3D Clay creations and Sculpture
This hands-on and dynamic class will ignite your creativity as you delve into the versatile world of clay. Discover the joy of modelling, shaping, and transforming clay into unique works of art that reflect your personal style. From sculptures to functional designs, this course will allow you to explore various techniques and approaches to enhance your 3D creative skills.
Progression
Candidates can use the course to progress further in the field of sculpture and other related industries, whether it is animation or complex character for the film and games industries or automotive or architecture design.
Animation
In this course, pupils will learn the fundamentals of animation, including techniques for creating movement, timing, and storytelling through animated characters and objects. The course will cover both traditional and digital animation techniques with a focus on the software used for digital animation.
Through hands-on projects and exercises, pupils will develop skills in drawing, character design, storyboarding, and digital animation software. Using their iPads pupils will learn to create animated shorts.
The course will also look at famous animators and their work, and different styles of animation. Pupils will explore the creative process of animation, including concept development, character design, storyboarding, and sound design.
Progression to S4
This option will allow you to progress into Photography in the Senior Phase.
Business in Finance, Movies and Adverts
Learn about aspects of business and business functions through the medium of movies and advertising. Films you may watch and analyse include: The Founder; The Intern and The Social Network. You will also watch and listen to adverts and review their message and effectiveness.
Progression to S4
This course will help students studying business in S4 to relate business theory to real world.
Computing Science Animation and Games on Code.Org
This online course from code.org lets students learn programming concepts, computational thinking, and develop problem-solving skills and persistence. Along the way, students will create computer programs including interactive games and creative projects they can share.
Progression to S4
Pupils will be building up useful programming and problem skills for the software design and development part of the Computing Science course.
Craft Baking
Content
• Prepare a selection of ingredients according to the product specification.
• Use a range of mixing and preparation procedures according to the product specification.
• Complete the product according to the product specification.
Assessment and Homework
• Students will be practically assessed through baking a range of food products. Successful students will gain a level 4 unit award in Craft Baking.
Why choose Craft Baking?
• This course is practical and experiential in nature and develops a range of bakery skills and preparation techniques which can be applied to the hospitality and baking industry. The course also develops planning, organisational and time management skills, which have an application in a wide variety of contexts. Students could consider progression into practical cookery or hospitality in S4.
Criminology, Sociology and Politics
Criminology
Have you ever thought about who decides what is a crime and what is simply breaking the rules?
Perhaps you enjoy reading, watching, or listening to true crime stories and looking at what evidence collected by police at crime scenes can tell us?
Maybe you wonder what makes someone a criminal? Are they born bad or does society make them evil?
If you are fascinated by any of the above, then Criminology is for you. Criminology seeks to understand all aspects of crime and criminal behaviour.
In this taster Criminology course, we will look at the differences between crime and deviance. We will examine theories on what makes a person criminal. Finally, we will look at how crime scenes are preserved, processed, and analysed by the police and forensic experts.
This taster course is great for simply widening your knowledge of society and the place of crime within it and can also be an introduction for those thinking about studying Criminology at NPA 5 or Higher level.
Sociology
Have you ever wondered about the full story behind the important issues in our society? How will the unemployment that so many are now experiencing affect their lives, even after they have found work? Perhaps you feel like there is more to what you read in the papers or see on TV? For instance, why is the western world so obsessed with celebrity now? Have you wondered about changes in technology and the affect they are having on society? How are people using Facebook and other social sites? Do mobile phones make our lives more or less stressful?
If you are fascinated by the behaviour of others and why we act the way we do, then sociology is for you. Sociology seeks to understand all aspects of human social behaviour.
In this taster Sociology course, we will look at how human behaviour can be explained by theories such as Marxism and Feminism. We will examine how cultures pass down their traditions and language. Finally, we will look at some of the big social issues in the UK today and how we can try to solve them.
This taster course is great for simply widening your knowledge of society and how it works and can also be an introduction for those thinking about studying Sociology at N5 or Higher level.
Politics
Have you ever thought that politics doesn’t affect you? Or maybe you think it’s something that old people just moan about all the time? The reality is that politics affects everyone. Never has politics been so important in the world and so much in the news as today! There are so many issues going on in the world that people hold opposing views on – including conflicts, world leaders and human rights issued. If you’d like your say and you enjoy sharing your opinion on different things going on in the world, or if you think it is important for your voice to be heard, you might enjoy studying Politics!
Developing Web Apps using App Lab
This course may be for you if you want to learn how to build an App without having to learn a lot of theory first. In this practical course you will work individually or in a small team to design, build and test at least one Web App with basic database functionality which you can share with your friends and family. You will learn at your own pace using a variety of online resources, including an online classroom, with your teacher’s support and guidance. Along the way you will develop your app development skills as well as some key software development concepts.
Progression to S4
The key skills and understanding you develop in the course will help prepare you for the software design and development part of the Computing Science course.
Content
In S3 Drama Performance, students will work as part of a team to devise a performance project to share their work with a selected audience such as a local care home or primary school group. During the creating process, students will develop their acting and performance skills. Students will keep a portfolio of work to document their individual contribution to the project in order to work towards achieving a Unit from Creative Industries NPA SCQF Level 4.
Assessment and Homework
An observational checklist of practical work and final evaluation task will be used to assess students’ progress.
Progression to S4
N3/N4/N5 Drama.
Events
Content
In S3 students will develop the skills and knowledge required to assist with an event. Students will work as a team to plan, organise and implement a specific event for the school community. They will be supported to obtain resources and implement the event. Students will keep a portfolio of work to document and evidence their progress and planning of the event in order to work towards achieving a Unit from Events NPA SCQF Level 4.
Assessment and Homework
A portfolio of work, an observational checklist and final evaluation task will be used to assess students’ progress.
Progression to S4
Wider Achievement Course – SCQF Level 6 Events Organisation Unit.
Fashion and Textiles
In this wider achievement pupils will prepare and make a basic fashion/textile item using a pattern and make a basic fashion/textile item that takes into account the fashion/textile choice of others.
Assessment
Pupils are required to prepare to make, and then use a pattern to make, a fashion/textile item that takes into account a fashion/textile trend, in response to a brief. Pupils are required to prepare to make or adapt a fashion/textile item that takes into account factors that affect the fashion/textile choice of others, and then make the item. Pupils should achieve a course award for National 3 Fashion and Textile Technology.
Why choose Fashion and Textile Technology?
This course will provide pupils with the opportunity to establish and build on their textile skills using basic textile equipment including the use of a sewing machine. Pupils will be able to show creativity alongside personalisation and choice when creating their fabric/textile item. Pupils may take an interest in textiles to build life skills and potentially follow a career in the industry.
Filmosophy
Content
In the Filmosophy course, we explore important philosophical questions about life as well as different moral issues through debate, discussion and different theories. We explore films like, ‘The Truman Show’, ‘Remember the Titans’, ‘Inside Out’, ‘The Hunger Games’ and many more.
Assessment and Homework
Students will be assessed following the completion of each film. Successful students will gain a level 3 unit in Religious and Philosophical Questions.
Why choose Filmosophy?
Students will develop skills in debate and discussion whilst challenging their own ideas and those of other people. Students could consider progression into Philosophy or RMPS in S4.
Heritage Heros
In the Heritage Hero awards, you will become immersed in your own local history with an aim to research and eventually play your own part in bringing this history to life. You will not just learn about your local area and those who lived in it but will get to experience that history in action by interacting with working archaeologists and historians by visiting sites to learn new skills. This may include investigating the Corstorphine Witch Trials and or the local contribution to WW1.
Mandarin / Another Language (Introductory Course)
Learn about the basics of a new language and culture. Choose an aspect which interests you and develop your own project and creative work.
For those who have an interest in languages and different cultures and who would like to develop key skills like, communication, creativity and collaboration.
You will cover a variety of contexts
• Opportunities to work with the zoo on a project.
• A general introduction to the language, food, customs and cultural activities.
Assessment and Homework
• Researching for a project of your interest.
• Short formative assessments to check your own understanding and plan learning.
Progression to S4
This option is a fantastic choice as it could help you with any language subjects in S4/ and/or beyond. It will also allow you to develop key employability skills which can be combined with a Languages for Life and Work Award or a Personal Development Wider Achievement Award.
Content
In S3 Music Performance, students will develop their performance skills on one or more chosen instruments. They will work on a performance project to share their work with a selected audience such as a local care home or primary school group. Students will keep a portfolio of work to document their individual contribution to the project in order to work towards achieving a Unit from Creative Industries NPA SCQF Level 4.
Assessment and Homework
An observational checklist of practical work and final evaluation task will be used to assess students’ progress.
Progression to S4
N3/N4/N5 Music.
Content
In S3 Drama Performing Arts: Design and Technology students will work in an off-stage role, as part of the production team to contribute to a performance project which will be presented to a selected audience such as a local care home or primary school group. During the creating process, students will develop their design skills (e.g. costume, props, set make-up and hair) or technology skills (e.g. lighting and sound). Students will keep a portfolio of work to document their individual contribution to the project in order to work towards achieving a Unit from Creative Industries NPA SCQF Level 4.
Assessment and Homework
An observational checklist of practical work and final evaluation task will be used to assess students’ progress.
Progression to S4
N3/N4/N5 Drama or Music Tech.
Personal Finance
Managing your money really is a true skill for life. This course will introduce pupils to personal finance to understand the way to make money work for them – to budget, to avoid debt, to understand bank accounts and to plan ahead to make their goals financially achievable. As part of the course, pupils will also take part in a Stock Market challenge scenario adopting the role of company directors to try and make as much money as possible by investing on the Stock Market which will develop their analytical and risk taking skills.
Progression to S4
This course will help pupils prepare for their own future and cover some aspects of the Accounting and Business Management courses.
Prop making for Movies and Games:
This course offers an approach to designing and making props for movies and games. Unleash your creativity in this hands-on course designed exclusively for students who enjoy the process of making props for movies and games. Dive into the captivating world of film and gaming by learning the art of crafting props that bring stories to life. From crafting mighty swords to futuristic gadgets, you’ll explore the secrets behind iconic movie and game props. Discover the joy of sculpting, modelling, and painting as you bring your imagination to life. We will guide you through steps, unlocking the mysteries of materials and techniques used in the industry.
Progression
Students can use the course to progress further in the field of prop making and other related industries, whether it is animation or complex character design for the film and games industries or product design.
Science – CREST Award
CREST is a nationally recognised scheme for student-led project work in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). As the year progress, the students will work through Bronze, Silver and Gold Crest awards, choosing their own subjects and methodologies when completing their hands-on investigations. The project’s process develops enquiry, problem-solving and communication skills. After completing each project, each student receives a personalised certificate and is often used to enhance UCAS personal statements.
Sports Leaders
A mixture of coaching and playing sport.
Plan and deliver sports coaching sessions to S1 and Primary classes, developing your communication, team work and confidence.
Coaching is mixed in with practical performance where you will organise teams, equipment and spaces safely to allow you to participate in a number of sports.
Assessment
In this course you will gain:
Positive Coaching Award – Sports Scotland
Saltire Award for Volunteering – Scottish Government
Progression to S4
This option is will allow you to progress into the Sport & Fitness pathway in the Senior Phase
Young STEM Leader Award
Plan, create and lead your own STEM activities, events, or interactions in school!
For those who have an interest in any of the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering), or would like to develop key skills like teamwork, communication, or creativity.
Depending on which level you would like to achieve, you will cover a variety of themes:
• Opportunities in STEM and how to access these: such as careers, STEM competitions or even subject choices.
• The positive impact of STEM in Scotland and beyond.
Assessment and Homework
Once you complete all 4 badges, you will receive your award certificate.
• Discover
• Create
• Inspire
• Lead
Progression to S4
This option is a fantastic choice as it could help you with your learning in any of the STEM subjects in S4. It will also allow you to develop key employability skills.