Find out about Scottish Baccalaureates

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1 Find out about Scottish Baccalaureates

2 Find a new skill The Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages were introduced in August 2009 to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for students in fifth and sixth year of secondary school. Building on the success of these awards, two new Scottish Baccalaureates in Expressive Arts and Social Sciences were developed for delivery from August Schools have formed partnerships with other schools, colleges and universities to deliver the Interdisciplinary Project. Some students have taken the initiative and made their own mini-partnerships to get access to expertise, equipment and resources. Each Baccalaureate is based on a coherent group of subjects at Higher and Advanced Higher level. The award consists of two Advanced Highers, one Higher and an interdisciplinary project. The interdisciplinary project adds breadth and value and helps the students to develop generic skills, attitudes and confidence that will help them make the transition into higher education or employment. 02

3 Science Languages Expressive Arts Social Sciences Mandatory component Mandatory component Mandatory component Mandatory component Mathematics*/Applied Maths* Science Interdisciplinary Project English*/ESOL/Gàidhlig* Languages Interdisciplinary Project English*/ESOL/Gàidhlig* OR Mathematics*/Applied Maths* Expressive Arts Interdisciplinary Project English*/ESOL/Gàidhlig* OR Mathematics*/Applied Maths* Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Project Core Option (At least one course MUST be chosen) Core Option (Two courses MUST be chosen) Core Option (At least one course MUST be chosen) Core Option (At least one course MUST be chosen) Biology* Biotechnology Chemistry* Geology Human Biology Physics* Cantonese* Classical Greek* Gaelic (Learners)* German* French* Italian* Latin* Mandarin* Russian Spanish* Urdu Art and Design* Dance Practice Drama* Music: Performing* Music: Performing with Technology* Photography Classical Studies* Economics* Geography* History* Modern Studies* Philosophy Politics Psychology Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies* Sociology Broadening Option (Only one course may be chosen) Broadening Option (Only one course may be chosen) Broadening Option (Maximum one course may be chosen) Computing* Graphic Communication* Graphic Communication* Physical Education* Accounting* Business Management* Information Systems* Managing Environmental Resources Product Design* Technological Studies* Geography* Psychology *Available at Advanced Higher Product Design* Home Economics: Fashion and Textile Technology Media Studies* 03

4 Find a way to test yourself Scottish Baccalaureates in action So far, students have chosen a wide range of fascinating themes (you can see some examples on pages 6 and 7). They ve taken responsibility for planning, presenting their findings, choosing the audience and evaluating the project and their own skills development. Working on their Interdisciplinary Projects, students have developed skills that will prove invaluable for university and employment, including independent learning, research skills, subject knowledge, time management, problem solving, planning, interpersonal skills and communication skills. 04

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6 Find out about students work Examples of Languages Baccalaureate Interdisciplinary Projects: Learn a Language, Earn a Fortune: the importance of language skills to businesses and to what extent language skills and an understanding of other cultures contribute to the success of companies. French and German tourism in Orkney: a look at the language support available for tourists to Orkney. How difficult or easy would it be for non-english speaking tourists? Can Irn Bru be marketed in France and appreciated by French people? Interest in Gàidhlig and Celtic music in Germany, and how this attracts German visitors to Scotland and the Western Isles. European ecological issues, with particular emphasis on France, Germany and Scotland. Nuclear power in the UK, Germany and France. A comparison of public opinion. St Andrews pour les jeunes : plan and design a leaflet promoting places to stay and attractions in the area for young visitors. 06

7 Examples of Science Baccalaureate Interdisciplinary Projects: The use of recycled materials to design fashionable clothes what impact would this have on the fashion industry/the economy/the environment? How does the prevalence of infectious diseases differ in developed countries as compared with developing countries? The true effects of beauty products are they fact or fiction? The contribution made by soft drinks to dental decay in young people. Stem cell research, the pros and cons, culminating in a debate of school pupils. The correlation between the eating habits and fitness levels of young people and how healthy living is managed in the local area. Medical ethics in experimentation. The history of experimentation, the laws in the UK and abroad, religious viewpoints, the pros and cons, discoveries made as a result of both humane and inhumane testing, a personal response. 07

8 Find out about students experience This is what some students have had to say about their Baccalaureate experience: I have noticed that whereas previously I tended to ask for help as soon as I encountered any problem, now I am more likely to independently find a logical solution. I have broadened my skills by presenting in a more formal manner to different audiences. I am proud of my achievements. I can admit mistakes but also admit successes. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning so many new skills and discovering new ideas which will be beneficial for future research and studies in university. Students have been very innovative in their presentation methods, which have included: oral presentations, sometimes to more than one audience written reports information leaflets web pages videos, some put on YouTube posters a card game an e-magazine teaching resources/activities seminars/conferences/information days plays 08

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10 Find out about case studies Glasgow: schools work together to deliver the Languages Baccalaureate In the Languages Co-ordinator in Glasgow City Council promoted the Languages Baccalaureate to schools in Glasgow City. Initially four schools decided to deliver the Baccalaureate to a total of 13 students. This group included SQA s first ever candidate in Mandarin Chinese. Towards the end of the projects, the schools supported each other by attending candidate presentations, some of which were also attended by the Director of Education and HMIE for Modern Languages. The schools held an introductory event for the students, and then the staff who were administering the Baccalaureate met regularly to share ideas and iron out any teething problems. The Baccalaureate was run in conjunction with a EuroSCOLA project, which involved the pupils visiting Strasbourg to take part in seminars attended by 200 pupils from all over Europe. This was a perfect opportunity for them to carry out primary research for their projects as well as to practise their language skills. 10

11 Dundee: Abertay University, Dundee Council and Dundee schools work in partnership to deliver the Science Baccalaureate Abertay University has been working in partnership with Dundee Education Department since 2009 to deliver the Interdisciplinary Project of the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science. This partnership arrangement allows the students to undertake their Interdisciplinary Projects with support from both the school and the university meaning that students can work on their projects either at school or at Abertay, making full use of the facilities and expertise of the university. Each student is allocated a university tutor who provides help and support, and is also involved in the project assessment with the school. Some of the benefits include: strengthening of links between Dundee Education Department, individual schools and Abertay University developing relationships between science teachers and university lecturers providing pupils with an insight into university level study requirements developing independent study ability 11

12 Find out about case studies Western Isles: Sgoil Lionacleit The session saw the first Gáidhlig Baccalaureate candidate. Morag, from Benbecula, combined Advanced Higher German and Advanced Higher Gáidhlig with Higher English and the Interdisciplinary Project. She researched the popularity of Gáidhlig and Celtic music in Germany and the influence this has on attracting German visitors to the Western Isles and the Highlands. To help with her research, Morag contacted the Celtic Studies Department of the University of Bonn. The Department was delighted to provide information and contacts, which helped Morag to carry out a survey, writing her questionnaire in Gáidhlig and German. She also worked closely with Visit Scotland and presented her findings to them. Morag also created a web page to report her findings, which could then be accessed by people in Scotland and Germany. 12

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14 Find out about case studies Central belt: Establishing school/ college partnerships Forth Valley College is working in partnership with schools in four local authorities to deliver the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science. Parents and students are also invited to an open evening to see the college facilities and to find out about the Scottish Baccalaureate. Students attend college on three afternoons before the summer holidays. This induction programme includes a general induction to the college, motivational speeches and a session on project management From August, the students are invited to attend weekly, and if they are unable to attend they are expected to their lecturer with information on their progress. The college s virtual learning environment (VLE) is used to communicate information at the various project stages (eg through PowerPoint presentations and paperwork). The students are asked to keep a blog on an e-portfolio, which is also available through the college VLE. The interdisciplinary element has been addressed by timetabling a chemist, a chemical engineer and two life science lecturers to provide a wide knowledge base for advice on projects. Additional project advice is offered by staff on a voluntary basis. The students have also made links with local companies and some have been able to carry out experimental work in the laboratories belonging to one of those companies. The students hard work is celebrated during a project showcase event in March that is attended by their teachers from school, parents and college staff. 14

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16 Find out more information If you are interested in the Scottish Baccalaureates there is more information and contact details on the Baccalaureate pages of SQA s website Customer Contact Centre T: E: customer@sqa.org.uk W: BD6118 March 2012