Option Descriptors (new S4-S6)
Click on the links below to view the subject course descriptor:
Wider Achievement
The Wider Achievement courses on offer are listed below. Find out more by reading descriptors below or accessing the departmental pages.
School College Programme: 2020 - 2021
For further information on College Link courses click the link here
Leadership
The Leadership Award develops knowledge of leadership skills, styles and qualities. It is designed for learners who take, or plan to take, a leading role for an activity.
Available at SCQF levels 5 and 6, the Award allows individuals to build self confidence and self esteem and encourages learners to respect the cultures and beliefs of others working alongside them.
Leadership: Events
Looking for a challenge? Want to develop your organisational and leadership skills? In Higher Leadership, you will learn more about what makes an effective leader and different styles of leadership including researching famous leaders.
You will also organise a whole school event/teach junior classes as a peer educator/leading role with charities and local groups. As part of the course you will have to make presentations to pupils and sometimes adults and be prepared to be pushed outside of your ‘comfort zone’!
Leadership: Mental Health Champions
Opportunity to lead the schools approach to promoting positive Mental Health through first learning and developing knowledge of your own Mental Health as well as practical approaches we can take to maintain our mental health.
Leadership: Sports
See the P.E. section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describesports.html
Musical Theatre
The NPA in Musical Theatre (SCQF level 6) gives learners’ the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the practice of Musical Theatre. It is an exciting course which develops a range of transferable skills including rehearsing, presenting, self-evaluation and the ability to work independently and in group.
This course is not only for those interested in the Performing Arts but is also suited to those who are keen to enhance their CVs and applications for university/colleges.
There are three units in Musical Theatre:
Foundation Apprenticeship - Business Skills
(S6 only)
See the Business Education section - www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describebusWA.html#busfin
Computer Games Development
See the Computing section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describegames.html
For further information on College Link courses click the link here
Leadership
The Leadership Award develops knowledge of leadership skills, styles and qualities. It is designed for learners who take, or plan to take, a leading role for an activity.
Available at SCQF levels 5 and 6, the Award allows individuals to build self confidence and self esteem and encourages learners to respect the cultures and beliefs of others working alongside them.
Leadership: Events
Looking for a challenge? Want to develop your organisational and leadership skills? In Higher Leadership, you will learn more about what makes an effective leader and different styles of leadership including researching famous leaders.
You will also organise a whole school event/teach junior classes as a peer educator/leading role with charities and local groups. As part of the course you will have to make presentations to pupils and sometimes adults and be prepared to be pushed outside of your ‘comfort zone’!
Leadership: Mental Health Champions
Opportunity to lead the schools approach to promoting positive Mental Health through first learning and developing knowledge of your own Mental Health as well as practical approaches we can take to maintain our mental health.
Leadership: Sports
See the P.E. section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describesports.html
Musical Theatre
The NPA in Musical Theatre (SCQF level 6) gives learners’ the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the practice of Musical Theatre. It is an exciting course which develops a range of transferable skills including rehearsing, presenting, self-evaluation and the ability to work independently and in group.
This course is not only for those interested in the Performing Arts but is also suited to those who are keen to enhance their CVs and applications for university/colleges.
There are three units in Musical Theatre:
- Acting Through Song
- Solo Singing Skills
- Group Singing
Foundation Apprenticeship - Business Skills
(S6 only)
See the Business Education section - www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describebusWA.html#busfin
Computer Games Development
See the Computing section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describegames.html
S5/6 Single Period Options
Healthy Basic Cooking
According to a recent survey, only 17% of 16-24 year olds can cook a meal from scratch…….don’t be one of those statistics!!
A single period a week where pupils will learn basic cookery skills, techniques and processes which will allow them to prepare and cook basic, tasty meals. An ideal opportunity for pupils to learn these essential, everyday skills in preparation for life after school.
Peer tutoring
SQA Volunteering Award at SCQF Level 5
Peer tutoring is a teaching strategy that trains and employs senior pupils as tutors. Tutors support younger pupils’ academic progress and support their social and behavioural development.
Research has shown that effective peer tutoring results in great benefits to the younger pupils’ in these areas, and also develops the tutors’ confidence, social skills, leadership skills, patience and empathy; as well as deepening their academic knowledge and understanding – all vital for further education and employment.
The Award in Volunteering Skills at SCQF 5 provides formal recognition of volunteering activity. Candidates learn about the context of volunteering; plan a volunteering placement; review and reflect on their own skills and volunteering experience; and complete an investigative project.
Candidates maintain a record of their progress and evaluate the effectiveness of their activity, leading to the compilation of a project portfolio which is submitted for assessment. Assessment is conducted by school staff and quality assured internally by colleagues and externally by SQA.
Fitness
Sport and Recreation: Assist with Fitness Programming (National 5 Unit) (1 period per week)
This unit qualification will be suitable for anyone with an interest in Health and Fitness and a desire to work in the Leisure industry. Students who opt for this Sport and Recreation unit will, working with the person responsible, learn how to develop and organise a physical training plan for a client. Learners will assist in establishing a client’s fitness baseline taking into account the client’s overall objectives. They will work with the person responsible to address aspects of health and safety, monitor the client’s progress, carry out periodic monitoring of the client’s physical training plan, review the results and modify the physical training plan.
Sports and Recreation
Practical Performance (1 period per week)
Students electing for a period of practical performance will cover a range of activities with the aim of improving practical performance whether for Qualifications in Physical Education or for recreation.
Depending on numbers a choice of activities from the following will be offered with each student covering at least 3 activities throughout the year from the following;
Forensic Science
(1 period a week - S5/6 only)
Forensic science is an introductory unit at National 5 level which will give you practical experience of different experimental techniques used in forensic science. You will experience techniques in biology, chemistry and physics ranging from blood spatter analysis and DNA fingerprinting to chromatography of substances and microscopy. You will also get the opportunity to collect evidence from a simulated crime scene and piece this together to produce a crime scene report, research documented cases where forensics has played an important role in the outcome of the case and discuss future applications of existing forensics technology.
There are 3 outcomes required to pass this unit which will be internally assessed within the classroom. These include a practical assessment of forensic techniques, an open book report based on forensic evidence and an open book case study of a forensics case.
Languages for Life and Work - French, Spanish or German
The Modern Languages for Life and Work Award (SCQF level 4) provides learners with the opportunity to develop language skills in combination with employability skills while also being able to follow their own interests in a cultural context. Learners will develop language skills in French that they can apply in life and work.
The main purpose of this Award is to study a language in practical and relevant contexts for life and work, and identify, develop and demonstrate employability skills.
This Award has three Units:
Modern Languages for Work Purposes Unit
The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop basic skills in talking and reading needed to communicate in any vocational context using a language. It encourages learners to reflect on skills required for employability.
Building Own Employability Skills Unit
The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed in order to gain employment. These skills include finding out about job opportunities and employers, and the skills needed to apply for a job.
Modern Languages for Life Unit
The purpose of this Unit is to develop basic skills in listening and talking in practical and relevant contexts using a language. Learners explore the culture and everyday life in countries where the modern language is used.
Financial Services
(S6 only)
See the Business Education section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describebusWA.html#busfin
YASS - Young Applicants in Schools Scheme
YASS courses that are only applicable to S6 students who have passed four highers under the wider achievement box on the school website.
YASS courses are Open University courses that are designed to bridge the gap from school to university. The courses are distance online learning that students will undertake on their own. Independant learning and further study is particularly useful when applying to university and completing your personal statement for UCAS.
Young Enterprise
See the Business Section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describeye.html
According to a recent survey, only 17% of 16-24 year olds can cook a meal from scratch…….don’t be one of those statistics!!
A single period a week where pupils will learn basic cookery skills, techniques and processes which will allow them to prepare and cook basic, tasty meals. An ideal opportunity for pupils to learn these essential, everyday skills in preparation for life after school.
Peer tutoring
SQA Volunteering Award at SCQF Level 5
Peer tutoring is a teaching strategy that trains and employs senior pupils as tutors. Tutors support younger pupils’ academic progress and support their social and behavioural development.
Research has shown that effective peer tutoring results in great benefits to the younger pupils’ in these areas, and also develops the tutors’ confidence, social skills, leadership skills, patience and empathy; as well as deepening their academic knowledge and understanding – all vital for further education and employment.
The Award in Volunteering Skills at SCQF 5 provides formal recognition of volunteering activity. Candidates learn about the context of volunteering; plan a volunteering placement; review and reflect on their own skills and volunteering experience; and complete an investigative project.
Candidates maintain a record of their progress and evaluate the effectiveness of their activity, leading to the compilation of a project portfolio which is submitted for assessment. Assessment is conducted by school staff and quality assured internally by colleagues and externally by SQA.
Fitness
Sport and Recreation: Assist with Fitness Programming (National 5 Unit) (1 period per week)
This unit qualification will be suitable for anyone with an interest in Health and Fitness and a desire to work in the Leisure industry. Students who opt for this Sport and Recreation unit will, working with the person responsible, learn how to develop and organise a physical training plan for a client. Learners will assist in establishing a client’s fitness baseline taking into account the client’s overall objectives. They will work with the person responsible to address aspects of health and safety, monitor the client’s progress, carry out periodic monitoring of the client’s physical training plan, review the results and modify the physical training plan.
Sports and Recreation
Practical Performance (1 period per week)
Students electing for a period of practical performance will cover a range of activities with the aim of improving practical performance whether for Qualifications in Physical Education or for recreation.
Depending on numbers a choice of activities from the following will be offered with each student covering at least 3 activities throughout the year from the following;
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Football
- Hockey
- Table Tennis
- Volleyball
Forensic Science
(1 period a week - S5/6 only)
Forensic science is an introductory unit at National 5 level which will give you practical experience of different experimental techniques used in forensic science. You will experience techniques in biology, chemistry and physics ranging from blood spatter analysis and DNA fingerprinting to chromatography of substances and microscopy. You will also get the opportunity to collect evidence from a simulated crime scene and piece this together to produce a crime scene report, research documented cases where forensics has played an important role in the outcome of the case and discuss future applications of existing forensics technology.
There are 3 outcomes required to pass this unit which will be internally assessed within the classroom. These include a practical assessment of forensic techniques, an open book report based on forensic evidence and an open book case study of a forensics case.
Languages for Life and Work - French, Spanish or German
The Modern Languages for Life and Work Award (SCQF level 4) provides learners with the opportunity to develop language skills in combination with employability skills while also being able to follow their own interests in a cultural context. Learners will develop language skills in French that they can apply in life and work.
The main purpose of this Award is to study a language in practical and relevant contexts for life and work, and identify, develop and demonstrate employability skills.
This Award has three Units:
Modern Languages for Work Purposes Unit
The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop basic skills in talking and reading needed to communicate in any vocational context using a language. It encourages learners to reflect on skills required for employability.
Building Own Employability Skills Unit
The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed in order to gain employment. These skills include finding out about job opportunities and employers, and the skills needed to apply for a job.
Modern Languages for Life Unit
The purpose of this Unit is to develop basic skills in listening and talking in practical and relevant contexts using a language. Learners explore the culture and everyday life in countries where the modern language is used.
Financial Services
(S6 only)
See the Business Education section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describebusWA.html#busfin
YASS - Young Applicants in Schools Scheme
YASS courses that are only applicable to S6 students who have passed four highers under the wider achievement box on the school website.
YASS courses are Open University courses that are designed to bridge the gap from school to university. The courses are distance online learning that students will undertake on their own. Independant learning and further study is particularly useful when applying to university and completing your personal statement for UCAS.
- Modules offered include medical and chemical science, engineering,law, business studies, IT and computing, arts, mathematics and languages.
- Each module offered through YASS is Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 7, equivalent to first year university level.
- Modules can last from six to nine months and are clearly structured with timetables and deadlines.
- Studying with The OU gives you the flexibility to decide when and where you study each week.
- Shorter modules normally require up to eight hours of study a week, while a longer one can require up to 14 hours a week.
Young Enterprise
See the Business Section - http://www.marr.sayr.sch.uk/describeye.html
