MOTOR VEHICLE AND ROAD USER STUDIES
Staff:- Mrs C. LAVERTY
The
Policy of the M.V.R.U.S. Department in Markethill High School is rooted firmly
in the overall school aims and objectives which espouse the development of the
child intellectually, socially, aesthetically and personally. It is generally
accepted that our educational system must try to equip young people to deal with
every aspect of modern living and with this in mind it is the duty of the
M.V.R.U.S. Department to try to impart the necessary life skills to enable the
child to deal with the road and traffic conditions which exist in Northern
Ireland today.
Road Safety Education in its widest sense can be defined as the continuing effort to educate all road users in the proper use of the roads. Within the school system it may be further defined as the systematic use of all the available resources to instil not only the mechanics of safe behaviour but also attitudes which ensure that such knowledge is translated into practice.
Road
Safety Education taught thoroughly and progressively over a period of time
should result in better-informed and considerate pedestrians, cyclists and
drivers. Ultimately this will result in a decrease in the number of
accidents on our roads with a consequent reduction in deaths and injuries.
SCHOOL AIMS
Under
the headings academic, social, pastoral and religious, the school aims are
listed in the staff handbook issued to all teachers. Staff involved in the
teaching of M.V.R.U.S. bear these in mind in their preparation and teaching so
that the atmosphere in the classroom and because of the nature of the subject in
the schoolyard and elsewhere (during traffic surveys) reflects the caring and
problem solving approach utilised. Teachers also incorporate into their lessons
specific aims relevant to the topic with which they are dealing (social skills
in communication – conducting surveys; respect for self and others – all
aspects of road use; healthy lifestyle – alcohol and drugs).
DEPARTMENTAL AIMS
Motor Vehicle Studies and Road User Studies is intrinsically linked with the general school aims as well as having the following subject specific aims:
1. to develop better informed and more responsible road users;
2. to develop an understanding of the legal liabilities of being a road user;
3. to promote a positive and understanding attitude to the use of the road and to all road users;
4. to develop a respect for the safety of all road users;
5. to develop an awareness of the road user, environment and vehicle;
6. to develop a range of manipulative and communicative skills appropriate to the subject;
7. To encourage pupils to work independently and co operatively.
8. To stimulate an interest in and an appreciation of the motor vehicle.
9. To develop a knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of vehicle ownership.
10. To enable pupils to act more decisively and positively at the scene of a road accident.
11. To encourage proficiency in the knowledge and skills required in the use of a powered vehicle.
12. To improve pupils understanding of the mathematical, scientific and technological principles related to motor vehicles and to develop a knowledge and understanding of routine vehicle maintenance.
CONTENT IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE, CONCEPTS AND SKILLS
This scheme of work contains reference to a variety of knowledge, concepts and skills.
Having completed the course, pupils should be able to:-
a. demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to this content;
b. demonstrate ability to use such knowledge in a variety of forms such as verbal, numerical and graphical;
c. demonstrate ability to explain and use appropriate terminology, concepts and numerical calculations;
d. interpret, evaluate and apply data in a variety of forms and draw logical conclusions;
e. demonstrate skills of vehicle control (moped) and road craft.
NATURE OF THE SUBJECT
Guiding
principles governing the schemes of work. Fulfilment of compulsory area of the
Northern Ireland Curriculum: Environment and Society.
Motor Vehicle and Road user Studies has obviously a pertinent role to play in this key area as a listed contributory subject. The practical and investigative skills involved as well as a high theoretical content is effective media for delivery of the required abilities and concepts in relation to modern society. Each scheme of work takes into account the individual needs of children and enables them to work at their own particular pace. Each stage of achievement is attainable, an important factor which helps in the motivation of children.
Each scheme of work in Key Stage 4 is to result in achievement of an external certificate appropriate to the individual pupil's attainment abilities. Close cognizance of the appropriate syllabi is therefore basic to these schemes.
GCSE SYLLABUS CONTENT
1. The content is presented in six sections:
(a)
Vehicle control and road user behaviour. (50%)
(b) Legal requirements(10%)
(c) Evolution of road transport and its effect on society (5%)
(d) Motoring mathematics (10%)
(e) Accident procedure (5%)
(f) Motor vehicle technology (20%)
2. Investigative Study.
3. Practical Riding Ability.
Motor vehicle and road user studies has common ground with the following subject areas:
English, Geography, Maths, Science. Detailed reports linking MVRUS with Maths and Science have been produced, obtained by this department and provided to the maths and Science departments for their information and use.
Current provision for Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies
Markethill High School caters for pupils in the 11-16 age range and offers a range of subjects at G.C.S.E. level one of which is M.V.R.U.S..
CROSS CURRICULAR THEMES
Information Technology
Computer Programmes used extensively in:
(a) Investigative Study component of GCSE course
(b) Learning experiences for less able pupils - varied computer programs in M6 available for PC.
Audio-Visual Materials constantly in use in teaching, particularly videos and tapes.
Health Education - delivered in Post Accident Procedure and alcohol and drugs section of the course.
Economic Awareness - delivered in motoring mathematics section: financial aspects of motoring.
Cultural Heritage - delivered in evolution of road transport through the ages section. Visits to transport exhibitions are arranged from time to time.
Careers and EMU - The emergence of Road Rage as a new phenomenon in recent years would involve the ideas of mutual understanding and respect for others whilst on the road. Many of our young people would follow a career path into some aspect of the motoring industry.