Islay High School

Intro to Childcare

What skills will you gain?
This is an ideal course for anyone with an interest in working with children. You will gain an understanding of how children develop, how play promotes development, the skills you need to work with children, different types of childcare settings and the role and responsibilities of a parent.

What units will I study?

• How children develop
• How play promotes development
• Different childcare settings
• Roles and responsibilities of a parent

Entry Requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course

NPA Beauty Skills SCQF 4

What skills will you gain?

This course will give you a broad introduction to some basic beauty skills working on real clients. Topics covered include cleansing, toning and moisturising, nails, make-up, and tweezing, along with an understanding of the health and safety issues to consider working in the beauty industry.

What units will I study?

• Beauty Skills: An Introduction
• Cosmetology: Make-up Artistry Practical Skills
• Creative Nail Finishes to Hand and Foot

Entry Requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, although you will be subject to interview.

Where will it take me?

• NPA Make-up Skills SCQF Level 5
• NPA Beauty Massage SCQF Level 5
• NC Beauty Care and Make-up

Practical Cookery Nat 4

What skills will you gain?

Are you interested in cooking and the importance it plays in the hospitality industry? If so, this course will help you build on your cooking skills with new and more challenging techniques and recipes, and widen your knowledge of ingredients both fresh and dry. You will investigate the importance of healthy eating, dietary requirements, food hygiene, the seasonality of food and the roles they play in commercial kitchens. The course is a mix of theory work and practical activities.

What units will I study? 

• Cookery Skills
• Techniques and Processes
• Understanding and Using Ingredients
• Organisational Skills for Cooking
• Producing a meal

Entry Requirements?

You don’t need passes in specific subjects to join this course, but you need a positive attitude and you should be willing to learn new skills and undertake a successful interview.

Where will it take me?

• Hospitality: Practical Cookery National 5

SfW Rural Skills Nat 4 Animal/Horticulture route

What skills will you gain?

This introductory, hands-on course will help you develop the skills and gain knowledge needed for work in the land-based industries. You will experience some of the basic practical skills needed to work in agriculture and other land-based industries.

What units will I study?

• Land-based Industries: an Introduction
• Estate Maintenance
• Employability Skills in the Land-based Sector

Optional units:

• Animal Husbandry: an Introduction
• Animal Handling: an Introduction
• Crop Production: an Introduction
• Soft Landscaping: an Introduction

Entry Requirements?

You don’t need passes in specific subjects to join this course, but you need a positive attitude and you should be willing to learn new skills and undertake a successful interview.

Where will it take me?

• Introduction to Land-Based Skills – at college
• NC Agriculture – at college
• Modern Apprenticeships – work-based

NPA Construction Craft Technician SCQF Level 4

What skills will you gain?

This course is a blend of practical exercises and activities work where you will gain a range of practical hand skills through Carpentry and Joinery, Brickwork, Roof Tiling, Painting and Decorating.  Craft skills will be completed and assessed within a workshop environment or as part of a live project. In addition to the practical skills you will research other job roles and responsibilities within the construction sector, in particular to the Construction Technician profession such as architects, project managers, building engineers and surveyors.

What units will I study?

• Understanding Industry
• Personal Development: Self and Work
• Carpentry and Bench Joinery
• Brickwork
• Roof Tiling
• Painting and Decorating
• Plasterwork
• Basic Principles of Stone Masonry

Where will it take me?

Many trade craft occupations including:

• Carpentry and Joinery
• Brickwork
• Painting and Decorating

Or towards Construction Technician roles within Architecture, Surveying, Management, and Civil/Structural Engineering.

NPA Make-up Skills SCQF Level 5

What skills will you gain?

This NPA is the only Make-up Skills National Progression Award at SCQF level 5 offered by an awarding organisation. The course will provide you with skills in the key aspects of makeup, focusing on specific makeup styles including young, mature and corrective techniques.

What units will I study?

• Contemporary Make-Up
• Day Make-Up and Basic Corrective Make-Up
• Bridal and Evening Make-Up

Entry Requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, although you will be subject to interview.

Where will it take me?

• Higher Beauty
• NC Beauty Care and Make-up
• A trainee position in the Beauty industry

SfW Early Education and Childcare - SCQF Level 5

What skills will you gain?

This is an to working with children aged 0-12 years. You will gain an understanding of the key milestones in children’s development and learning. With guidance from your lecturer, you will learn to develop relevant employment skills such as team working and helping to plan play experiences while learning about the care and development of children.

What units will I study?

• Child Development
• Working in Early Education and Childcare
• Play in Early Education and Childcare
• Care of Children

Entry Requirements?  

Ideally, you should be working towards National 5. There will be an interview and you need, to show that you want to learn new skills, and have a real interest in the subject.

How and where will I study?

A College tutor will deliver this course either in School or at your local college centre

How will I be assessed?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.

Where will it take me?

NC Early Education and Childcare – at college
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare (Child and Young People) – at college
A Modern Apprenticeship in Children’s Care Learning and Development – work based

Childcare and Development Higher

The course will enable you to understand child development from pre-birth to 16 and the roles and responsibilities of those who contribute to the development of children and young people.

You will study the holistic needs of children and young people and explore how these needs interrelate, evaluate methods for assessing the development of children and identify and analyse factors that influence child development. You will also study theories of development and analyse these in relation to working with children and young people.

What units will I study?

• Child Development
• Child Development: Theory
• Services for Children and Young People

Entry Requirements?

You will normally be expected to have attained National 5 Early Learning and Childcare or similar. You will also benefit from having National 5 English.

Where will it take me?

• SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People)
• NC Early Education and Childcare

SfW Health Sector Skills SCQF Level 5

What skills will you gain?

The Health Sector is one of the largest employers in the country and provides employment opportunities through a varied range of disciplines. Primary and secondary care in the NHS are the most common routes to employment, but this course will cover other areas such as complementary therapies, the retail pharmaceutical industry and the community and voluntary sectors.

You will learn about the services provided by the Health Sector in your local area, the life sciences industry and their role in the diagnosis and treatment of illness, the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

You will also look at the health and safety risks to workers in the Health Sector and learn about the range and diversity of careers in non-clinical roles in the Health Sector.

What units will I study?

• Working in the Health Sector
• Life Sciences Industry and the Health Sector
• Improving Health and Wellbeing
• Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
• Working in Non-Clinical Roles.

Entry Requirements?

Ideally you should be working towards National 5. There will be an interview and you need, to show that you want to learn new skills, have a real interest in the subject.

How and where will I study?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’. You will join either from your local Argyll College centre or in the school.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by completing practical tests under supervision from your tutor.

Where will it take me?

A Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare – at school

A Modern Apprenticeship in the Health sector – work based

Access to Nursing Course – at college

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare – at college

Nursing Degree – at university

NPA Business and Marketing SCQF Level 5

What skills will I gain?

This NPA (National Progression Award) will provide you with knowledge and skills, which are directly relevant to current and/or future practice in the area of Business and Marketing. You will also be able to broaden knowledge and skills by undertaking study in the following areas: market research, promotion, event organisation, customer care and selling skills.

What units will I study?

• Management of Marketing and Operations
• Marketing: Basic Principles Understanding
• Business Skills for Customer Care
  and
• Selling Skills - or - Promoting a Business

Entry Requirements?

As this NPA is at SCQF level 5, candidates may be expected to have groupings of relevant Units at SCQF level 4 and/or any relevant National Qualifications. To get the best out of this course you should enjoy working with others and have a real interest in business/marketing.

How and where will I study?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.  You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local Argyll College Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment involves a range of different tasks, including practical assignments and written assignments and short tests.

Where will it take me?

Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills - at school.
Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration – work-based.

NPA Cyber Security SCQF Level 5

What skills will I gain?

This course will raise your awareness of cyber security.  You will improve your cyber hygiene and enable you to identify security weaknesses safely, legally, and ethically.

What units will I study?

• Data Security
• Digital Forensics
• Ethical Hacking

Entry Requirements?

You don’t need passes in specific subjects to join this course, but you need a positive attitude, and you should be willing to learn new skills and undertake a successful interview.

How and where will I study?

will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.   You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local Argyll College Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a variety of methods which will include reports, case studies and practical assignments.

Where will it take me?

Once you have successfully completed the course, you may wish to consider the PDA at SCQF Level 7 in Cyber Resilience.

NPA Computer Games Development SCQF 6

What skills will I gain?

You will acquire an understanding of the concepts and fundamental principles involved in digital gaming planning and design. You learn how to recognise and distinguish differences between numerous gaming platforms, environments and genres. You will plan and design a level in a digital game and be introduced to the role of the games designer. You will acquire an understanding of the different types of media asset required for developing a digital game. You will learn how to plan and produce media assets for use in a game development environment. You will gain an understanding of the processes involved in the final stages of development of a digital game. You will learn how to use your chosen game development environment to bring together all the parts and produce a working game. You will gain an understanding of the evaluation process and then you will then go on to plan, create and deliver a promotional activity.

What units will I study?

• Computer Games: Design
• Computer Games: Development 
• Computer Games: Media Assets

Entry Requirements?

There are no formal entrance requirements; however, you will be interviewed to determine whether this is the right course for you.

How and where will I study?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.  You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local Argyll College Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via a variety of methods which will include closed-book assessment and projects.

Where will it take me?

Successful completion of this award could count towards an NC Computing with Digital Media or eventually HNC in Interactive Media or support your application into direct employment within the Web Development Sector.

NPA Legal Studies SCQF Level 6

What skills will I gain?

This course provides you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of Scots Law and its application.   Emphasis is given to the value of your opinion and the expression of ideas and principles.  You will develop a substantiated position with reasoned and qualified argument. 

What units will I study?

• Crime in Society - The purpose of this Unit is to enable candidates to explain what constitutes a crime in Scotland and the main principles involved in the prosecution of crime and to explore the nature of crime and its effects on the individual and the community.
• Scots Law: An Introduction - The purpose of this Unit is to provide candidates with a broad knowledge and understanding of Scots Law including the sources of law and how new law is made. They will learn about the differences between the criminal law and the civil law and about the structure, jurisdiction and appeals of both the civil and the criminal courts. They will develop knowledge and understanding of the system of criminal prosecution in Scotland, about the tribunal system, and about the roles, appointments and responsibilities of the legal profession.

Entry Requirements?

Suitable for S5/S6 pupils who have a pass at credit level in Nat 5 or Higher English

How and where will I study?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.  You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local Argyll College Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through open-book and closed-book assessments throughout the course.

Where will it take me?

Successful completion of a National Progression Award may assist candidates to access full-time National Certificates in a range of related areas such as Legal Services, Business Management and Human Resource Management

NPA Criminology SCQF Level 6

What skills will I gain?

This course will develop your understanding of the criminal justice system.  You will also study the complex nature of crime and the problems of measuring crime.

What units will I study?

• Criminology: Nature and Extent of Crime

and two of the following optional units set by your teacher: -

• Criminology: Nature and Extent of Crime
• Criminology: Forensic Psychology

Entry Requirements?

Suitable for pupils in S5/S6 – it would be advantageous to have a range of Nat 5 qualifications including English.

How and where will I study?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.   You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local Argyll College Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through open-book and closed-book assessments.

Where will it take me?

After successful completion of the course, you may choose apply to further or higher education to further your studies in course such as Social Sciences.

Higher Sociology SCQF Level 6

What Skills will I gain?

The course will help you develop:

• an understanding of society through gaining knowledge and understanding of sociological perspectives, theories and concepts
• the ability to challenge common-sense explanations about human social behaviour using sociological understanding and evidence
• an understanding of cultural and social diversity, including the significance of relationships among individuals, groups and institutions in a changing social world
• an understanding of the role of sources of information, research evidence and research methods used in sociology
• research skills, including the ability to select, organise, analyse and evaluate information ¨ thinking and communication skills used in sociology

What units will I study?

• Human Society
• Culture and identity
• Social Issues
  

Entry requirements

You should have achieved or be working towards Higher English

How and where will I study?

This course will be delivered in our virtual online classroom in real-time so you will interact with your lecturer and fellow students in ‘live lessons’.

How will I be assessed?

There is a prelim exam to allow you to see the layout of the exam paper and to identify strengths and areas for improvement, these are marked internally and graded. There will also be a final SQA exam.

Where will it take me?

Higher Sociology is suitable preparation for entry to higher education courses in Social Sciences or further study in other academic and vocational subjects.

Higher Psychology SCQF Level 6

What skills will you gain?

Psychology is defined as ‘the scientific study of the mind and behaviour’. As well as a basic interest in human behaviour, you should have a basic grasp of scientific principles and the ability to analyse and evaluate theories and research studies. Assessment will involve describing relevant knowledge, analysing and evaluating this knowledge in terms of its scientific content, practical applications, ethical considerations etc. You will design an experiment/non-experiment based on a SQA candidate brief and write up a research report. This is worth 40% of the final mark and is marked externally. There is also a requirement to complete one piece of practical coursework.

What units will I study?

• Individual Behaviour
• Research
• Social Behaviour

Entry Requirements?

You should have English and Psychology at National 5.

How and where will I study?

Classes are delivered via video-conferencing

How will I be assessed?

There is a prelim exam to allow you to see the layout of the exam paper and to identify strengths and areas for improvement, these are marked internally and graded. There will also be a final exam.

Where will it take me?

Higher Psychology is suitable preparation for entry to higher education courses in psychology or further study in other academic and vocational subjects.

PDA Cyber Resilience SCQF Level 7

What skills will I gain?

This course aims to provide you with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in cyber security and increase your awareness and develop a deeper knowledge of it. 

What units will I study?

• Cyber Resilience
• Data Security
• Professionalism and Ethics in Cyber Security
• Social Engineering

Entry Requirements?

No previous experience of Cyber Security is needed however completion of the NPA Cyber Security at SQCF level 5 would be advantageous.

How and where will I study?

The course will be delivered online with ‘live lessons’ delivered via a virtual learning environment.  You will join the live lessons from either your school or your local Argyll College Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a variety of methods.

Where will it take me?

After successful completion of the course, you may choose to progress onto a HNC or HND in Cyber Security.