Learning for Life and Work
Learning for Life and Work at Newtownhamilton High School
Modern day society presents us with many challenges and opportunities that can at times seem overwhelming. LLW provides pupils with an understanding on thinking through these major decisions and their possible implications.
As a general concept, Learning for Life and Work is involved in all meaningful experiences in education. As a specific subject area, it provides practical tools to think independently, make informed choices and act responsibly in today’s world.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, LLW is broken down into 4 main areas:
Citizenship
Education for Employability
Personal Development
Home Economics
The Home Economics element is delivered by the Home Economics department during the 3 periods allocated to all Key stage 3 pupils. The remaining areas of Citizenship, Education for Employability and Personal Development are taught during the 2 timetabled LLW periods per week.
GCSE LLW
GCSE LLW is offered as an option for year 11 pupils. Students follow the CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work modular course for 4 periods per week. Through studying this specification, students gain knowledge skills and understanding in 4 areas of study:
Unit 1:
Local and Global Citizenship
This unit covers:
diversity and inclusion; rights and responsibilities; government and civil society;
democratic institutions;
democracy and active participation;
the role of NGOs.
External Written Examination 20% 1 Hour
Unit 2:
Personal Development
This unit covers:
personal health and well-being;
emotions and reactions to life experiences;
relationships and sexuality;
personal safety and well-being;
responsible parenting;
making informed financial decisions.
External Written Examination 20% 1 Hour
Unit 3:
Employability
This unit covers:
the impact of globalisation on employment;
preparing for employment;
rights and responsibilities of employers and employees;
social responsibility of businesses;
exploring self-employment;
personal career management.
External Written Examination 20% 1 Hour
Unit 4: Investigation
(Controlled Assessment Task) You will complete one task from a choice of three. The task involves the following: Planning, Research, Communicating Findings, Self-Evaluation and Presentation of Task. 40%
Activities/Events
Many external agencies are used to support the delivery of Learning for Life and Work through organised activities and events. Examples include:
Love for Life - Year 8, 11 & 12
Breakthru Drugs & Alcohol Awareness Programme - Year 11
Bullying Workshop - Year 8
Equality Commission - Year 11
Trip to Stormont - Year 10
Young Enterprise:
Your School Your Business - Year 8
YE9 - Year 9
Quick Start Business Programme - Year 9
Learn to Earn - Year 10
Project Business - Year 10
Enterprise in Action - Year 11
Success Skills - Year 11
Personal Economics - Year 11
Shared Education Signature Project
Our shared education programme is continuing to be developed with our new Year 8 pupils and continued into Year 9. They will continue to work collaboratively with Newry High School, St Paul’s High School and St Joseph’s High School on LLW content. Year 8 pupils have enjoyed an induction day in Newry Leisure Centre, and will be participating in four workshops throughout the year:- flags & symbols, identity, diversity, and racism delivered with the support of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Co-operation Ireland and the PSNI.
Amazing the Space
Our Shared Education programme now includes Art and is supported by Co-Operation Ireland. Pupils will have the opportunity to work with our three partner schools and participate in two workshops with two specialising in ceramics and felting. The culmination of this event will take place with a showcase in Hillsborough Castle.
Year 9 Young Enterprise
Our Year 9 Quick Start pupils had a very successful day at Young Enterprise Trade Fair held in Rushmere. Our eight groups have been planning their enterprise, allocating job roles, carrying out market research, sourcing products, promoting their business and finally selling their products to the public.
A huge congratulations to two of our groups who won overall Quickstart and Runner up. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff: Mrs Flanagan, Mrs Ferris, Ms Armstrong and Mrs Allen for all the support and guidance they have provided to our budding entrepreneurs and to Cathy Morrison from Young Enterprise for all her help and guidance. Pupils are looking forward to ‘The Apprentice’ where they will battle it out to win our Key Stage 3 Business Award sponsored by Lila’s, Armagh.