SPEC Mainstream Courses
One Star Award
The One Star Award provides tasks that are more challenging, however students are still able to have help and support at this level. The key competencies are covered in more depth and are the main focus of all the mainstream courses. Successful completion of this Award goes towards the ‘Certificate in Mainstream Studies’ at Level 1. In addition, there are opportunities to achieve Unit Standards at Level 1. Suggestions are provided in the teachers guidelines.
Two Star Award
This award progresses into providing tasks to be undertaken in a wider range of situations where students are expected to work on occasions in unfamiliar situations and with unfamiliar people.
There are a wide choice of tasks, but careful planning ensures that students meet the wider range criteria for this level. The expectation is that tasks at this level will span more than a three week period, enabling students to demonstrate their ability to manage self within more complex tasks. Successful completion of this Award goes towards the ‘Certificate in Mainstream Studies’ at Level 2. In addition, there are opportunities to achieve unit standards at level 2 and these are detailed in the teachers guidelines.
Three Star Award
The Three Star award has an expectation that students at this level will be independent learners and be able to complete complex tasks in unfamiliar and new situations, mainly working with unfamiliar people. The emphasis is on managing self over an extended period of time. At this level students would be expected to write plans, organise their own work and make their own arrangements in order to complete tasks. They would be working outside their comfort zone and be able to demonstrate their ability to solve complex problems and change plans accordingly. Successful completion of this Award completes the criteria required to achieve the ‘Certificate in Mainstream Studies’ at Level 2.
Shooting Star Entry Level
Aimed at engaging disaffected students. The basic practical tasks in this workbook require completion of simple plans of action and reviews. The tasks are straight forward and students are able to have as much help and guidance in order to complete tasks successfully.
This workbook is aimed at years 9 and 10.
The emphasis is on developing and recording the key competencies at a basic level. Successful completion of this award goes towards the
‘Certificate in Mainstream Studies’ at Level 1.
