaviour. The approach is more on function than structure, and covers neural communication and the links between neurotransmitters and behaviour, while considering personal and social citizenship. This approach enables the development of both analytical thinking and problem solving skills in context.

Immunology and Public Health- In this unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding through the key areas of non-specific defences; specific cellular defences; the transmission and control of infectious diseases; active immunisation and vaccination and the evasion of specific immune responses by pathogens.

Assessments are completed at the end of each unit to allow progression onto the final exam. An exam, worth 80% of the final grade, is combined with an externally assessed assignment to give a final mark.


BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The Higher Business Management course consists of three compulsory units that have assessments: (i) Understanding Business (ii) Management of People and Finance and (iii) Management of Marketing and Operations. There is also an assignment (worth 30 marks) that researches a business of choice. This assignment is marked externally and finally an exam (worth 70 marks) marked externally. The course will assist pupils to develop a detailed understanding of the types of organisations within contemporary industry and how they operate and ensure their business is successful.

CHEMISTRY

The Higher Chemistry Course develops learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for chemistry in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed throughout the Course, and the relevance of chemistry is highlighted by the study of the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts.

Chemistry, the study of matter and its interactions, contributes essential knowledge and understanding across all aspects of our lives. Chemistry explains the links between the particulate nature of matter and the macroscopic properties of the world. Chemistry research and development is essential for the introduction of new products. The chemical industry is a major contributor to the economy of the country.

Higher chemistry encourages resilience, which leads to becoming a confident individual. Successful learners in chemistry think creatively, analyse and solve problems. Chemistry can produce responsible citizens through studying the impact it makes on developing sustainability and its effect on the environment, society, and the lives of themselves and others.

This course provides opportunities for learners to recognise the impact chemistry makes on developing sustainability, and its effects on the environment, on society and on the lives of themselves and others.

The course covers four units –

Chemical Changes and Structure - This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of controlling reaction rates and periodic trends, and strengthens the learner’s ability to make reasoned evaluations by recognising underlying patterns and principles. Learners will investigate collision theory and the use of catalysts in reactions. Learners will explore the concept of electronegativity and intra-molecular and intermolecular forces. The connection between bonding and a material's physical properties is investigated.

Researching Chemistry -This Unit covers the key skills necessary to undertake research in chemistry. Learners will research the relevance of chemical theory to everyday life by exploring the chemistry behind a topical issue. Learners will develop the key skills associated with collecting and synthesising information from a number of different sources. Equipped with the knowledge of common chemistry apparatus and techniques, they will plan and undertake a practical investigation related to a topical issue.


Nature’s Chemistry - This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of organic chemistry within the context of the chemistry of food and the chemistry of everyday consumer products, soaps, detergents, fragrances and skincare. The relationship between the structure of organic compounds, their physical and chemical properties and their uses are investigated. Key functional groups and types of organic reaction are covered. Chemistry in Society - This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical chemistry which allow a chemical process to be taken from the researcher's bench through to industrial production. Learners will calculate quantities of reagents and products, percentage yield and the atom economy of processes. They will develop skills to manipulate dynamic equilibria and predict enthalpy changes. Learners will investigate the ability of substances to act as oxidising or reducing agents and their use in analytical chemistry through the context of volumetric titrations. Learners will use analytical chemistry to determine the purity of reagents and products.

Internal assessments will be completed at the end of each unit in order to progress to the final exam. In addition, learning is tracked through ongoing assessments within each unit. The final 2.5 hour exam contributes 80% of the eventual grade, with the other 20% from an externally marked assignment completed within class.

COMPUTING SCIENCE

The Higher Computing Science course consists of two units: (i) Information Systems Design and Development and (ii) Software Design and Development. The ISDD course teaches the use of Databases, together with the technical specification of a modern computer system. Website design is also featured, along with environmental issues and network security risks and precautions. The SDD course focuses on acquiring programming skills in at least two software development environments, with an emphasis on effective analysis and design prior to implementation of a programming solution. Toward the end of the course, there is a further assessment (Assignment) which contributes 40% to the overall grade and consolidates all that has been learnt throughout the year.


ENGINEERING SCIENCE

Engineering is a broad area of human endeavour which brings together elements of technology, science and mathematics, and applies these to real-world challenges. The Course therefore provides an excellent opportunity for making links across learning in the senior phase. The Course encourages learners to become successful, responsible and creative in their use of technologies and to continue to acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; and confidence and enterprise. The Course provides progression from the Engineering Science (National 5) Course.

Engineering is vital to everyday life; it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Engineers play key roles in meeting the needs of society in fields which include climate change, medicine, IT and transport. Our society needs more engineers, and more young people with an informed view of engineering. The Course provides a broad and challenging exploration of engineering. Because of its focus on developing transferable skills, it will be of value to many learners, and particularly beneficial to learners considering a career in engineering, or one of its many branches. The aims of the Course are to enable learners to: ♦ extend and apply knowledge and understanding of key engineering concepts, principles and practice♦ understand the relationships between engineering, mathematics and science ♦ apply analysis, design, construction and evaluation to a range of engineering problems with some complex features ♦ communicate engineering concepts clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology ♦ develop a greater understanding of the role and impact of engineering in changing and influencing our environment and society.

The Course develops a number of pervasive and integrative themes, including the systems approach, energy and sustainability. These are used to explore varied engineering systems through simulation, practical projects and investigative tasks in a range of contexts. Courses in Engineering Science and in Physics (and other pure sciences) are designed to be complementary; a combination of this Course and a pure science Course will provide a very strong foundation for further study in engineering or the sciences.


ENGLISH

OverviewHigher English follows naturally on from the National 5 English course, requiring increased levels of knowledge and application as well providing more challenge. Building on their previous experiences, pupils will continue to develop their skills across reading, writing, talking and listening and will be assessed on all four aspects. Higher English most appropriate for pupils who have achieved a Grade A or B at National 5.

AssessmentAssessment for Higher English is a combination of internal and external assessment.

Internal Assessment

Pupils are required to satisfy the relevant assessment standards for each of the outcomes within two units. Whilst these unit passes do not contribute to the overall grade, they must be successfully completed to gain an overall course award.

External Assessment

This consists of two external exam papers which examine a candidate’s close reading and critical reading abilities.

Progression Pathways for progression include Advanced Higher English and Advanced Higher Scots language. In addition, Higher English is a requirement of entry for admission to most university courses.

GEOGRAPHY

Students study 4 units in Higher Geography.

Unit 1 - Physical Environments - Topics covered are Glaciation, Coasts, Atmosphere, Soils and Rural Land Use.

Unit 2 - Human Environments - Topics covered are Population, Migration, Urban Studies and Rural Studies.

Unit 3 - Environmental Interactions - Topics covered are Development and Health and Global Climate Change.

Unit 4 - Application of Geographical Skills - the main focus here is the interpretation of maps, graphs, diagrams and photographs.

There are 3 Unit Assessments which have to be passed in order to get the course award.There is an Added Value Assessment which is written up under exam conditions. This is an investigation based on the data collected during the field trip to Cairngorm Mountain. This is worth 30 marks and counts toward the final grade. There is an exam in May worth 60 marks.

Many skills are covered in the course - data handling, extracting information from sources, map skills and interpretation, field work skills, research skills, report writing, recall of knowledge and drawing and interpreting graphs.


GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

The Higher Graphic Communication Course offers a broad and creative experience in the subject of graphic communication and graphic design. This diverse and multifaceted Course provides scope for personalisation and choice. The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of vocations and careers. It provides opportunities to further acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; and confidence and enterprise. Learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. They will develop an awareness of graphic communication as an international language. They will find that the skills they acquire by successfully completing this Course will be invaluable for learning, for life and for the world of work. The Course provides skills that are complementary to other curricular areas, such as expressive arts, sciences, and mathematics. It provides skills that are valuable for learners in the other areas of study in the technologies. The Course provides progression from the National 5 Graphic Communication Course.

The Course provides opportunities for learners to initiate and develop their own ideas graphically. It allows them to develop skills in reading and interpreting graphics produced by others. Learners will continue to develop graphic awareness in often complex graphic situations thus expanding their visual literacy. The Course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature. It combines elements of creativity and communicating for visual impact with elements of protocol and an appreciation of the importance of graphic communication standards, where these are appropriate. The Course allows learners to engage with technologies. It allows learners to consider the impact that graphic communication technologies have on our environment and society. The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop: ♦ skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, graphics materials and software♦ creativity in the production of graphic communications to produce visual impact in meeting a specified purpose ♦ skills in evaluating the effectiveness of graphics in communicating and meeting their purpose ♦ an understanding of graphic communication standards protocols and conventions, where these apply ♦ an understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society


HISTORY

In Higher History, pupils study three different units:

Scottish : Migration and Empire, 1830-1939 British : Britain 1851-1951 European and World : USA: 1918-1968

Pupils are assessed throughout the year using unit assessments which are internally marked and then an external exam which comprises of one paper that asks them to write an essay on both the British and European and World topics and analyse three sources according to the way they have been taught all year. The exam is worth 60 marks. They also sit an Assignment worth 30 marks in which they choose an historical theme, a question, research it and produce an essay which is written up in exam conditions. This gives them the opportunity to investigate an area of History they find fascinating and to delve deeper into historical information to apply the knowledge they have learned.

MATHS

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

use algebraic and trigonometric skills and apply them in context

use geometric skills and apply them in context

use calculus skills and apply them in context

use algebraic and geometric skills and apply them in context

The course is split into three units: Expressions and Functions, Relationships and Calculus and Applications. These have been split into 5 blocks with an assessment at the end of each block. It is vital that all pupils work to their full potential and ensure that they are thoroughly prepared for these assessments as this will allow for their success in presentation

The course assessment has two components: Paper 1 (non-calculator) 1 hour 10 minutes and Paper 2 (calculator) 1 hour 30 minutes.

The following websites contain revision materials, past papers, notes and examples and assessment revision that are useful for home study:

http://www.national5maths.co.uk/ - there is a section on Higher mathshttp://www.maths180.com/https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z6nygk7 http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/http://www.prestwick.sayr.sch.uk/higher1.html

Study club is on every Thursday after school and members of the maths department are available at other times if requested.


http://www.prestwick.sayr.sch.uk/higher1.html

http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z6nygk7

http://www.maths180.com/

http://www.national5maths.co.uk/

Advanced Higher Maths

This Course is designed to enthuse, motivate, and challenge learners by enabling them to: select and apply complex mathematical techniques in a variety of mathematical

situations, both practical and abstract

extend and apply skills in problem solving and logical thinking

extending skills in interpreting, analysing, communicating and managing information in mathematical form, while exploring more advanced techniques

clarify their thinking through the process of rigorous proof

The course is split into three units: Methods in Algebra and Calculus, Applications in Algebra and Calculus and Geometry, Proof and Systems of Equations with an assessment at the end of each unit. It is vital that all pupils work to their full potential and ensure that they are thoroughly prepared for these assessments as this will allow for their success in presentation

The course assessment has one component: Exam Paper (calculator) 3 hours

The following websites contain revision materials, past papers, notes and examples and assessment revision that are useful for home study:

http://www.national5maths.co.uk/ - there is a section on Advanced Higher mathshttp://scholar.hw.ac.uk/http://www.prestwick.sayr.sch.uk/advanced-higher.html

Study club is on every Thursday after school and members of the maths department are available at other times if requested.

MODERN LANGUAGES In Higher French / German pupils continue to develop and extend their skills gained through prior study of the language. They continue to develop the ability to read, listen, talk and write in the modern language, understand and use detailed and increasingly complex language and apply knowledge about how language works (grammar). Skills are developed through the four key contexts of society, learning, employability and culture.

Pupils have been provided with detailed assessment information for internal assessments, as well as the Higher exams (prelim and final exams). Pupils have access to study support at Thursday study club. There is also a range of resources on the GLOW OneNote page for their level. The department has also subscribed to www.thisislanguage.com, where pupils can improve vocabulary, listening and grammar skills. Past papers are available at: http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm


http://www.prestwick.sayr.sch.uk/advanced-higher.html

http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/

http://www.national5maths.co.uk/

MODERN STUDIES

Modern Studies is a subject unique to the Scottish secondary school curriculum that is concerned with the study of local, national and international issues from a social, political and economic perspective.

At CFE Higher pupils study three topic areas: 1-Social Inequalities in the UK, 2-Democracy in Scotland and the UK, and 3-International Powers (USA). The course is graded A-C. There is an external exam worth 60 marks and an Assignment which is worth 30 marks. The Assignment is a piece of research on a chosen topic which is completed in class, but marked externally.

MUSIC

The course contains three compulsory components: Performing Skills on two instruments or one instruments and voicePupils will perform in a range of musical styles by developing a range of complex musical, interpretive and technical skills, showing clear understanding of the composers’ intentions, critically self-reflecting and evaluating the quality and accuracy of their performing and refining their performing skills.

Pupils will prepare a programme of music lasting twelve minutes in total, performing a minimum of two contrasting pieces on each instrument. (A minimum of four minutes within the programme on either instrument). The minimum level of difficulty at Higher is Grade 4 ABRSM. Performance makes up 60% of the final grade. This is externally assessed by a visiting examiner; the final practical exam can take place from mid-February to the end of March.

Composing Skills

Pupils will create a portfolio of original music by analysing how a range of compositional methods and music concepts are used by other composers and the influences on their music. Pupils will experiment and use complex music concepts and compositional methods in creative ways to develop refine and create original music and develop musical ideas which make musical sense and realise their creative intentions. Pupils will learn to critically reflect on their music and their creative choices and decisions. A programme note and score must accompany each piece. This unit must be passed in order to achieve the course award.

Understanding Music

Pupils will learn to identify and analyse the use of music concepts and styles by identifying and distinguishing between complex level-specific music concepts in excerpts of music, analyse the impact of social and cultural influences on the development of specific music styles and analyse and use a variety of music signs and symbols and terms. The final assessment is a question paper of approximately 1 hour in length. The question paper makes up 40% of the final grade.


Advanced Higher

The course contains three compulsory components:

Music: Performing Skills In this Unit, learners will develop a range of advanced performing skills appropriate to their two selected instruments, or to their one selected instrument and voice. Through regular practice and reflection, learners will develop and creatively refine their performing skills while exploring a variety of musically and technically challenging music. Pupils will prepare a programme of music lasting 18 minutes in total, performing a minimum of two contrasting pieces on each instrument. (A minimum of six minutes within the programme on either instrument). The minimum level of difficulty at Advanced Higher is Grade 5 ABRSM. Performance makes up 60% of the final grade. This is externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

Music: Composing Skills In this Unit, learners will develop a range of advanced skills in creating music. They will experiment with and apply a range of compositional techniques and devices in refined and sophisticated ways when creating their own original music, drawing on their understanding of composers’ work and approaches and the creative process.

Understanding and Analysing Music

In this Unit, through listening, learners will develop their understanding of music styles, music concepts and musical literacy. Learners will work independently, demonstrating aural skills and an in-depth understanding of music and music concepts when investigating, analysing and commenting on sections of musical movements or works. Pupils will learn to identify and analyse the use of music concepts and styles by identifying and distinguishing between complex level-specific music concepts in excerpts of music, analyse the impact of social and cultural influences on the development of specific music styles and analyse and use a variety of music signs and symbols and terms. The final assessment is a question paper of approximately 1 hour in length. The question paper makes up 40% of the final grade.


PHOTOGRAPHY

Progression Pathways:S4/5 S5/6 S6No previous experience required > Higher Photography > Advanced Higher Art & Design (Photography)

AimsLearners will be able to:• plan, develop, produce and present creative photographic work using a range of photographicmedia, techniques and processes• communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas in their photographic work• analyse the impact of outside influences on photographers and photography• use creative and technical problem solving skills and be able to critically reflect on and evaluatetheir own work and the work of others

Who is this course suitable for?Open to any S5/6 pupils with an interest in Photography. No previous experience required.All photography equipment will be provided, although pupils wishing to use their own cameras are welcome to do so.

Content:

UNIT: Image MakingThe general aim of this Unit is to develop learners’ ability to use a range of camera techniques and photographic processes to produce technically proficient and imaginative photographic images. In this Unit, learners will also develop analytical skills and a critical understanding of the historical, scientific, social and cultural factors influencing photographers and their work.

Learners who complete this Unit will be able to: 1 Analyse factors that influence photographers and their work 2 Produce photographic images using a range of camera techniques and photographic processes

UNIT: Contextual ImageryThe general aim of this Unit is to develop learners’ ability to apply a range of photographic processes and techniques in a range of contexts. In this Unit, learners will develop their own personal and creative approaches to photography. On completion of the Unit, learners will be able to produce creative photographic imagery, analyse their use of imaging techniques and evaluate their photographic work.

Learners who complete this Unit will be able to: 1 Produce personal and creative photographic imagery 2 Evaluate their own use of imaging techniques


PROJECT (Course Assessment)The Project will assess the learner’s ability to integrate and developcreativity and technical skills within a negotiated photography projectwhich will have three sections (Research and Investigation, 25 marks;Development and Production, 60 marks; Evaluation, 15 marks)Assessment:UNITS (Image Making & Contextual Imagery)-These are marked PASS/FAIL within the department.

PROJECT (Course Assessment)-This is marked by the SQA and graded A – D, No Award.-The project accounts for 100% of the final grade.

No Exam.

Teaching Methods:Pupils will be shown a variety of camera handling techniques through practical demonstrations. There will be class discussion and opportunities for individual, paired and group work.The Higher Photography course does require an element of independence, and self-led work by the pupil; it is essential that pupils assess their own ability to undertake this. Pupils will be expected to adhere to Deadlines throughout the course.

Cost:£20

Pupils expressing an interest in the course are welcome to the Art Department to see exemplars of work and ask any questions.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Higher PE course consists of 2 pass/fail units and 2 graded units. Pupils must pass the written FIP unit and achieve Higher level practical performance in 2 activities. Pupils overall grade is made up of a single practical performance worth 60 marks which is assessed internally and an externally marked exam worth 40 marks. This is subject to changes dictated by the SQA.


PHYSICS

The Higher Physics course comprises four units:

Particles and Waves, Electricity, Our Dynamic Universe and Researching Physics.

The in-school unit assessment comprises written unit assessments for the first three units which assess Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving, and an assessed scientific report of an experiment. In addition, the students have to maintain a log book of their practical work and research on an aspect of Physics. This is assessed for the Researching Physics unit.

The course assessment comprises a written examination paper and a course assignment on the behaviour of light emitting diodes, both of which are marked and graded by Scottish Qualification Authority markers.

To assist students in their learning and revision all students are issued with a course textbook, a set of revision notes and the Higher Physics study Guide published by Bright Red Publishing. The best way of preparing for the Preliminary examination and the final examination is to work through previous examination papers which are available on the Scottish Qualification Authority’s website at https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm.

The official examination marking schemes can also be accessed at this same page on the SQA’s website and used by the student to self-mark their work.

Comprehensive course notes and revision questions can be accessed on the Scholar website at http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/ and short revision notes and revision questions are available at the BBC Bitesize Higher Physics website which can be accessed at https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpyb4wx and at Bright Red Publishing’s Digital Zone which can be accessed at http://www.brightredpublishing.co.uk/.


blogs.glowscotland.org.uk€¦ · web viewthere is also a theory examination (worth 30 marks) and...

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