Key Stage 4: GCSE

Subject Title:  OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES (EXAM BOARD – CCEA)

Coordinator: MISS E FITZPATRICK

Content of Course

Occupational Studies allows learners to learn for work, through work and about work, and it provides the potential for this learning to take place in out-of-school contexts. This hands-on approach is ideal for those who prefer to develop their skills in a more practical, occupational environment.

Occupational Studies is both coherent and flexible and provides a good foundation from which to advance to competence-based post-16 courses.

Key features

The subject of Occupational Studies

      has an occupational and employability focus at Key Stage 4;

      enables progression to other courses and to training and employment;

      helps to raise levels of achievement since learners are likely to be more motivated

            towards the achievement of success through applying their knowledge in practical,

            work-related situations and contexts; and

      emphasises learning by doing – this will help learners to develop the transferable skills necessary in a changing   and dynamic working environment.

Pupils may study up to 6 Single Awards

 The six single award headings are as follows:

*Design and Creativity       *Technology and Innovation          *Construction

*Business and Services       *Environment and Society             *Engineering and  Engineering Services

The course is delivered to all Year 11 and Year 12 students

Pupil’s study units both ‘In-House’ (within Coleraine College) and within other teaching centre’s for example the Northern Regional College (NRC) at both the Coleraine and Ballymoney campus and St. Joseph’s College.

Assessment Arrangements

Internal assessment

The evidence required by the occupational units will be assessed through an appropriate

mixture of assessment methods.

Knowledge requirements that are not clearly addressed through the performance

evidence provided by the learner can be assessed through oral or written questioning.

Normally oral questioning will be the preferred method but written questions can be

used if the assessor agrees that this is a better method for the learner.

Witness statements, personal portfolios and My Records will be used where appropriate. In addition to any written work, learners may also present photographs and video/audio recordings (or other records of their competence) as evidence for assessment.

External moderation

Marks awarded by the centre will be subject to external moderation by CCEA. Learners’

work will be externally moderated in the learners’ centre or in any other location agreed

with the Council.

Moderation will be undertaken in January and May each year.

Career Progression

Occupational Studies is both coherent and flexible and provides a good foundation from which to advance to competence-based post-16 courses.

Occupational Studies allows learners to learn for work, through work and about work, and it provides the potential for this learning to take place in out-of-school contexts. This hands-on approach is ideal for those who prefer to develop their skills in a more practical, occupational environment.

The world of work is constantly changing. Today it is uncommon for a person to have only one occupation throughout their working life, so it’s vital that we are able to transfer and adapt our knowledge and skills throughout our careers. Occupational Studies provides students with a ‘taster’ of what many jobs entail and equips them with the skills employers are seeking.