Public Services

Learning in Public Service

This subject has always been a popular choice with students of Goodwin Academy with a large proportion of the local workforce being employed within the Public Services, in particular Border Force and HMRC. We are a small but dynamic department whose dedication to students is reflected in the results we achieve year upon year.

The subject covers many aspects of working in the Public Services, extending us the opportunity to widen students’ horizons about career and life changing opportunities for their future.

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Curriculum intent

Through the Public Services curriculum, we aim for learners to become responsible citizens, within the school and a wider context, understanding the value of making a positive contribution to society. Skills in leadership, teamwork and effective communication will be developed and will fundamentally underpin the learning within this subject. Students will learn the important skills of reflection and self-analysis; vital tools required to identify their own successes, mistakes, areas for improvement and future training needs. Learners will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to enable progression into a range of employment opportunities as successful and confident individuals within the Public Services sector.

 

KS5, Year 12 & 13 Public Services

In Key Stage 5, students study the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed) (720 guided learning hours, 120 credits) which is equivalent to 2 x A levels.

The course is two years in duration and is 100% coursework including practical elements upon which students will be assessed.

Units of study as follows (may be subject to change):

TitleCreditsMethod of assessment
1: Government, Policies and the Public Services10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
2: Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services15Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
3: Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services15Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
4: Understanding Discipline in the Uniformed Public Services10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
5: Physical Preparation, Health and Lifestyle for the Public Services10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
6: Fitness testing and training for the Uniformed Public Services10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
10: Skills for Land-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
 12: Crime and its Effects on Society10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
14: Responding to Emergency Incidents10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation
27: Social Welfare Services10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.
31: Exercise, Health and Lifestyle10Coursework as set by Pearson and internally assessed, prior to external moderation.

 

Proposed structure for 2020 – 2021 for Years 12 and 13

Terms 1 and 2Terms  3, 4, 5Term 6 (Year 12 only)
Skills for Land-based out door and adventurous activities

 

Social Welfare Services


Physical Preparation, Health and Lifestyle for the Public Services

 

Fitness testing and training for the Uniformed Public Services

 

Social Welfare Services


Exercise, Health and Lifestyle

 

TBC

Careers

Candidates achieving this qualification can progress on to employment in the Public Services sector. Students may choose to use the qualification in order to progress to vocational qualifications such as the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Public Services.

Successful achievement in this qualification will lead to UCAS points which could be combined with points gained from other subjects to enable progression to degree level courses at university.

Public Service could lead to careers in some of the follow fields:

  • UK armed services
  • Border Force
  • Police Force
  • HM Coastguard services
  • Aid Worker
  • Chief Inspector
  • Dog Handler
  • Paramedic
  • Prison Officer

Cross-curricular links

All units have a practical element which may be presentation based thus linking with English, or may be of a more physical nature linking to PE. Science and nutrition are an inherent part of the exercise, health and lifestyle unit. There are also links to sociology and government and politics, and for some this will prove an interesting introduction to these subjects.

Links

Fundamental British Values

British values underpin the work of all Uniformed Public Servants; after all, one of their key roles is to defend these values. Students will learn about how legislation is passed and will study in detail key legislation such as the Human Rights Act and Equality Act, along with their impact on the work of public servants. A deeper understanding of citizenship and diversity will develop through studying this subject, enabling students to become more rounded individuals.