Senior School Curriculum 2011-2013

1. Senior School Curriculum 2011-2013

2. What you need to know……. • The different curriculum pathways available in the Senior School. • How your learning style will affect the pathway you take. • The structure of all curriculum pathways. • The options process and important deadlines.

3. South Island School Senior School Curriculum

4. The Diploma Pathways – Preferred Learning Styles

5. The South Island Diploma • The South Island Diploma is a personalisedprogramme designed to fit the specific or individual needs of our students. • It has a core of literacy, numeracy and functional skills. • Other sections include Life Skills/Independent Living Skills, structured work placement, Business Enterprise, Sustainability and Technology. • There is accreditation for a range of courses within the Diploma. • Specific details will be worked out with Mrs. Carol Chapman and the Individual Needs Department.

6. The International Diploma • International Diploma is flexible and suitable for a wide cohort of learners due to the ability to specialise in a particular area of interest. • Students will be able to demonstrate employment readiness, global awareness and ability to complete Project. • Entry criteria guidelines: - Achieved at least 5 A* - C at GCSE. - Shown a commitment to CAS.

7. The International Diploma Study 1 of the following BTEC Nationals at Diploma Level (MAJOR) and 1of the following BTEC Nationals at Advanced Subsidiary (MINOR):

8. The International Diploma Core • AS Global Perspectives • Enables students to gain knowledge and understanding of global issues. • BTEC Work Skills Plus • Enables learners to relate their skills directly to the world of work. • Extended Project • Learners plan, research and evaluate a self-selected project.

9. International Diploma Opportunities • School trips, residential and non residential • Links with higher education • Industry links with speakers coming in • Visits to see subject in practice.

10. International Diploma – Who should do it? • Performs better in coursework than exams • Wants to follow a specific line of education in a specific field, e.g fashion and clothing • Enjoys a more practical approach to learning

11. The International Baccalaureate Diploma • University entrance qualification recognized around the world in over ninety countries. • The Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year programme of international education. • Entry criteria guidelines: - Achieved at least 5 A* - C at GCSE including Math & English. - Shown a commitment to CAS.

12. IB Diploma Programme Structure • Study 6 subjects over two years • 3 subjects at Higher Level (HL) • 3 subjects at Standard Level (SL) • Study of the TOK • Completion of an EE • Participation in CAS

13. Group 1 - Language A1 • A1 Literature (English, French, Japanese, Self-taught) • (SL – 10 texts / HL – 13 texts) • A1 Language & literature (English & Chinese) • (SL – 4 texts / HL – 6 texts)

14. Group 2 - Second Language Language B (SL & HL) OPTIONS - Chinese, French, Spanish This course meets the needs of candidates for whom Language B is an academic foreign language. Students must have studied this language before (ie: 2-5 years experience). Ab Initio (SL) OPTIONS - Chinese, French, Spanish This course is designed for candidates who have a basic grasp of the Language or are relative beginners. Although designed for beginners this is not an easy option.

15. Group 3 - Individuals & Societies • Subjects included in this group span the humanities and social sciences. • Group 3 subjects are ab initio (ie: they require no previous instruction in the subject). • In general the standard level subjects can be as intellectually demanding as higher level. • OPTIONS - Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, Psychology, ITGS – online course only, Environmental Systems and Societies (transdisciplinary 3/4 subject)

16. Group 4 - Experimental Sciences • Experimental science subjects promote an understanding of the concepts, principles and applications of the respective disciplines, together with an appreciation of the methodology of the experimental sciences in general. Options are: • - Biology • - Chemistry • - Physics • - Design Technology - 4 pathways • (Human Factors/CAD:CAM/Food/Textiles) • - Environmental Systems and Societies

17. Group 5 - Mathematics • Each course aims to deepen a students understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence in the use of mathematical language. • Mathematics (HL) - designed for very mathematically able students. • Mathematics (SL) – difficult course that goes beyond GCSE level. • Mathematical Studies (SL) – focus on ‘practical application of Maths’ for those unlikely to require Maths beyond Diploma programme.

18. Group 6 - The Arts • The group 6 subjects place emphasis on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in a global context. • - Film Studies • - Music • - Theatre Arts • - Visual Arts NB - We strongly recommend that ALL students do a Group 6 subject, however students can opt not to do so and to select a second subject from Groups 1-4.

19. Possible subject combinations

20. How do I choose? • Make sure your choices match up to your career intentions. • Make sure you research University requirements if you have a particular courses in mind. • Choose subjects you enjoy- you will be studying them intensively for two years ! • Choose subjects in which you excel. • Actively seek, and listen to advice

21. Year 11 Guidance Structure STEP ONE – June 2010 Initial presentation on Diploma Pathways along with follow up discussions with subject teachers and tutor. STEP TWO – January 2011 Options assembly going over Diploma Pathways and subject specific information followed by 1:1 discussions about STEP THREE – 9th February 2011 Year 11 Options Evening followed by discussions with parents and tutors. STEP FOUR – 11th Feb 2011 Discuss options with parents and tutor at academic monitoring afternoon and hand in option choices.