The City School

Vocational Learning pathway key stage 4:

 

Aims

 

The vocational learning pathway aims for all children to achieve through a personalised and vocational pathway of learning. The courses which are on offer are all accredited by ASDAN and officially recognised examination body.

 

What qualification can be achieved?

 

During Year 10 students work towards achieving and award, namely ASDAN Bronze which enables all students to gain valuable experience in compiling a portfolio of evidence showing their personalised achievements.

Students are encouraged to complete work at home, showing their personalised achievements and interests through their work.

 

Activities/ areas covered – key aspects of the curriculum

 

 The curriculum areas include:

1.                   Communication

2.                   Citizen and Community

3.                   Sport and Leisure

4.                   Independent Living

5.                   The Environment

6.                   Vocational Preparation

7.                   Health and Fitness

8.                   Work Related Learning and Enterprise

9.                   Science and Technology

10.               International Links

11.               Expressive Arts

12.               Beliefs and Values

 

Opportunities

 

Students can become involved in personalising their learning and in the past have even worked with local DJ’s to produce their own mixed CD, work within the Richmond Park with a local ranger as some examples. Students have many more opportunities to do hands-on learning which is exciting and original in its delivery.

During Year 10 and 11, both in school and with the college providers, students are encouraged to compile evidence to be used towards achieving their Wider Key Skills which are recognised external qualifications. Students have to show evidence of:

·         Working with Others

·         Improving Own Learning and Performance

·         Problem Solving

All of which are valuable life skills which can be used to help build on the skills required for working life preparation.

 

Breakdown of course in terms of coursework/ exam

 

Each Wider Key Skill is worth ¾ of a full GCSE and can be achieved at level 1 or level 2. Overall students can achieve 2 ¼ GCSE’s just from their ASDAN related courses. If students work hard to achieve the work entry can be made in Year 10 meaning that students can achieve GCSE (equivalent points) in just one academic year.

During Year 11, students can extend their work and work towards achieving the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) which is a recognised external qualification and carries GCSE equivalent points at GCSE. All work is 100% coursework based and is internally verified by The City School vocational team before being entered for Moderation which is done at localised ASDAN exam meetings in the area and or by postal moderation. Students achieve a certificate.