Oban High School

SfW Hairdressing Nat 4

What skills will you gain?

There is a steady demand for hairdressers and barbers in salons big and small throughout Scotland. Throughout this course, you will learn about customer care, shampooing, conditioning, basic scalp massage and blow-drying, general salon duties, reception skills, and health and safety issues. You'll also look at current fashion trends and styles.

What units will I study?

• Hairdressing: Salon Awareness
• Hairdressing: Working in the Salon
• Hairdressing: Employability Skills
• Hairdressing: Creativity

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. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks. You will also be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course. 

Where will it take me?

• Skills for Work: Hairdressing National 5 at school
• An SVQ in Hairdressing at college
• A Modern Apprenticeship in a salon

SCQF Credit Points 

24

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.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will take the form of participation in group work, multiple-choice papers, written submissions, and one short verbal presentation.

Where will it take me?

• Introduction to Land-Based Skills – at UHI Argyll campus
• NC Agriculture – at UHI Argyll campus
• Modern Apprenticeships – work-based

SCQF Credit Points

24

SfW Automotive Skills Nat 4

What skills will you gain?

This course provides you with a broad introduction to the automotive industry and will introduce you to basic practical skills. You’ll gain experience in carrying out basic vehicle checks and learn the specific skills involved in the removal and replacement of components and mechanisms. You’ll develop some of the practical skills and attitudes employers are looking for: skills like team working, following instructions and good customer service.

What units will I study?

• Automotive Skills: The Garage
• Automotive Skills: The Technician
• Automotive Skills: The Car 
• Automotive Skills: The Vehicle Modification Project 

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.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks.

Where will it take me?

• Skills for Work Engineering programme at National 5
• SVQ 2 Performing Engineering Operations course at UHI Argyll

SCQF Credit Points 

24

NPA Aquaculture SCQF level 4

What skills will you gain?

This course will give you a broad introduction to aquaculture in Scotland and will give you the aquaculture and employability skills, knowledge and qualification you need for progression to an apprenticeship in aquaculture.
Topics covered include Fish species identification and the environments in which they can be farmed.  Impacts of aquaculture on communities.  Fish dissection and anatomy.
Fish holding and husbandry techniques.  Fishing and fish processing methods.
Business and marketing of aquaculture companies. Preparation for, completion of and review of an aquaculture work placement.

The course will include at least three visits to local aquaculture sites.

What units will I study?

• North European Aquaculture: An Introduction
• Aquatic Environment: Local Investigation
• Aquaculture: An Introduction to Finfish Production
• Scottish Sea Fisheries: An Introduction
• Business and Marketing: An Introduction
• Establishing a Business Identity
• Work Placement

Entry Requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.  Applicants should have an interest in working in the Aquaculture industry

How will I be assessed?

A mixture of written and practical with assessment being ongoing throughout the year.

Where will it take me?

• Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture

SCQF Credit Points 

24

SfW Hairdressing Nat 5

What skills will you gain?

The hairdressing industry includes people who cut and style hair for both men and women, as well as people who work to improve the health of the hair and scalp. There is a steady demand for hairdressers and barbers in salons throughout Scotland and abroad.

You will learn about general salon duties, reception skills, health and safety issues, customer care, shampooing, conditioning, basic scalp massage, blow-drying, and hair colouring. You will also investigate current fashion trends and styles and will develop skills in working with others

What units will I study?

• Working in a salon environment 
• Salon skills 
• Introduction to colour
• Creative trends 

Entry Requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To get the best out of this course you should enjoy working in a creative environment and have a real interest in the beauty industry. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks. You will also be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course. 

Where will it take me?

• An SVQ in Hairdressing at college
• A Modern Apprenticeship in a salon

SCQF Credit Points 

24

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.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks.

Where will it take me?

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

SCQF Credit Points

18

SfW Early Learning and Childcare - SCQF Level 5

What skills will you gain?

This is an introduction 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. You should want to learn new skills and have a real interest in the subject.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions.

Where will it take me?

• Higher Childcare and Development - at school
• NC Early Education and Childcare – at college
• SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) – at college

SCQF Credit Points

24

SfW Engineering Skills Nat 5

What skills will you gain?

The National 5 Engineering Skills course has been designed to provide a basis for progression into Further Education or for moving directly into training or employment within an engineering environment. The course will provide candidates with the technical knowledge, skills and understanding associated with a range of skills in engineering at this level, as well as developing an awareness of health and safety.

What units will I study?

• Engineering Skills: Mechanical and Fabrication
• Engineering Skills: Electrical and Electronic
• Engineering Skills: Maintenance
• Engineering Skills: Design and Manufacture 

Entry Requirements?

Candidates are expected to have an interest in engineering, an ability to work at literacy and numeracy level SCQF 3 together with some aptitude for graphical forms of communication.

It would be beneficial for candidates to have attained Skills for Work - Engineering Skills at National 4 level.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks.

Where will it take me?

• SVQ 2 Performing Engineering Operations at UHI Argyll
• A range of Modern Apprenticeships in engineering
• Other suitable training/employment

SCQF Credit Points 

24 

NPA Rural Skills SCQF Level 5

What skills will you gain?

Much of your learning will be in a real or realistic work-setting and you will be undertaking practical tasks in an outdoor environment although there will also be some theoretical classroom sessions.

You will undertake an investigation of a rural business, examining how it is run, how it fits in with the local community and how the business could diversify into other areas.

What units will I study?

• Rural Business Investigation
• Animal Care: Accommodation and Handling 
• Animal Care: Small Animal Feeding 

Entry Requirements?

Ideally you will already have National 4 Rural Skills (Skills for Work).

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will take the form of participation in group work, multiple-choice papers, written submissions, and one short verbal presentation.

Where will it take me?

• NC Horticulture – in college
• Modern Apprenticeship – work based

SCQF Credit Points 

18

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?

• Employability Skills in the Health Sector
• Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
• Improving Health and Wellbeing
• Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
• Working in Health Sector Settings

Entry Requirements?

Ideally, you should be working towards National 5. You should want to learn new skills and 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 UHI Argyll centre or in the school.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you carrying out practical tasks.

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 UHI Argyll campus
• SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare – at UHI Argyll campus
• Nursing Degree – at university

SCQF Credit Points

24

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
• Skills for Customer Care
• Selling Skills
• Understanding 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 UHI Argyll Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions and observations of you participating in (mock) workplace scenarios.

Where will it take me?

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

SCQF Credit Points

30

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.

How and where will I study?

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 UHI Argyll Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.

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.

SCQF Credit Points

18

SfW Beauty Higher

What skills will you gain?

The focus of this course is on experiencing the salon environment and on development of your practical skills. You'll also get practical experience in communication and customer care.

You'll gain experience in facial treatments, hand & nail care, nail painting, and makeup application. You will identify current make-up trends from a variety of sources and have the opportunity to experiment to produce a 'look' which reflects these trends. This course also involves a detailed look at anatomy of the skin, hands and face which will help you develop an understanding of the effects of the practical skills you'll learn.

What units will I study? 

• Facial Techniques
• Facial Treatment Packages
• Nail Finishes
• Creative Current Make-Up Trends

Entry Requirements?

Ideally, you should already have an NPA in Makeup Skills at SCQF Level 5 but if you do not have this you may still apply. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, observations of you carrying out practical tasks, and open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.

Where will it take me?

• NC Beauty
• A Modern Apprenticeship

SCQF Credit Points 

24

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.

How will I be assessed?

You are required to submit a project assignment in April which will be worth 70% of your total mark, and undertake a formal written exam at the end of the course worth 30% of the overall mark.

Where will it take me?

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

SCQF Credit Points

24

FA Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6

What skills will you gain?

The care sector has one of the fastest growing workforces in Scotland with over 199,600 social service workers in Scotland today working in a range of settings. One in 13 people employed in Scotland work in social services.

There are many different career opportunities and career pathways across this range of settings. Job roles in adult services include personal assistant, care assistant, support worker, supervisor, senior care worker, team leader, care home manager, centre manager and service manager.

Social Services offer a challenging and rewarding career providing support and help to people who need it, helping them to live full and valued lives in the community.

What units will I study?

• Social Services in Scotland
• Safeguarding People
• Communication in Care Relationships
• Safe Practice and Wellbeing in Social Services
• Human Development and Social Influences
• Support Effective Communication
• Support the Health and Safety of Yourself and Individuals
• Develop your own Knowledge and Practice
• Support the Safeguarding of Individuals

Entry Requirements?

Ideally you will have 3 passes at National 5 level gained in S4/5 at C pass or above. (Ideally one should be a literary subject such as English, geography or psychology).

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?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, observations of you participating in (mock) workplace scenarios and open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.

Where will it take me?

Successful completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship could provide progression to advanced entry to a Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare.

SCQF Credit Points

61

FA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6

What skills will I gain?

Do you love being creative? Have you thought about working in film, TV, radio, publishing, games or online media?

A Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media could be your foot in the door. Employers are looking for people who understand visual communication for their brands, how to build communities through web and social media platforms and have design and technical skills. You’ll try out creative roles, shadow experienced professionals, or do a special project. You’ll build the practical skills and experience you need to do the job well.

What units will I study?

• Work effectively with others in the creative industries
• Ensure responsibility for actions to reduce risks to health and safety
• Communicate using marketing/sales channels
• Use digital and social media in marketing campaigns
• Edit audio and video material
• Media project
• Foundation Apprenticeship certification unit

Entry requirements?

You must already have three passes at National 5 and will need to have a high level of motivation and commitment to learn.

How 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 UHI Argyll centre.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions, observations of you participating in (mock) workplace scenarios and open and/or closed book assessments conducted under exam conditions.

Where will it take me?

On completion of this course, you may progress onto HNC or HND in Digital Media

SCQF Credit Points

63

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 entry requirements for this course.

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 UHI Argyll Learning Centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course.

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.

SCQF Credit Points

18

NPA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6

What skills will I gain?

Do you love being creative? Have you thought about working in film, TV, radio, publishing, games or online media?

The NPA in Creative and Digital Media could be your foot in the door. Employers are looking for people who understand visual communication for their brands, how to build communities through web and social media platforms and have design and technical skills. You’ll try out creative roles and build the practical skills and experience you need to do the job well.

If you want to progress your studies you'll have the option to continue on to the Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.

What units will I study?

• Creative industries: an introduction - Scotland
• Storytelling for the creative industries
• Understanding the creative process
• Understanding a creative brief

Entry requirements?

You must already have three passes at National 5 and will need to have a high level of motivation and commitment to learn.

How 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 UHI Argyll centre.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a portfolio of your work which you will compile as you undertake this course.

Where will it take me?

On completion of this course, you may progress onto HNC or HND in Digital Media

SCQF Credit Points

30

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?

Assessments will be undertaken throughout the course and will require written submissions.

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.

SCQF Credit Points

24

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?

You are required to submit a project assignment in April which will be worth 40% of your total mark, and undertake a formal written exam at the end of the course worth 60% of the overall mark.

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.

SCQF Credit Points

24