S2 Elective Choices

Information on S2 elective courses

Prestwick Academy 2012-2013

This booklet provides information on the courses available in S2 for the elective choice pupils will make. Pupils will receive one period of their chosen subject during S2.

Pupils will be asked on a separate elective choice proforma to select their first, second and third choice from the list below by putting a 1, 2 or 3 in the choice column. We hope to be able to offer pupils one of their top three choices but some elective courses may not run due to an insufficient number of pupils choosing them.

Title Department ChoiceRecycled Materials Sculpture Art & Design

Fashion Recreation Art & Design

Drawing and Painting Art & Design

The Apprentice Business Education

Graphic Design: Modelling, Animation and Advertising

Design & Technology

Redesigning Prestwick Design & Technology

Jewellery Design Design & Technology

Do you want to be a Magazine Editor?

Design & Technology

Essential Craft Skills Design & Technology

I’m a Geographer, get me out of here

Geography

Disaster Geography Geography

Media Matters History

Crafty Sugar Home Economics

Maths Elective Maths

Spanish for travel and holidays Modern Languages

German for travel and holidays Modern Languages

International Education Modern Languages

Digital Photography and Video making

Modern Languages

The Voice Factor Music

Information for each course is provided and departments will give further information to pupils.

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Recycled Materials Sculpture Art & Design

Make your own ‘bunnyphant’ (or ‘crocofish’ or ‘rhinopede’ or...)

Materials required

Collect throwaway objects: Plastic bottles, cardboard boxes etc. Newspapers for papier-macheMagazinesPVA, gum tapePaint

Resources

‘Bunnyphant’ photograph from ‘The Guardian’ Animal photographsExemplars: sheet of drawings (parts of animals) in various mediaExemplars: 2D ideas drawings; 3D structure drawingsExemplars: 3D models (pupil work)

Investigation drawing

Pupils draw parts of animals, working from photographs. Teacher provides list: “one leg, one tail, one wing” etc. Pupils produce a sheet of drawings in various media.

Development (1): 2D ideas drawings

Pupils produce ‘ideas’ drawings. They will use their own drawings as a resource for this.They may also make use of photographs if they exhaust the possibilities in their drawings.There will be two ideas on one A4 sheet. They will combine animal parts to produce a fantasy animalGroup discussion/fun activity: pupils invent names for their creatures (‘bunnyphant’ for example).

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Development (2): 3D structure drawings

Pupils produce structure drawings.Here they choose one of their ideas drawings and consider what it would look like three-dimensionally. They must visualise what their fantasy creature would look like from various angles. Divide an A4 sheet into four boxes: side view, top view, front view etc.

Development (3): colour and pattern

Pupils use viewfinders to isolate examples of natural pattern from animal photographs.They record these in pencil on an A4 sheet divided into six boxesTeacher instructs pupils as to how to test out colour ideas using swatchesPupils now have a colour/natural pattern sheet in coloured pencilPupils then produce coloured pencil drawings of their fantasy animal patterned according to ideas drawn from the colour/pattern sheet

Final Outcome: creating/painting the 3D model

Pupils will be shown examples of 3D work from previous year groupsTeacher instructs pupils in how to attach disparate materials (cardboard, plastic etc) using gum tape, pva, papier-mache Pupils create 3-dimensional model working from their structure drawingsPupils then paint the model white in preparation for applying colour/patternWith their coloured pencil drawings before them, the pupils then draw and paint their colour/pattern ideas onto their models

Extension activities/variations

Groupwork: pupils create a large, painted/collaged landscape setting for their fantasy animals. Alternative fantasy animals could be created in the form of 2D collages and inserted into the collaboratively produced landscape.

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Fashion Recreation Art and Design

Pupils will gain an understanding of the construction of clothes and the design process. Ultimately pupils will produce their own design.

Unit 1

Technical Skills/Sewing Machine

Produce a sewing sketchbook

Unit 2

Design Skills

Produce 2D/3D design work

Final presented Garment

Unit 3

Understanding Garments

Deconstruct /reconstruct

Unit 4 Final Unit

Make and Produce Garment

Using recycled clothes pupils will create their own outfit and present it

Drawing & Painting Art & Design

1. Drawing in monochrome

10 individual lessons

5 different mediums

3 different subject matter

2. Drawing in colour

5 individual lessons

4 different mediums

3. Considering Compositions

4. Final Outcome

The pupils will develop techniques, acquire skills, investigate options and produce an outcome.

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The Apprentice Business Education

Would you like to be the next Alan Sugar? Would you make a good salesperson? Then this could be the Elective for you! This course will take the form of a series of Business challenges and will build on the work done by S1 pupils who studied Business Technology as part of their BACT course.

The course allows pupils the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of the Business world and experience tasks which are designed to:

motivate them allow variation in methodology and teaching in class allow increased opportunity to participate actively in class offer challenge and enjoyment make use of ICT including flip cameras make appropriate connections with the world of work

Example of Challenge:

Christmas Fayre Challenge

Pupils are set the challenge of making and selling products at the school Christmas Fayre, with the intention of making a profit. Pupils have to appoint Project Leaders in their teams. This exciting challenge involves carrying out market research, budgeting, bidding for funding from SMT and selling the product around the school!

Graphic Design: Modelling, Animation and Advertising Design & Technology

Pupils will use AutoCAD Inventor software that is currently used in industry to design and model many different everyday items. By the end of the course, they will be able to apply animation to their models, gain an insight into how production drawings are created and use a variety of advertising techniques to promote them in the world of work.

Communication is frequently facilitated by the use of graphics and, in particular, by the use of technical graphics in construction, engineering and consumer contexts. The creation and interpretation of drawings are generic skills useful in employment and as life skills in a world where communication increasingly relies upon graphics.

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This elective course, develops knowledge and skills in pupil’s working with computer-aided draughting(CAD) and other Desktop Publishing (DTP) packages, thus widening their appreciation of the role of information technology within Graphic Communication and the world today. In addition, pupils will have the opportunity to develop analytical thinking and creativity. Acquiring knowledge of the importance of graphics in an industrial context will provide a perspective on commerce and industry.

The elective course is designed to fulfil the following main aims:

develop aspects of technological capability foster an awareness of the importance of graphics as a form of communication develop the ability to communicate graphical information using computer graphic skills and

techniques develop the ability to read and interpret a range of drawings develop knowledge of, and the ability to use, software packages for graphic communication develop technological creativity in relation to the use of computer packages in production and

advertising

EXAMPLES OF WORK

PRODUCTION DRAWINGS

RENDERED MODELS

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POSTERS

Redesigning Prestwick Design & Technology

Brief description of the course:

In this course pupils will design and model a self sufficient rail platform for Prestwick Town station or other similar projects for Prestwick. Through this pupils will explore structures, renewable energies, sustainable design and the social factors impacting on design. All within an authentic learning context.

The course will consist of a number of individual and group based learning activities, allowing pupils to develop their knowledge, understanding and practical skills surrounding structures, renewable energies, issues relating to sustainable development and the built environment.

Evidence shows us that pupil engagement within Design and Technology can be increased through learning and teaching in the contexts offered through the implementation of an Education for Sustainable Development.

These contexts will include;

Society

Pupils will explore the station from a passenger’s point of view Gain a deeper understanding of their own community Explore the impact of a railway station within a community Inclusive design.

Environment

The environmental impact of a railway station. What would a self sufficient station be like? How renewable energies work. The environmental impact of our own actions.

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Course content Pupils will be expected to produce a number of physical models and CAD models using techniques and software found in industry.

Learning and teaching methods External site visit. Input from guest speakers (town planning, rail network etc). Practical demonstration regarding structures and renewable energies. Pupil modelling of structures and renewable energies (physical and computer based). Stills, video, blogs, GLOW group. Individual / group presentation of work to professionals.

Core skillsPupils will have the opportunity to develop the following core skills;

Literacy - Presentation, recording of data, technical vocabulary. Numeracy– Modelling of structures and working with scales. Communication – communicating ideas and thoughts with peers, teachers and professionals. Problem solving – big task / small task / case study problem solving. Decision-making – group and individual. ICT – PowerPoint, WestPoint bridge builder, Google Sketch Up, Google Earth etc (All used in

industry). Practical craft skills – Model making.

Enjoyment of Learning:

This course allows pupils to develop skills in working with others and taking pride in their community.

Increased engagement within Design and Technology through authentic learning contexts.

Jewellery Design Design & Technology

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This elective explores the design and manufacture of earrings, necklaces and bracelets using different production techniques. The pupils will learn about researching jewellery design and jewellery production techniques, as well as considering designing for people (ergonomics) and conducting market research. The pupils would also be required to work out costings and design POS (Point of Sale) displays for selling their bespoke designs! This may include stands and also an element of Graphic Design, for designing posters, flyers etc.

Pupils will sell their goods at school events, such as the Christmas Fayre and the Fashion Show held at the end of March. This activity is entirely pupil centred, to develop their creativity and design design skills.

As a result of this activity, all pupils will have:

Good research skills for designing different styles of jewellery Use different techniques and improve their intricate hand skills Communicated their design process and results throughout the process Designed and manufactured exclusive jewellery for themselves and for selling at the Fashion

Show Team working skills improved A project that gives each pupil pride and satisfaction in their achievement!

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Do you want to be a Magazine Editor? Design & Technology

Do you love reading leaflets, magazines and newspapers? Are you interested in journalism and Graphic Design?

Pupils will use Microsoft Publisher and Serif software to design and produce high quality newsletters, magazines and leaflets; including a combination of text and digital images. Pupils will be given opportunities to learn about Desk Top Publishing and where it is used in everyday life. They will learn how to design and produce high quality documents, both through hand-produced sketches and high-quality computer generated publications. Pupils will learn how manipulate and lay out images and text correctly, to produce contemporary and interesting documents.

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This elective course develops knowledge and skills in pupil’s working with computer-aided design (CAD) and other Desktop Publishing (DTP) packages, thus widening their appreciation of the role of information technology within Graphic Communication and the world today. In addition, pupils will have the opportunity to develop analytical thinking and creativity.

The elective course is designed to fulfil the following main aims:

foster an awareness of the importance of graphics as a form of communication develop the ability to communicate graphical information using computer graphic skills and

techniques develop knowledge of, and the ability to use, software packages for graphic communication develop technological creativity in relation to the use of computer packages in production and

advertising

Throughout the course, pupils will be given opportunities to:

learn about DTP design principles and elements, and how to apply these correctly to a document

plan their designs, producing a variety of ideas; evaluating these to produce effective layouts for documents

gain skills in using appropriate desktop publishing software become proficient at using the internet to research topics and produce graphics produce a range of documents, including leaflets, newsletters and magazines. Work individually and in small groups on a variety of projects.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: MAGAZINE DESIGN

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Essential Craft Skills Design & Technology

Elective Skills is a new course that consists of practical models and skills that are not presently covered in the design and technology S1/2 course.

Course Aims

Additional models - wood, acrylic and metal. Additional workshop practices and skills. To enhance pupils design skills using traditional manual drawings and rendering plus the use of

C.A.D. To make pupils more confident in using the workshops, the machines, the tools, by reinforcing

tasks covered in the present S1 course with proposed new tasks. Gaining ability to make manufacturing decisions as their models progress. To give them more scope and a greater variety in various manufacturing skills. The ability to work in a safe manner in the workshops and making them more responsible and

taking more care in all H&S matters.

Course Outline

The manufacture of four/five models from a selection of models:Storage BoxClock ProjectMirror FrameAluminium Holder.Salt &Pepper Containers

Each model to consist of a basic design that pupils can incorporate their design touches/ ideas, thus having a greater sense of achievement plus the knowing that their own individual model is a ‘one off’.The use of C.A.D. will mean that pupils will have a virtual copy of their designs that corresponds to their workshop model. These can saved in their computer directory for further changes/modifications and for assessment purposes.

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Learning and teaching methodsThe course is practically based and will develop the pupil’s workshop skills. Pupils will use independent learning skills, active learning and collaborative learning.

Core skillsCore skills will be developed throughout the course eg; safe use of hand tools, safe use of machines in the workshop, literacy, numeracy, communication, problem solving, manufacturing decision-making.

Enjoyment of Learning:

This elective course provides opportunities for pupils to develop their talents / interests in Workshop Skills and C.A.D.

I’m a Geographer, get me out of here! GeographyDo you like being outdoors? Do you like team work and treasure hunts? Would you like to learn to use GPS handsets? Would you like to make photo stories (on the computer) on your local environment?

This elective will have a strong focus on outdoor learning. This will be active learning and will include opportunities to

explore your local area and make up your own maps and orienteering routes complete local environmental surveys and interview local people make posters and presentations (power point) to show your results take photographs of your local area and use these to make photo stories (with your

choice of music added!) take part in geocaching (hi-tech treasure hunt in the local area using GPS (sat nav)

handsets)

There will be opportunities for you to have your work recognised through The John Muir Award scheme. To do this you will get the chance to take part in a visit (probably residential) to an outdoor centre where you will do some outdoor activities and also work as part of a team taking action to help the environment.

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The skills you learn using the GPS handsets and knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) could eventually lead to exciting career opportunities as this is a growth area for employment.

For more information you can research Geocaching and the John Muir Award on the internet or ask a geography teacher!!

Disaster Geography! GeographyDo you want to be blown away by Geography? Would learning about earthquakes crack you up? Are you in floods of tears watching those affected by a tsunami?

Around the world we are constantly at the mercy of what nature can throw at us. Violent volcanoes have been documented since ancient times and their fury continues to be vented causing chaos across the world – remember the Icelandic ash cloud! Earthquakes and tsunamis of the last decade have featured in the news often with shocking numbers of casualties. Extreme weather can be devastating, resulting in floods, landslides, droughts and famine and even more human misery.

This elective will examine the causes and effects of these events with both recent and past Case Studies. It will look at how the wealth of a country affects the potential for an event becoming a disaster. It will also focus on the management of natural hazards which can minimise the impact on people and property through preparation for an event.

This elective will have a strong focus on active learning and use of contemporary materials through the internet and media clips to bring extreme events alive.

Active learning activities will include:

Using timelines and making fossils to explore the history of the Earth and its structure Making and exploding a volcano Designing and building an earthquake-proof building Producing and recording a hurricane warning for a radio broadcast Assembling a Disaster Emergency Kit

There will be opportunity to further develop skills acquired in Geography in this elective such as:

Researching Report-writing Processing data Using multi-media materials Problem-solving

These skills are transferable to other areas of the curriculum.

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Media Matters History/Modern Studies

Prestwick Academy’s junior school will study a wide range of new media skills, learning how to research, judge, extract, manipulate and present information, preparing them for life beyond school in the 21st Century.

They’ll also learn a bit about life in the media along the way, including the cult of celebrity, what sells newspapers or, in an age of overwhelming choice, what electronic sources they can trust.

Trust:

Looking at online news, sports or feature stories, they will work out for themselves which ones can be trusted and which ones to avoid, due to inaccurate or false details. This includes the pros and cons of Wikipedia.

Bias:

They’ll learn how some stories on TV, radio or the internet have inherent bias and ways in which they can detect this, putting together their own biased reports.

Cult of Celebrity – the entertainment industry:

Pupils will look at the obsession with being famous and how, unlike the old days, you don’t need to have worked very, very hard to make serious money. They’ll learn that being a celebrity also means a trade-off with privacy. They’ll discover the pressures on women in particular to look perfect on TV or in magazines, leading to eating disorders and often disastrous cosmetic surgery.

Danger zones – new media

This will look at the hazards of instant media like the camera/video phone carried by most pupils in the context of cyber bullying. Past incidents in schools have included filming boys and girls using the toilet (from above the neighbouring cubicle), with the footage being instantly uploaded to the net. The magnitude of such actions will be explained to S1/S2s, as well as tips on how to deal with being bullied online.

Shooting/editing:

Students will try their hand at scripting, shooting and editing their own mini documentary, including everything they’ve learned over the term. They will use the new hard-drive video camera bought by History and Modern Studies. The best docos will be posted on the new school website, currently being designed.

What sells newspapers or gets on T.V.?

Pupils will look at what constitutes a headline-grabber and the impact this often has on vulnerable people who don’t want massive media attention. They’ll learn the connection between sensationalism and profit and hopefully develop a thought process which looks behind the headlines whenever they read a tabloid front page.

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Crafty Sugar Home Economics

The elective will link with the following experiences and outcomes:

Experiences & Outcomes - Technologies

I can practice and apply a range of preparation techniques and processes to make a variety of items showing imagination and creativity, and recognising the need to conserve resources. (TCH3-10a)

I have gained confidence and dexterity in the use of ingredients and equipment and can apply specialist skills in preparing food. (TCH 3-10b)

By using problem solving strategies and showing creativity in a design challenge, I can plan, develop, make and evaluate food or textile items which meet needs at home or in the world of work. (TCH 3-11a)

Possible Activities throughout the year:

‘Wear it Pink’, Halloween, Pudsey, Christmas, Valentines, Easter, Mothers day, Fathers day, birthdays

Demonstration and hands on experience from local cake decoration shop in Prestwick or Troon

Challenge 1: To produce a Novelty Easter cake – bought cake to be used. To be judged by someone from the cake shop

Challenge 2: To design and produce a range of decorated products using skills mastered during the course.

Skills to master:

Water icing – flavoured and colouredPiping – cream, butter icing, chocolate paste – different shapes and writingSpreading – creams, jamChocolate work – shapes, curls, writingPaste - Viennese fingers/ swirls Butter icing – flavoured and colouredFondant – Rolling, shaping and colouringSugar – strands, baskets

Maths Elective Maths

The following activities will form the basis of our intended course next session. We are currently working on a more detailed programme to show the activities on a period by period basis. These activities cover a wide range of experiences and outcomes within Numeracy, Literacy, Health & Well being as well as other curricular areas. These activities are based at level 3 with some extending to level 4.

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Maths in Motion. Orienteering. Relays/treasure hunts & codes. Mathematical Team games. Group challenges. Investigations. Pupils responsible for problem of the week.

Spanish for travel and holidays Modern Languages

Why not learn some Spanish for holiday and travel? Spanish is an important world language, spoken by almost 500 million people in 22 different countries, including Spain. As you have studied French since P6, it will be relatively easy to pick up and many people find its pronunciation much easier than French. This course will prepare you for a visit to Spain or another Spanish speaking country and cover topics such as travel, shopping, eating out and making new friends. There will also be opportunities to have a Spanish penpal and to try out some famous Spanish food such as paella and tortilla espanola!

German for travel and holidays Modern Languages

Why not learn some German for holidays and travel? German is the largest spoken language in the European Union and spoken in Austria and Switzerland as well as Germany. As you have studied French since P6, it will be relatively easy to pick up and many Scottish people find its pronunciation much easier than French. This course will prepare you for a visit to Germany or another German speaking country and cover topics such as travel, shopping, eating out and making new friends. There will also be opportunities to have a German penpal and to try out some famous German food such as bratwurst and schwarzwalderkirschtorte (Black forest gateau)!

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International education: life in another country Modern Languages

What would it be like to be living in China, Australia, the USA, South Africa or Mexico instead of Scotland? How is life the same and different in other countries? This course will explore one country from each of the five continents in the world and you will cover topics including the people, festivals and celebrations, food, free time and famous sights. You will also be able to choose to study countries which particularly interest you.

Digital Photography and Video making Modern Languages

Are you interested in photography or video making? Then this course could be for you! You will learn how to take pictures and videos using digital and video cameras and make fantastic presentations using Animoto which you can then share using your mobile phone and place on your Facebook page to amaze your family and friends. No previous experience is required and you do not need your own camera or video though you may use it if you have one.

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The Voice Factor Music ‘The Voice Factor’ is a new course that consists of an exciting opportunity for any pupils wishing to explore the dynamic world of singing. There will be plenty of scope for pupils to perform in both solo and group activities so come and be part of Prestwick Academy’s very own answer to ‘Glee’!

Course Aims

To improve individual vocal technique through the learning of breathing, warm-ups, posture etc.

Pupils will gain a firmer understanding of musical notation through the reading of vocal scores during both practise and performance.

To build on confidence whilst working individually and as a team. To enable the pupils to learn new skills such as singing in harmony and develop listening skills. Pupils will become more familiar with musical concepts and terminology through the reading of

music and be able to apply this knowledge accordingly. Pupils will gain the confidence and ability to be able to perform as a group to other year groups

at the end of the term. To provide a positive, creative and motivational ethos which the pupils will enjoy.

Course Outline

The learning and performance of a selection of vocal repertoire based on ability and interest. The chosen songs will then be divided into parts so that pupils can learn how to sing in both harmony and unison, and the techniques required to perform in front of an audience. It is anticipated that the pupils will work towards a live performance to the first year cohort or at a school concert to give them this experience, as well as something to motivate and work towards. This will be achieved through focusing specifically on the following areas:

1. Breathing2. Warm-ups3. Technique4. Part singing5. Performance

Learning and teaching methodsAs this is a practical based course, a mixture of active learning, collaborative learning and group and peer assessment will take place throughout the elective.

Core skillsCore skills will be continually developed throughout, including literacy and numeracy though score-reading. Furthermore, problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making will also be incorporated.

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Enjoyment of Learning:

This elective course provides opportunities for pupils to develop their interest and talents in singing, culminating in a performance to showcase this.

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