Careers Department

Welcome to the Magherafelt High School Careers Department homepage.

Teaching Staff

Motor Vehicle Road User Studies

Welcome to the Magherafelt High School Motor Vehicle Road User Studies homepage.

In today’s environment we depend more and more on road traffic. One of the most important life skills needed is the ability to cope with the road and driving conditions as they exist in Northern Ireland. This subject, leading to a GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies, will be taught in six study areas.

• Why study motor vehicle and road user studies?
• Gain an interest in and appreciation of the motor vehicle;
• Develop an awareness of the interaction of the road user, the environment and the vehicle.
• Develop a respect for the safety of road users.
• Learn to act decisively and positively at the scene of an accident.
• Acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the use of a powered vehicle.
• Develop an understanding of the mathematical, scientific and technological principle or motor vehicle; and
• Acquire a range of manipulative and communicative skills.

How will I be assessed?

There is one external assessment worth 40% and two controlled assessment tasks, each worth 30%.

Type of Assessment

Motor Vehicle and Road User Theory

Foundation Tier- 1 hour 30 minutes examination paper.

Higher tier- 2 hours examination paper.

The external assessment is worth 40% of the overall GCSE qualification.

Investigative Study

The study will involve about 23 hours work and a maximum of 2000 words. It will include an investigation and collection of data, the preparation of analysis and interpretation of results and a conclusion.

The controlled assessment is worth 30% of the overall GCSE qualification.

What will I study?

Vehicle Control and Road User Behaviour
This unit explores the driver and pedestrian’s safe use of the road and demonstrates how this is a combination of many factors.

Legal Requirements
This unit covers the important legal requirements of driving and owning a vehicle.

Road Transport and its Effects on Society
This unit explores the background to modern road systems and traffic law.

Motoring Mathematics
This unit addresses the financial implications of owning and driving a motor vehicle.

Accident Procedures
This unit deals with the procedures recommended in the event of a road traffic collision.

Motor Vehicle technology
This unit explores a motorist’s responsibility for maintenance and care of a vehicle. You will gain basic knowledge of vehicle systems and safety precautions. You will be able to recognise component parts of vehicle systems and understand and know the checks and safety precautions you need for safe road use.

Practical Moped Riding

This will allow you to demonstrate your skills of vehicle control and road craft. This controlled assessment is worth 30% of the overall GCSE qualification.

Drama Department

Key Stage 3

 Drama provides a practical perspective from which pupils may learn about:

• Life issues
• Dramatic styles
• The study of plays
• Presentational skills

Lessons support the development of creativity and communication skills as well as fostering confidence and the ability to work with others.

GCSE Drama (CCEA)

Drama is an optional subject for pupils in Years 11 and 12.

The course is a balance of practical and written work.  Assessment includes two performances, written coursework and a written exam.

Pupils will have an opportunity, as part of a group, to devise their own performance.  Pupils will also, as part of a group, investigate, create and develop a scripted performance (based on an existing script).

The skills acquired at GCSE Drama lend themselves to any career choice, making the subject a viable option for any pupil at Magherafelt High School.

A Level Performing Arts - Acting Discipline (CCEA)

 Pupils study Performing Arts for a variety of reasons:

1. The desire for a qualification that links closely to further employment;
2. Love and flair for acting or;
3. A qualification to supplement their other A level choice.

In response:

Performing Arts is a growing industry in Northern Ireland with growing support for those seeking employment in the TV, film and theatre industries.  The subject makes direct links to these support agencies and focusses on employment opportunities.

The course is heavily practical, with performances at the end of Year 13 and Year 14 giving pupils with practical excellence opportunity for success.

Performing Arts develops cross-curricular skills.  The course dabbles in theatre history, theatre technology, event planning and play analysis.  The creative, communication and organisational skills developed in Performing Arts are relevant to all subjects delivered in Magherafelt High School.

Areas of study:

There are two units for AS GCE and two further units of assessment for A2 GCE.  Assessment combines performance work alongside written portfolios and controlled assessment tasks.  The Units are as follows:

AS - Unit 1:  Developing Skills and Repertoire

You will research two contrasting extracts of repertoire; apply your chosen discipline in a performance context; keep a record of your development in your chosen discipline and evaluate your performance.

AS - Unit 2: Planning and Realising a Performing Arts Event

As a member of a group, you will respond to a piece of pre-released stimulus.  You will interpret the stimulus and, in a group of 2-9 students, create a performing arts event.

A2 - Unit 1: Planning for Employment

You will learn about the employment opportunites available in the Performing Arts industry and produce a written report as evidence of your research.  You will also develop materials such as a CV and a promotional portfolio to help you find work in your chosen discipline.  You will prepare for and participate in an audition and interview.

A2 - Unit 2: Performing to a Commission Brief

You and your fellow students will form a production company and realise a performing arts event in response to a commission brief.  As well as participating in the actual performance, each member of the group will have a role to play in making the event happen.  The administrative roles you can choose from are: front of house; health and safety officer; budget and finance; education officer; press officer; or publicity officer.

Pupils do not need to have studies GCSE Drama to opt for A Level Performing Arts.

Extra-Curricular

Pupils can develop their love for Drama through after school Drama club, school performances and showcases.

Construction Department

Through studying GCSE construction, students will:

• explore some of the occupations within the construction industry;
• develop and apply some practical craft skills used in the construction industry;
• research the materials used in the construction of domestic and commercial buildings;
• develop the technical and generic knowledge;
• understanding and skills associated with work in the construction industry; and produce designs for some of the components used in the construction of buildings.

In this course students will gain a comprehensive introduction to the Construction industry. You will learn about the wide range of job opportunities within the industry and participate in practical aspects of construction, through the Craft Project and the Computer Aided Design unit.

Subject Content

Unit 1  -         

Construction Industry for the 21st Century.
You will study topics in the following areas:
*  introduction to the built environment.
*  Employment in the construction industry.
*  Health an Safety.
*  Construction technology and sustainable development.

External Assessment  -  You will sit one written exam lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 40% of total mark.

Unit  2  -        

Construction Craft Project.
You will carry out a craft project based on wood and prepare a craft project folder.

Controlled Assessment
You will carry out a craft project under controlled conditions and produce a craft folder. These will be assessed by your teacher and then externally moderated. The Craft Project is worth 30% of total mark.

Unit  3  -        

Computer Aided Design in Construction.
You will produce a portfolio of drawings using AutoCad.

Controlled Assessment

All drawings will be produced under controlled conditions.
These will be assessed by your teacher and externally moderated by CCEA. CAD portfolio is worth 30% of your total mark.

Assessment Arrangements

There is one external assessment worth 40% and two controlled assessment tasks each worth 30%.

i.e.
60% Coursework
40% Theory

Coursework Sections
1. Computer Aided Design
2. Craft Project
3. Craft Folder

History Department

The History Team strives to encourage students to enjoy their study of History, through a wide ranging curriculum that balances knowledge of historical episodes with an enquiry into the importance and relevance of those episodes today. 

Students should investigate how the past shapes the present, and examine how past decisions, have had an immense impact on the Modern World. 

History is linked specifically to Citizenship Education in Years 8, 9 and 10. 

Aims

Through studying History:

• should be able to understand and connect the contexts studied;
• should move beyond recall to a deeper understanding of History;
• should investigate and question their own values and beliefs;
• should become effective independent learners;
• should ask questions about the material and analyse critically;
• should examine why stereotypical views arise;
• should use effective ICT to enhance their learning in History;
• should obtain valuable skills for future careers.

Curriculum

KS3

Year 8

• What is History?  Why is it important?;
• Changes in Popular Culture – Woodie Guthrie to Lily Allen;
• Historical Investigators;
• Chronology;
• The African American Story;
• The Norman Impact and Norman Society;
• The Black Death;
• The Normans in Ireland.

Year 9

• The Importance of the Reformation;
• Henry V111 and His Wives;
• The Trouble with Mary Queen of Scots;
• Case Study on the Spanish Armada and Importance in Irish Archaeology;
• Colonization to Plantation – Local Events in Magherafelt;
• The Troubles in Northern Ireland;
• The Williamite Wars.

Year 10

• Revolutionary Paths + 1798 Rebellion;
• The Industrial Revolution;
• Famine as Genocide;
• The Holocaust and Genocide Study;
• The Home Rule Crisis and the Partition of Ireland;
• The First World War.

KS4

The CCEA Specification is followed at GCSE

There are four elements to the course:

• Nazi Germany;
• Changing Relationships between Northern Ireland, Britain and Eire between 1920-1949;
• The Cold War;
• Coursework Element.

A/S and A2

The CCEA Specification is followed at A-Level

There are four elements to the course:

• Weimar to Nazi Germany (AS);
• Revolutionary and Stalinist Russia (AS);
• Partition of Ireland (A2);
• Clash of Ideologies (A2).