Why Occupational Studies?

Occupational Studies What is it ? A new and very different type of qualification for Year 11 and 12 Rooted in practical and occupational contexts for Key Stage 4 Designed to relate to the National Occupational Standards Raise levels of achievement, motivation, self esteem Add variety to the way students are assessed at Key Stage 4 To forge and / or enhance links between Schools and Colleges / and employers, where necessary and appropriate. Currently 14 different occupational areas within Occupational Studies.

Levels of Award First Skills (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) NQF - Level 1 and Level 2 Double Award (20% curriculum time) Single Award (10% curriculum time) 75 Guided Learning Hours recommended per unit.

Overall Assessment Weighting Assessment Objective % Weighting in all units A0120% A0260% A0320%

Assessment Objectives Recall knowledge and understanding of the specified context; (AO1 20 %) Apply their knowledge; (AO2 60%) Analyse and evaluate their work and make judgements about their performance, indicating where improvements could be made (AO3 20%)

Preparing marks Mark sheets (TAC 1) will be issued to teaching centres by CCEA prior to moderation taking place. All TAC 1 sheets should be completed by assessor prior to moderation. Whole numbers should only be entered onto TAC 1 sheet. –Do not record as percentages; –Do not record as levels. Clear evidence should be available for moderation to indicate how the assessor arrived at a particular mark.

Grading: Single Award 2 units Learners’ performance in a unit will be reported as a mark. The maximum mark available in all units is 25. Band A: marks per unit Band B: marks per unit Band C: 1- 9 marks per unit.

Occupational Studies Attaining a Level 2 Standard in the Award Single Award Marks … 36 over 2 units Double Award Marks.. 72 over 4 units Attaining a Level 1 Standard in the Award Single Award Marks … 20 over 2 units Double Award Marks … 40 over 2 units

Assessment Internal assessment by Tutor. Direct observation of pupil performance. Simulated activities, if appropriate. ‘My Record’ (a training diary completed by learner and tutor)

Model A: 4 Diverse Units 4 diverse units from any occupational area; Year 11 Interior Design Internet Authoring Year 12: Plumbing Food and Drink

TWO Model B: TWO Units from TWO occupational areas Year 11 Unit 1 Kitchen and larder Unit 2 Pastry Year 12 Unit 23 Painting and Decorating Unit 24 Performing arts

Model C: FOUR Units from ONE occupational area Occupational area: Construction - Brickwork 1 Plastering Carpentry and Joinery Tiling

Occupational Studies The first learners in Occupational Studies were moderated in the summer of 2004 with the total number of units moderated being less than The numbers of units moderated has grown rapidly to a figure in the summer of 2007 which almost reaches Construction has consistently proved to be the most popular. An impressive number of these learners have now progressed successfully to apprenticeships in various occupational areas, some completing level 3 qualifications. A few have even progressed to level 4 having left school with Occupational Studies as their only qualification achieved at Key Stage 4. The following table shows the number of units moderated in each subject in 2006 and 2007

Occupational Area Number of units moderated 2005/6 Number of units moderated 2006/7 Hospitality and Catering Construction Design Engineering Hairdressing and Beauty Media Vehicle Studies Retail Sport, Leisure and Travel Digital Technology Office Administration Care Horticulture58149 Total Enrolments