Lesiure Studies
The study of Leisure is offered at both KS4 and KS5.
At KS4 the department will be offering the newly written syllabus from AQA, Leisure and Tourism, syllabus number 4840.
This new and exciting GCSE covers the whole range of Leisure and Tourism components including the range of leisure and tourism destinations in both the UK and abroad, visitor attractions, methods of travel to the tourism destinations and the impact of tourism on the environment. The GCSE also investigates the UK’s rapidly changing leisure and tourism industry and the range of employment opportunities currently available.
Unit one is an external assessment of 1 hour. (40% of the total mark)
Unit two is a controlled assessment which will be an investigative task. (60% of the total mark)
At KS5 the Department offers the opportunity to study Leisure at A Level, and both Single and Double A Level courses are available. Exam Board AQA, Syllabus code 8641/8646 (Single Award), 8643/8649 (Double Award)
A Level Leisure Studies is hugely popular at Davenant. At present (2009) 72 students in the sixth form are currently studying for either the Single or the Double A Level.
Units of study are varied, some are very practical including Fitness Testing and Event Management; some are externally assessed via examination including A People Business and Working in the Leisure Industry, but two thirds of both the Single and Double A Level are Portfolio/Coursework based units. Students learn how to work independently, how to present in a variety of ways including power point presentations, booklets, and making videos; they develop research skills, communication skills and learn how to work effectively in a team. The skills gained prepare students not only for University but also for the world of work.
The past 2 years, 2007 and 2008 has seen Leisure Studies awarded certificates from the Good Schools Guide recognising the excellent achievement of our students.
Visits play an integral part of Leisure both at KS4 and KS5 and include the Guildford Spectrum, which is the largest indoor Leisure Facility in the UK; it houses among other facilities, 4 swimming pools, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a state of the art fitness suite, gym, sports arena and a running track. Other visits are Bluewater and Xscape in Milton Keynes which houses indoor ski slopes . Sixth Form students also have the opportunity to go to Paris for a weekend in March/April.
The Leisure Studies staff are friendly, supportive and extremely enthusiastic, and they willingly give of their time at lunch time and after school.