What is the course?
Electronics is vital to everyday life in our society. From smartphones to spacecraft, it is hard to imagine life without it.
This Course provides skills and a basic understanding of electronics and its impact. It provides a solid foundation for those considering further study, or a career, in electrical engineering and related disciplines.
How will I learn?
- Whole class direct teaching
- Demonstrations and observations
- Activity based learning
- Investigative approaches to research tasks
- Peer and pupil lead learning
What topics will I learn?
Electronic Circuit Design – develop a basic understanding of key electrical and electronic components, and how they can be combined into simple electronic circuits. Learners will, with guidance, analyse straightforward electronic problems and design solutions to these problems. In addition, learners will explore some aspects of the impact of electronics on society and the environment.
Electronic Circuit Simulation – develop skills in the use of simulation software in the context of practical electronics. Learners will, with guidance, use software to assist in the design, construction and testing of simple electronic circuits.
Electronic Circuit Construction – develop skills in assembling a range of simple electronic circuits, using permanent and non-permanent methods, to construct complete working devices. For example soldering on to strip board, testing and fault-finding.
As part of the BGE, your S3 personalisation will help build the knowledge and skills required for a successful senior phase. Completing the S3 Practical Electronics course will support progression to National Practical Electronics (National 4-5) along with developing essential skills used in many other subjects.
What skills are developed?
- Skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work
- Numeracy
- Information handling
- Employability, enterprise and citizenship
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Thinking skills – understanding, applying
- Practical skills
How will I be assessed?
Progress will be assessed on an ongoing basis and be based on work in class and project work undertaken.
What might this help me with when I leave school?
The electronics industry continues to be a major contributor to the economy. It contributes not only to manufacturing, but to other sectors such as finance, telecommunications, material processing, oil extraction, weather forecasting and renewable energy. Within all of these fields there exists a wide range of job opportunities for people with skills in electronics.
