Curriculum:

Level 1 & Level 2 Certificate in “Preparation for Working Life” 

AQA 4800

Number of Lessons:one per fortnight

Course Description:

Preparation for Working Life offers certification of courses related to PSHE, Careers Education work, Citizenship and links with Work Experience.

The aims of this specification are to encourage candidates to:

• play an active role as citizens;
• have greater awareness of lifestyle issues and how keep themselves and others safe;
• demonstrate an understanding of organization structure and the role of the employee within this structure;
• understand a range of employment opportunities and qualifications needed for employment;
• be able to apply the knowledge, skills and understanding developed at school in the work place;.
• have the knowledge and confidence to make personal economic decisions

Autumn term activities:

Year 11 spend the Autumn Term completing two sections:

• Applying for Jobs: candidates learn where and how jobs are advertised. Learn to write a CV, a personal statement and write covering letters to employers. They also review interview techniques.
• START AND COMPLETE Controlled Assessment

• 1 ½  Economic and Financial Aspects of Life: candidates are required to understand different types and methods of payment. Differences between gross and net pay, taxes, etc

 Spring term activities:

Year 11 spend the Spring Term completing two sections:

• 1 ½  Economic and Financial Aspects of Life: candidates continue this topic concentrating of the need for budgeting and essential and non-essential spending. Pensions, saving and how to get financial guidance.

• Employment Opportunities: candidates learn currents qualifications, skills needed for different jobs, structure and hierarchy of organizations; staff development and the legislation to protect the employer and the employee.

Summer term activities:

Year 11 spend the Summer Term revising and preparing for the exam, via past exams.

Assessment:

This 2 year Certificate of Preparation for Working Life is assessed at Level 1 and level 2. Level 1 is the equivalent to GCSE D-G whilst a certificate at Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE A* - C.

At Level 1 candidates will require to produce the quality of work expected for a Short Course GCSE grade G or higher and GCSE grade C or higher for Level 2

The examination will take place at the end of the year (May /June 2008)

Homework:

Homework is given out weekly and either involves research, writing articles / letters, design posters, do interviews, create quizzes, past papers and questions or revision of studied topics.

Equipment requirements / recommended texts:

All students must have a pen, pencil, rubber and ruler (colour pencils are optional but useful)

Students will receive a green exercise book and folder.

Text books and other resources to be used are:

Your Life 1, 2 & 3                Your future                       

Lifetracks Year 11               Career tracks Year 11         

Internet articles          Papers and other topic related books.

Contact:

Mr S. Baillie Head of PSHE

June 2011