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Vocational Studies

 

Design Technology at Welling school introduces the students to the world of design and manufacture. They learn how to be creative and how ideas can be translated into the real world using a wide range of skills. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and approach design problems from different angles.

This subject is taught at KS3 and 4. Each year in KS3 is devoted to a particular material. They learn about the properties of these materials and then apply this knowledge to produce a practical outcome.

KS3

In year 7 students are introduced to wood as a material. Using knowledge gained about this material they make a personalised pencil holder. To create this product they are introduced to sawing, drilling and finishing techniques. They are also introduced to industrial processes including production aids such as temples/jigs.

In year 8 students are introduced to plastics. Building on what was taught in year 7, the students learn more about industrial processes including scales of productions and sampling/tolerance. Using this knowledge the students work in groups to batch produce a range of earphone holders. The last project they do in year 8 is to design and make a clock based on the Memphis style.

In year 9 students are introduced to metals and how different materials can be used to make a single product. Using this knowledge and skills gained in previous years the students design and make a wall mounted hanging system for their chosen existing product. Examples of existing products students have chosen to hang on this new product include clothes, keys, saucepans etc.

KS4

The skills gained at KS3 are combined with new learning to cover the content for the new GCSE. Many design technology topics are covered in this course including the use of electronics and fabrics to design and make products. Other areas of study include the use of sustainability and ethical considerations to inform design. Robotics and electronic systems including PIC controllers, structures and the forces exerted on them, mechanisms and motion and how money can be raised to develop and manufacture new products.

How you can support your child?

  • Encourage your child to complete homework set on time
  • Encourage your child to attend booster sessions organised by the department
  • Encourage your child to develop practical DT skills

Studying Health and Social Care gives students the opportunity to succeed and thrive in other subjects across the school, improving their self-esteem and confidence and understanding the importance of communication.

The department is made up of highly skilled and motivated group of teachers who have an interest and passion in delivering and knowing the subject. Our teaching allows all students to feel included and well supported by promoting an inclusive approach to the subject.

Our aim of the department is to engage students and to demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject, developing skills and highlighting the importance of communicating with individuals and working as part of a team whilst at Welling School and later on in the future.

Students will learn how to work and communication with others as part of team or individually. Resilience plays a key part in this as students have to use the skills and strengths leant within the subject to cope with the workload and expectations.

Collaboration is at the heart of the curriculum, as students will learn about the importance of working with others ultimately to safeguard individuals and groups of people who are vulnerable to make sure they are happy, safe and secure within a Health Care setting.

At Key Stage 4, we follow the OCR Level 2 Cambridge Nationals in Health and Social Care specifications.  All students take a values of care exam in Year 11.  The course is made up of internal assessment and external assessment. Each course has both written and practical aspects, students are able to participate in practical elements for the course to help aid and highlight their learning to the moderator, by taking part in a first aid course and making a healthy balanced meal to support health and nutrition. 

At Key Stage 5, we follow the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Health and Social Care specifications.  The subject is exciting and demanding, it is recognised by UCAS, apprenticeships and many employers. The course is examined through a combination of coursework and examinations.  There are also opportunities to attend Health and Social Care workshops and visit university open days for the prospective course.

How can you support your child?

  • Encourage your child to read newspaper articles which are relevant to the Health and Social Care sector
  • Encourage your child to rehearse and practice their interaction for their piece of coursework

Studying childcare helps develop important life skills and gives students the opportunity to use the content from the course and apply them to early year’s settings and practice.

The department consists of enthusiastic, motivated and skilled teachers who have a great understanding of the subject. Teaching the subject is demanding due to the content and pace of the course however this allows students to demonstrate resilience and organisation to manage their time and workload.

Our aim of the department is to engage and excite students by developing skills and highlighting the importance of demonstrating key personal qualities and attributes that are needed to help them progress into working with babies and young children.

Collaboration is at the heart of the curriculum, as students will learn about the importance of working with others ultimately to safeguard babies and young children to make sure they are happy, safe and secure within an early years setting

At Key Stage 4 we follow CACHE Level 2 Award in Child Development and Care. All students take 3 units to complete the course: 2 internal and 1 external assessment. Students also have the opportunity to complete work experience to help with the application of theory and content delivered in lessons. Students will study how to work with children aged 0-5 years and the development and wellbeing of children 0-5 years.

At Key Stage 5 we are delivering a new course to sixth from students, BTEC National Extended certificate Children’s, Play, Learning and Development. This is a stimulating and demanding course which is recognised by UCAS, apprenticeships and many jobs. We aim to enable students to develop critical thinking skills, problem solving and to able to demonstrate how they are flexible learners. Students will study children’s development including children communication, literacy and numeracy skills, their ability to play and learn and how to keep children safe within a setting. This course is structured by students completing a controlled assessment unit, internal and external units.

There is also the opportunity for students to complete a first ad course to meet some of their learning criteria for principles of first aid within a unit and to complete work experience whilst studying the course.

How can you support your child?

  • Encourage your child to read news paper articles which are relevant to the early years sector
  • Develop  important skills you will need for the work place including team work, effective communication and problem solving
  • Help research for legislation, advice and guidance which are used in an early years setting such as policies and the early years statutory framework

 


 

The Food Technology department consists of experienced members of teaching and support staff who have an extreme passion for cooking and are dedicated in getting students to believe in their ability to produce a range of dishes.

At Key Stage 3, we follow a scheme of work that build the foundation and prepares the students for the GCSE option at key stage 4, should they decide to select it as one of their GCSE choices.  Therefore, they will cover Food nutrition and health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice and Food Provenance.

The lessons are split up in to theoretical lessons, where the students are taught the low and high biological values of protein and of protein values and how to modify food to suit different diets. They are also provided with examples of food from across the globe to sample and to expand their culinary knowledge. 

At Key Stage 4, we follow the AQA GCSE Food preparation and Nutrition specification, which equips students with an array of culinary techniques, as well as knowledge of nutrition, food traditions and health safety.  The aim is to inspire and motivate students, opening their eyes to a world of career opportunities and giving them the confidence to cook with ingredients from across the globe.

The course is assessed by two different components.  The first of those is the non-exam based component, where the students are required to investigate, prepare, cook and present a menu of three dishes, within a single period of no more than three hours.  The evidence for this will be in the form of a written or electronic report, including photographic evidence of the practical investigation. This equates to 50% of the final GCSE mark. 

The second component is the exam, which is 1hr and 45 minutes long, taken at the end of the tw year course.  The areas covered in the exam are Food nutrition and health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice and Food Provenance.  This equates to 50% of the final GCSE mark.

How can you support your child?
Encourage your child to try a range of dishes from around the world
- Encourage your child to help in the preparation and cooking of dishes at home
- Discuss with your child the health and safety aspects of cooking at home

The Financial Studies department consists of highly experienced, dedicated and successful group of teachers who are very enthusiastic about their subject. Their aim is share their love for the subject and enable students to become successful entrepreneurs of the future.

The subject is very popular amongst students, as the combination of academic challenge along with obtaining lifelong skills and knowledge, makes the subject very real for them.

At Key Stage 5, Financial studies comprises of Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) in year 12 and Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) in year 13, offered by The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF).

CeFS encourages learners to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers, and have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their life.  DipFS builds on the skills and knowledge acquired through successful completion of the Certificate in Financial Studies and extends this to include areas such as financial sustainability within the wider financial services system, and the long-term impact of debt.

Its purpose is to prepare students for further study through the development of the core skills of independent thinking, critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication examined through external examinations.

There are opportunities for trips such as visit to Bank of England, attend lectures by experts in the field of financial study and scholarship to study degree courses with The London Institute of Banking and finance

How can you support your child?

  • Encourage your child to watch the news
  • Encourage your child to read financial articles or magazines
  • Discuss and show the financial documents that you use

The Financial Studies department consists of highly experienced, dedicated and successful group of teachers who are very enthusiastic about their subject. Their aim is share their love for the subject and enable students to become successful entrepreneurs of the future.

The subject is very popular amongst students, as the combination of academic challenge along with obtaining lifelong skills and knowledge, makes the subject very real for them.

At Key Stage 5, Financial studies comprises of Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) in year 12 and Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) in year 13, offered by The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF).

CeFS encourages learners to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers, and have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their life.  DipFS builds on the skills and knowledge acquired through successful completion of the Certificate in Financial Studies and extends this to include areas such as financial sustainability within the wider financial services system, and the long-term impact of debt.

Its purpose is to prepare students for further study through the development of the core skills of independent thinking, critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication examined through external examinations.

There are opportunities for trips such as visit to Bank of England, attend lectures by experts in the field of financial study and scholarship to study degree courses with The London Institute of Banking and finance

How can you support your child?

  • Encourage your child to watch the news
  • Encourage your child to read financial articles or magazines
  • Discuss and show the financial documents that you use