Curriculum Offer 2013-2014

Curriculum Overview

All students at The Connected Hub follow a core programme of: English Maths Science PSHCE Mentoring Sport and Leisure Enrichment activities They also choose one option from the following: Art GCSE Film Studies GCSE ICT GCSE Short course Music L2 PE BTEC Students spend one day a week on a vocational course or doing work experience. This booklet sets out which courses we are offering this year. If you need any more information then please feel free to contact us.

Core Curriculum

English Students study for the Edexcel English Language Certificate which is equivalent to a GCSE. Students will also study for and take Functional Skills English at the appropriate level. From sailing round the world with Ellen MacArthur to the Arabian Nights, students will study a selection of texts. They will debate issues that interest them and write, fine-tuning their skills in writing stories, magazine articles, emails, letters and reports. For the English Language Certificate, there are two exam papers (in May) and three speaking and listening assessments (completed over the year). The Functional Skills qualifications involve two online tests plus two speaking and Listening assessments. Maths Students at The Connected Hub study the Edexcel linear exam, at the appropriate level for them. (Foundation tier or Higher tier). The GCSE exam is made up of a calculator paper and a non calculator paper. Students study aspects of Data Handling, Algebra, Number and Calculations, and Shape, Space and Measure. Lessons are made engaging and practical when possible. Students class sizes are no bigger than 5 and students will be grouped by similar abilities and learning styles. Students can also have the opportunity to gain a Functional Skills qualification in Maths. Science Students will study the AQA specification for Science, and can work towards the core GCSE qualification. Some may also build on this and gain a GCSE in Additional Science. Within all the Science qualifications students will have the opportunity to study aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and all the qualifications are a mixture of coursework and exams. We aim to make science fun and relevant to the lives of students. Students class sizes are no bigger than 5 and students will be grouped by similar abilities and learning styles.

Core Curriculum continued

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education Students work towards their AQA Award in PSE. This consists of 4 units at either Level 1 or Level 2. Drugs Sex and Relationships Safety Emotional Health and Well-Being Students also have time to consider their future and apply for courses or apprenticeships etc. The units are enhanced by visiting speakers e.g. Allsorts, Ru- OK?, the police, the school nurse.

Sport and Leisure Students are asked to choose from the following list as to their preferences for their leisure options on a Friday afternoon. This is part of the core curriculum. Some sports, e.g. boxing and table tennis, will rotate. Boxing Dance Exercise classes e.g. Zumba Football Swimming Table tennis We will also have one off trips bowling, climbing etc for those with good attendance.

Mentoring Each student will have a weekly one to one mentoring session. Learning mentors work with students to: Motivate them to be successful and achieve Listen to their views Help them manage difficulties in their lives Raise their self esteem Encourage them to be more self sufficient Help them work towards agreed goals Support them to organise their time and work in school and at home

Options
All students will be able to study one option (unless they are doing Pet and Animal Care which is on a Monday).

PE BTEC (at City College East) Sport and leisure is a growing industry, with opportunities in practical areas such as coaching, instructing and leading outdoor and adventure activities, as well as in facility management and administration. Students will study at least two units from the following: The Body in Sport Health, Safety and Injury in Sport The Sports Industry Preparation for Sport Planning and Leading Sports Activities Practical Sport Practical Outdoor and Adventurous Activities

Options continued

Film Studies GCSE (at The Hub) If you like watching and talking about films (or making them), then this is the course for you. We follow the WJEC course, which is assessed through 50% coursework and 50% exams. You will study and discuss a range of films with a focus on Superhero films. You will also study non Hollywood films including Tsotsi, a South African film. We will find out your favourite films and the reasons for this. There are 3 interconnected study areas: the language of film, film organisations, and film audiences The coursework consists of film exploration, analysis, pitch, pre-production, production and reflective analysis.

GCSE (at The Hub) Studying Art gives students a time where they can truly express themselves. The course is designed to enable individuals to explore Art in a way that is personally relevant to them. It is not just about being able to draw, but more about finding a way of expressing thoughts, emotions and reactions to the world about them. Throughout the course there will be opportunities to try out new techniques and materials. Students, will be encouraged to use their own phones/cameras to record images that mean something to them. Along the way they will be introduced to, and then reflect on, the work of other Artists and be introduced to Art in the wider world through excursions and trips. This personal journey will be recorded through the use of sketchbooks which, along with independent pieces, eventually build up a portfolio of work. Towards the end of the course there is an assessed task (project) and for this students will have a free choice from a list of externally set topics which act as a stimulus. This final project will reflect the values, enthusiasms, areas of expertise that each student has developed throughout the course. Assessment for the course is divided into 60% for the portfolio and 40% for external task.

Options Continued
Music RSL Level 2 Certificate (at Access to Music) The Music Production course at ATM Brighton studios will lead to an RSL L2 certificate in Music and will cover programming, recording, composition, mixing and rapping / performance (optional), taught by our industry- experienced tutor team. You will learn to use music software to make beats and write and record vocals in the recording studio, whilst working towards a GCSE level qualification.

GCSE ICT Short Course (at The Hub) The GCSE ICT Short Course is made up of 2 Units which will give students the chance to experience and develop their ICT skills from the perspectives of user, designer, maker, manager and client. The first Unit is called Understanding ICT and is mainly knowledge based. This unit covers topics such as Home Entertainment, e.g. Interactive TV/ Gaming/ Social Networking; Home and personal communication systems, e.g. Mobile Phones/ Wireless and Bluetooth technology/ Broadband and cable services; Home business, e.g. Online shopping/ Online booking; ICT and Learning, e.g. Word Processing/ Presentation/ Database/ Spreadsheet/ Multimedia applications. This unit will be exam focused and cover everything needed for the exam. The second Unit is called Solving Problems with ICT and is the more practical, skills based unit. This Unit covers the coursework element of the course, covering topics such as, Organisation, Communicating Information, Information Handling and Evaluation of working practice. The course will be assessed by a mixture of exams (40%) and controlled assignment (60%) to give a flexible, up to date qualification which will engage learners. This assessment is un-tiered, i.e. all units cater for the full range of ability and allow access to grades A*-G

Vocational Learning

Vocational Learning All students should study one vocational course at one of our local colleges/partners or work experience one day a week. Some students have already started a 2 year course and will continue with this. Others have the option to choose from the following KS4 Engagement Programmes: Build a Bike Catering Considering Construction Creative Upload: Mixed Digital Media/Music and Design Hair and Beauty Motor Vehicle Pet and Animal Care Sport Active

Enrichment activities Princes Trust Princes Trust gives you the opportunity to work as a team and build your confidence and motivation. You will work on your communication and life skills through having fun in a group environment. You will gain valuable skills which look good to any employer or college. There are no exams and little paperwork; you complete 2 units which the group decide on. It may include raising money and going on a trip (this year the group went go-karting). This is based at The Hub and run by our learning mentors.

Albion in the Community This half day provision consists of both practical and portfolio work to gain a Level 1 Step Up Award and Community Leaders Award. It is tailored to the interests and needs of the group. Students have the opportunity to enhance their personal, self awareness and employability skills, whilst improving their literacy, numeracy and ICT. A tour of the AMEX stadium and other activities are offered as part of this course.

Notes

The Connected Hub Tilbury House Florence Place Brighton BN1 7GU 01273 291294