Leisure and Tourism
Leisure and Tourism is taught at key stage four and is a
double award GCSE based on three units: an external exam
and two assessed portfolio units. The fundamental philosophy
of this award is to develop an understanding of how people
spend their leisure time, to discover the reasons for the
most popular UK leisure and tourism destinations and also
to develop an awareness of how Leisure and Tourism organisations
operate through the study of marketing and customer service.
York is one of the most visited tourist destinations in
the UK consequently students have the opportunity to develop
their knowledge and understanding by carrying out an in depth
study of York. It also gives them the opportunity to increase
their understanding of the vocational nature of the course.
In order to fully develop the vocational aspects of the course
links have been forged with local businesses and the department
also works closely with York College and NYBEP (North Yorkshire
Business and Education Partnership.
NYBEP has been responsible for developing new links with
the heritage industry in particular York Museums Trust, English
Heritage and Castle Howard. Students from Millthorpe also
took part in Venture Fest (for new businesses) held in February
2005. As well as traditional classroom based lessons there
is also the opportunity to fully develop ICT skills in the
production of the portfolio units. Fieldwork and visits are
other important aspects of the course and students have visited
many local businesses, they have studied the environmental
impact of tourism on the North York Moors National Park and
they have visited Whitby to look at the impact of tourism
on a coastal town. Year 10 students have benefited from a
three day work placements in relevant businesses. This placement
was arranged by Trident and is in addition to the two weeks
work placement that all year 10 students undertake
The dual GCSE in Leisure and Tourism equips students with
some of the skills they will need in the workplace as well
as being a suitable basis for further study. By experiencing
vocationally related learning they can decide if it is suitable
for them. |
