WHICH COURSE?

ADVANCED HIGHER COURSES FOR S6 STUDENTS

KEMNAY ACADEMY

SESSION 2013-2014

LIST OF ADVANCED HIGHER COURSES AVAILABLE

SESSION 2013-2014

Art & Design Biology Chemistry English Graphic Communication History Mathematics Music Physic

ART AND DESIGN – ADVANCED HIGHER Entry Requirements: B pass at Higher Art and Design.

Aims: Advanced Higher in Art and Design offers a progression from Higher. The Units and their content reflect and build on the experience and practise assimilated in previous units and courses. A combination of two units, A ‘major’ (2 AH credits) of 80 hours and a ‘minor’ (1 AH credit) of 40 hours, make up an AH course. Units must be passed internally before presentation for an external course award. Course work is sent to SQA for external assessment. Advanced Higher should cater for all post-higher students and be viewed as a natural progression. For students requiring a portfolio for HE or FE the advanced higher coursework should provide part of the appropriate materials for entry.

Course Content

Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Expressive: Design Activity

80 hours 40 hours

2 credits 1 credit

Design: Expressive Activity

80 hours 40 hours

2 credits 1 credit

Unit Details Option 1 Expressive Statement of intent: 500 + words - Assessment weighting 10%. 10 sheets minimum (up to A1 size ore 3D equivalent) - Assessment weighting 60%. Design Activity 6 sheets minimum (up to A1 size or 3D equivalent) – Assessment weighting 30%. Although the minimum folio requirements are 16 sheets as shown above, candidates should produce up to 24 sheets maximum for portfolio requirements.

Option 2 Design Statement of intent: 500 + Assessment weighting 10%. 10 sheets minimum (up to A1 size or 3D equivalent) - Assessment weighting 60%. Expressive Activity 6 sheets minimum (up to A1 size or 3D equivalent) - Assessment weighting 30%. Although the minimum folio requirements are 16 sheets as shown above, candidates should produce up to 24 sheets maximum for portfolio requirements. For pupils preparing a folio for Art School it is anticipated that they should be prepared to have at least a further 4 periods plus ‘free periods’ and home projects in the Art and Design Department to allow for the substantial amount of work required for Art School entry.

Option 3 Design (or) Expressive Statement of intent 500 + words - Assessment weighting 10%. 10 + A1 sheets of design or expressive activity - 60%. Art & Design Studies 1500 + words submission analysing the work or 3 artists / designers - 30%.

BIOLOGY - ADVANCED HIGHER This course is particularly suitable for candidates who wish to progress to degree courses involving biological sciences, medicine, environmental studies etc.

Entry Requirements: Entry is at the discretion of the school but students would be expected to have obtained at least grade A or B in Higher Biology.

Aims: The course builds upon the concepts studied in both Higher Biology and Human Biology. It aims to extend the range and depth of knowledge in both molecular and environmental biology and provide students with a more in depth understanding of biological applications in society and industry.

Course Content Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Cell + Molecular Biology 40 hours 1 Credit Environmental Biology 40 hours 1 Credit Biology Investigation 20 hours 0.5 Credit

Optional Units - One of the following Time Unit Credit Biotechnology 20 hours 0.5 Credit Animal Behaviour 20 hours 0.5 Credit Physiology and Exercise 20 hours 0.5 Credit

Unit Details 1. CELL BIOLOGY

• Structure, function and growth of Pro-karyotic and Eukaryotic cells

• Structure and function of cell components

• Molecular interactions in cell events

• Application of DNA technology 2. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

• Circulation in Ecosystems

• Interactions in Ecosystems

• Human impact on the environment 3. BIOTECHNOLOGY

• Biotechnological techniques

• Applications of biotechnological processes 4. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

• Measuring behaviour

• Development of behaviour

• Behavioural interactions 5. PHYSIOLOGY + EXERCISE

• Exercise + the Cardiovascular System

• Exercise + metabolism

Core Skills Attainment at Grade C would lead to automatic award of:- Critical Thinking - Higher Planning and Organisation - Higher Review and Evaluating - Higher Using Graphical information - Higher

Assessment Pattern Unit Assessments Unit LO1 + LO2 Mode Time Cell + Molecular Biology 45 mins

Environmental Biology 45 mins Biotechnology 45 mins Animal Behaviour 45 mins Physiology + Exercise

Written papers consisting of short structured questions with pre-set cut off scores for Grade C. 65% 45 mins

Course Assessment Paper (1 only) Marks Length of

Assessment SECTION A Multiple Choice 25 SECTION B Structured questions

Based upon the two compulsory units 55

SECTION C Structured questions, extended response questions and data handling based on each of the optional units. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on only one of the optional units. 20

2½ Hours

100 marks 80% of Total

Investigation The Investigation will be worth 20% of the total mark and will be externally marked. The Investigation will be a report of no more than 2,000 words on a relevant biological topic.

The investigation provides students with an opportunity to explore areas of Biology they have an interest in and to carry out an independent research project.

Homework Homework will be set on a regular basis to test a students knowledge and understanding of the concepts and also to both consolidate and extend knowledge.

Teaching and Learning Approaches The course will involve a considerable amount of independent study following class tutorials and a substantial amount of practical work. The investigation will provide students with the opportunity to develop their problem solving skills, to plan and design an investigation and to draw inference from their results.

CHEMISTRY - ADVANCED HIGHER This course is particularly suitable for candidates who wish to progress to degree courses either in chemistry or in subjects of which chemistry is a major component such as medicine, chemical engineering, and the environmental and health sciences.

Entry Requirements: Entry is at the discretion of the school but students would be expected to have achieved at least a C in Higher Chemistry. (Higher Maths preferred)

Aims: To develop knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural environments. To build on the Higher course, developing further the underlying theories of chemistry and the practical skills used in the chemical laboratory. To develop the skills of independent study and thought that are essential in a wide range of occupations.

Course Content Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Electronic Structure and the Periodic table 20 hours 0.5 Credit Principles of Chemical Reactions 40 hours 1 Credit

Organic Chemistry 40 hours 1 Credit Chemical Investigations 20 hours 0.5 Credit

Unit Details 1. Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table: Covers electronic structure and its

relation to the Periodic Table, chemical bonding, and some chemistry of the Periodic Table including that of the transition metals. The unit builds on some of the content of the Higher Chemistry unit Energy Matters.

2. Principles of Chemical Reactions: Explores some of the major concepts used to

explain chemical behaviour. Within this context, the unit develops the candidate’s problem solving abilities and practical skills.

3. Organic Chemistry: Develops the understanding of organic chemistry and it’s

applications. 4. Chemical Investigation: This unit seeks to develop further investigative skills through

the completion of an investigation. It also provides the opportunity for self-motivation and organisation allowing the candidate to study an area of interest.

Assessment Pattern Unit Assessments Unit Mode Time Internal assessment. Each unit has a test (NAB) Practical work is assessed by experiment reports.

Written papers testing KU and PS

45 minutes

Course Assessment

Paper Marks Length of Assessment

External assessment Exam Investigation report

100 marks 25 marks

2½ hours Written report

Investigation The Investigation is worth 20% of the overall mark and is assessed by a 2000 word report which is externally marked.

Homework Homework will be set on a regular basis and will test student’s understanding of the concepts studied and to extend their knowledge.

Teaching and Learning approaches The course will involve a considerable amount of independent study following whole-class teaching and tutorials. There is a significant element of practical work some of which will be carried out at University. The Investigation allows students an opportunity to develop their problem solving and practical skills and will be supervised by a teacher.

ENGLISH - ADVANCED HIGHER

Entry Requirements: A or B pass at Higher English.

Aims: Advanced Higher English caters for the academic needs and interests of a range of S6 students. It is very demanding requiring a great deal of individual and independent study and research work whilst also offering considerable flexibility, choice and freedom. It offers those students continuing their study of English a valuable bridge and deeper insight into the subject at university level as well as being suitable for those S6 students who maintain an interest in the study of English but will not necessarily continue its study in Higher Education.

Course Content

Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit 1. Specialist Study 40 hours 1 credit 2. Literature 40 hours 1 credit 3. Textual Analysis 40 hours 1 credit

and one of either/or

4. Creative Writing 40 hours 1 credit

Unit Details 1. Specialist Study

Students will make an independent study of and produce a dissertation on an approved aspect of language, literature, media or oral communication.

2. Literature

Students will study a variety of literary texts covering a number of genres. 3. Textual Analysis

Students will analyse and respond to a range of texts from different genres focusing on independent response to unseen texts.

4. Creative Writing

Students will study a variety of writing exemplars and write a number of different pieces of creative writing.

Assessment Pattern Unit Assessment

Unit

Mode

Length of Assessment

1. Specialist Study Dissertation 3500 – 4500 words

2. Literature Critical Essay x 1 1 hr 30 mins each 3. Textual Analysis Unseen Textual Analysis x 1 1 hr 30 mins each or 4. Creative Writing 2 pieces of writing Minimum 1000 words

(except poetry)

Course Assessment

Paper Marks Length of Assessment 1. Specialist Study 40% 3500 – 4500 words 2. Literature Exam 30% 1 hour 30 minutes 3. Textual Analysis 30% 1 hour 30 minutes or 4. Creative Writing 30% 2 pieces sent to SQA

Additional Assessment Information In English, the units run concurrently. Therefore, internal assessment will mostly take place towards the end of the course. Unit 1 is submitted to the SQA for final grading.

Homework A large amount of independent study and research will be required. Some of this will be set directly by the teacher; however, some student initiative is required, taking responsibility for learning beyond class contact. This is particularly true of Unit 1.

Teaching and Learning Approaches There will be four designated periods a week contact time with teachers for units 2 and 3. This will often take the form of tutorial discussion groups. Some direct lecturing may be a feature of the course. Independent supported study will remain a key approach in all areas of the course, especially in unit 1 whereby students will have to meet with the Principal Teacher to agree upon texts and a topic of study.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION – ADVANCED HIGHER

Entry Requirements: Students would normally be expected to have attained Higher

Graphic Communication at grade A or B.

Aims: The course aims to allow students to develop both manual and computer

graphic skills and understanding beyond this involved in Higher Graphic Communication.

This will provide the student with an insight into the way in which information

presented graphically is an integral part of communication throughout business and industry as well as the consumer environment. Experience will be gained of evaluating the effectiveness of visual communication that will enable the student to apply principles of composition in the production of a computer-produced presentation.

Students undertaking this course will extend their knowledge and

understanding of orthographic and pictorial drawing, CAD, CAG and general visual literacy in an industrial and commercial context.

Course Content Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Manual and Computer-aided Orthographic Drawing 40 hours 1 credit Computer-aided Surface Modelling 20 hours 0.5 credit

Computer-aided Solid Modelling 20 hours 0.5 credit Computer-aided Graphic Presentation 40 hours 1 credit

Unit Details: The topics studied are:-

1. Manual and Computer-aided Orthographic Drawing

• Apply manual techniques of orthographic projection to produce drawing of complex products.

• Apply computer-aided techniques to produce drawings of complex products.

• Apply the theory of principal planes of orthographic projection to manipulate solids, lines and planes.

2. Computer-aided surface modelling

• Produce 21/2D extruded models using a CAD system.

• Produce 3D wire-frame models using a CAD system.

• Produce 3D surface models using a CAD system.

3. Computer-aided Solid Modelling

• Create simple 3D drawings from solid primitives in multi-screen mode.

• Create simple solid model composite drawing using Boolean operations.

• Apply the principles of dimensioning to different views of simple solid composite.

• Create a simple assembly of a solid composite using previously created solid models.

4. Computer-aided Graphic Presentation

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of visual communication principles.

• Use computer graphic hardware and software to produce a professional Graphic Presentation incorporating text and graphics.

Teaching and Learning Approaches

Nearly all aspects of the course can be dealt with in an integrated manner. Discrete items of new knowledge and skills will be introduced and consolidated before being applied in an integrated task. This course or its component units may form part of one or more Scottish Group Awards.

HISTORY - ADVANCED HIGHER Entry Requirements: Higher History award. Aims: To acquire depth in the knowledge and understanding of historical themes and

to develop skills of analysing issues, developments and events, drawing conclusions and evaluating sources. The course will also provide the opportunity to integrate these skills in an extended piece of individual research.

Course Content Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Historical Study (AH) 80 hours 2 credits Historical Research (AH) 40 hours 1 credit

Unit Details Candidates will study: Soviet Union 1917-1953 A study of political ideology as found in the Communist state, the changing nature of authority and policy outcomes of that authority, focusing on the themes of ideology, authority and revolution. Summary Descriptor The Bolshevik rise to power: the condition of society in the years immediately before Revolution; the February Revolution and Bolshevik reactions to it; the nature and immediate consequences of the October Revolution. Lenin and the consolidation of power: withdrawal from the First World War; the Civil War and the reasons for Bolshevik victory; changing economic policy from War Communism to the New Economic Policy; policies towards national minorities and foreign states. The making of the Stalinist system, including: Stalin’s struggle for power with his rivals; the policies of industrialisation and collectivisation; the Purges. The spread of Stalinist authority; Stalin’s policies in the Second World War; Stalinism and post-war Eastern Europe.

Assessment Pattern Unit Mode Length of Assessment Historical Study (AH) Essay

Source Questions 1 hour 1 hour

Historical Research (AH) Evidence of planning and preparation of dissertation

Course Assessment Paper Marks Length of Assessment Dissertation External Exam

50 Externally marked

Part (1) Essays

50

Part (2) sources

40

3 hours

Additional Assessment Information Candidates will write a Dissertation on a topic chosen from their field of study. The candidates will carry out research, analysing the issue and plan and structure the content of their dissertation. It will be necessary for the candidate to research a range of primary and secondary sources. The dissertation will be accompanied by an annotated bibliography. The dissertation should be no more than 4000 words and will be externally marked.

Homework Homework is an integral part of the course and will be required to be completed on a day to day basis.

Teaching and Learning Approaches Teacher exposition and note-taking from textbooks, information sheets and a wide variety of other secondary sources will form the basis of work. Individual and group discussion will reinforce this. Independent learning will form the basis of a considerable part of a candidate’s study time.

MATHEMATICS - ADVANCED HIGHER

Entry Requirements: Higher Mathematics award at B or above.

Aims: To build upon and extend candidates’ mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding in a way that recognises problem solving as an essential element and enables them to integrate their knowledge of different aspects of the subject.

Course Content

Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Mathematics 1 (AH) 40 hours 1 credit Mathematics 2 (AH) 40 hours 1 credit Mathematics 3 (AH) 40 hours 1 credit

Unit Details Mathematics 1 There are 5 outcomes in this unit -

a) Use algebraic skills b) Use the rules of differentiation c) Integrate using standard results and substitutions d) Use properties of functions e) Use matrix methods to solve linear equations

Mathematics 2 There are 5 outcomes in this unit -

a) Use further differentiating techniques b) Use further integrating techniques c) Understand and use complex numbers d) Use and understand sequences and series e) Use standard methods to prove results in elementary number theory

Mathematics 3 There are 5 outcomes in this unit -

a) Vectors in 3 dimensions b) Matrix algebra c) Further sequences and series d) Further differential equation e) Further number theory and proof

Core Skills Not available at present

Assessment Pattern

Unit Assessment

Unit Mode Length of Assessment Mathematics 1 (AH) Unseen, closed book test Approximately 1 hour

Mathematics 2 (AH) Unseen, closed book test Approximately 1 hour

Mathematics 3 (AH) Unseen, closed book test Approximately 1 hour

Course Assessment

Paper Marks Length of Assessment Extended Response 100 3 hours

Additional Assessment Information A maximum of one resit of the unit assessments is allowed. Evidence for appeals will be collected via class tests and a prelim exam to be given at a time agreed by the school.

Homework Homework is an integral part of the course and will be required to be completed on a day to day basis.

Teaching and Learning Approaches A group or whole class approach with active pupil involvement in learning is the technique used at this level. Investigative approaches will also feature in the delivery of this course. Throughout the course there will be extensive use of graphic calculators and spreadsheets.

MUSIC - ADVANCED HIGHER

Entry Requirements: A course in Music at Higher or equivalent.

Aims: To develop skills on Solo and / or Group Performing, Inventing and Listening.

Course Content

Unit Time Unit Credit Mandatory Units Composing Listening

40 hours 40 hours

1 Credit 1 Credit

Optional Unit 40 hours 1 Credit For Optional Unit choose from: Performing or Performing with Technology.

Unit Details 1. Composing: This unit, which is mandatory, will offer opportunities to:

• Invent music with evidence of originality, creativity and planning.

• Produce a folio of at least two compositions displaying use of compositional techniques, devices and exploration of musical ideas which lasts a minimum of 3 minutes.

2. Listening: This unit, which is mandatory, will offer opportunities to:

• Listen to music which is related to practical experiences and based on a conceptual approach.

• Study in detail prescribed works.

• Develop knowledge and understanding of musical concepts.

• Develop musical literacy and demonstrate their ability to relate music heard to notated scores.

• Produce a commentary of between 1500 and 2000 words relating to the study of two or more works or movements.

3. Performing: This unit, which is optional, will offer opportunities to:

• Develop performance skills solo and /or in group in one of the combinations below: - Two instruments - One instrument and voice - One instrument /voice and accompanying

• Prepare a programme chosen from repertoire lists published by the SQA or from past or current syllabuses published by ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall, Rockshool and London College of Music either on:

- One instrument/voice lasting 15 minutes and a different instrument/voice lasting 10 minutes both at grade 5 and above or

- One instrument/voice lasting 15 minutes and play prepared accompaniments on piano, clarsach or guitar for 12 minutes both at grade 5 and above with 3 minutes of accompaniment sight reading at grade 4.

4. Performing with Technology: This unit, which is optional, will offer opportunities to:

• Develop performance skills solo and /or in group in one instrument/voice.

• Prepare a programme chosen from repertoire lists published by the SQA or from past or current syllabuses published by ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall, Rockshool and London College of Music on one instrument/voice lasting 10 minutes at grade 5 and above.

• Develop knowledge, understanding and practical application of MIDI sequencing or sound engineering and production.

• Use Midi sequencing to produce a composition including one digital audio part lasting 3 minutes, supported by a session log.

OR

• Use sound engineering to produce a stereo master recording of two pieces, lasting 6 minutes supported by a session log.

Assessment Pattern Unit Assessment Unit Mode Length of Assessment Mandatory Units

• Composition Folio with audio recording, programme notes and score/performance plan

• Listening tasks & Commentary

- Design activity with report - Question Papers, Research and Report

On-going On-going

Optional Unit Performing Performance tape OR Performing with Technology

• Performance tape

• MIDI sequencing folio with session log with assessments of knowledge and understanding

OR

• Stereo master recording with session log with assessments of knowledge and understanding

- Practical - Practical - Design Activity & Report with Question papers - Design Activity & Report with Question papers

On-going On-going On-going

Course Assessment Paper Marks Length of Assessment Audio folio Pass/Fail 3 minutes - internal assessment

with moderation

Aural test 40 1 hour - external exam Optional Units Performing

Live recital on one instrument/voice

AND

Live recital on another instrument/voice

OR

Live recital of prepared accompaniments with sight reading for 2 minutes Performing with Technology Audio recording of one instrument /voice produced under live recital conditions

AND MIDI sequencing folio with question paper

OR Sound engineering and production assignment with question paper

30

30

30

30

30

30

15 minutes - external exam with 10 minutes sampled 10 minutes - external exam with 6 minutes sample 12 minutes - external exam with 8 minutes sampled 10 minutes – internal exam, moderated by 6 minutes sample 3 minutes folio – central marking along with 1 hour external exam 6 minutes recording – central marking along with 1 hour external exam

Additional Assessment Information Prelim exam will be run on a similar format to the external assessments.

Homework Consistent instrumental practice is vital along with Listening and Inventing tasks and work on Composition/MIDI sequencing folio as is possible.

Teaching and Learning Approaches There will be a mixture of whole class, small group and individual strategies employed. The course will depend on an integrated approach of all the skills needed.

PHYSICS – ADVANCED HIGHER

Entry Requirements: Higher Physics - Grade A or B Higher Mathematics - Grade A or B

Aims: To increase knowledge and understanding of the nature of physics and its applications. To acquire skill in applying knowledge and understanding in a variety of theoretical and practical problem solving contexts.

To acquire skills associated with carrying out individual experimental and investigative work in physics and analysing the information obtained.

Course Content Mandatory Unit Time Unit Credit Mechanics 40 hours 1 credit Electrical Phenomena 40 hours 1 credit Wave Phenomena 20 hours 0.5 credit Physics Investigation 20 hours 0.5 credit

Unit Details: The topics studied are:- 1. Kinematic relationships and relativistic motion

Angular motion Rotational dynamics Gravitation Simple harmonic motion Wave – particle duality

2. Electric Fields

Electromagnetism Motion in a magnetic field Self-inductance Forces of nature

3. Waves

Interference Polarisation

Core Skills Critical Thinking Planning & Organising Reviewing & Evaluation Using Graphical Information Using Number

Assessment Pattern Unit Assessment

Unit Mode Length of Assessment Mechanics Question Paper 45 mins – at end of unit Electrical Phenomena Question Paper 45 mins – at end of unit Wave Phenomena Question Paper 30 mins – at end of unit In addition, a practical report for one experiment from the three units will be assessed.

Course Assessment

Paper Marks Length of Assessment Written exam 100 2½ hours

Investigation report 25 Approx. 20 hours throughout course

Homework One written exercise each week Pupils expected to learn their work each week

Teaching and Learning Approaches A variety of teaching and learning approaches will be used throughout the course including whole class teaching and group work but there will be greater emphasis on individualised learning.