Occupational Studies – Horticulture

CCEA’s Occupational Studies is a Level 2 Vocational course which is a full GCSE equivalent. It aims to give students a flavour of specific occupational areas. Students will complete two Horticulture units across Y11 and Y12. The course is taken by students doing GCSE Single Award Science.

 

Grading System

Occupational Studies is graded at Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass which equate to the GCSE grades of A*, A, B, C.

 

Assessment

Students are assessed through a portfolio which is marked by their teacher and submitted to CCEA for moderation. The components are as follows:

  • Practical Skills – evidenced in performance in a range of assessed tasks – 60%
  • Knowledge & Understanding – evidenced in a range of written portfolio tasks – 20%
  • Evaluations – evidenced through weekly and task evaluations of students’ own learning – 20%

There is no examination component in Occupational Studies.

 

Course Content

Y11 – Unit 48: Caring for Plants & Flowers

Learning will include:

  • consideration of health and safety issues in horticulture and floristry
  • consideration of career opportunities in horticulture and floristry
  • identification of plant diseases and pests
  • growing and caring for plants
  • production of a floral item suitable for a special occasion
  • production of an information leaflet for the after-sales care of plants and flowers
  • consideration of the environmental issues in horticulture and floristry
  • review and evaluation of performance

Y11 Practical Assessments: hanging basket; containerised display; floral gift; weeding and pest control; preparation of an outdoor bed for planting

 

Y12 – Unit 49: Growing Plants in a Sustainable Way

Learning will include:

  • consideration of health and safety issues in horticulture
  • organic and sustainable methods for growing
  • various methods that are used to grow plants from seeds, bulbs, corms and tubers
  • taking cuttings and establishing plants
  • consideration of career opportunities in horticulture
  • consideration of environmental issues in horticulture
  • review and evaluation of performance

Y12 Practical Assessments: plant stall; hard and softwood cuttings; containerised display and aftercare leaflet; composting; use of tools

 

Teaching Time

Occupational Studies is taught over 5 hours/fortnight across Y11 and Y12.

 

Further Information

For further details of this course please speak to Mrs Kane.