GCSE Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies
For many years it has been accepted that the education system must equip our young people not only with the knowledge to pass exams but also with the skills to cope with life after school. One of the most important life-skills we can give to our young people is the ability to cope with the roads and driving conditions. The loss of young lives is tragic and largely avoidable.
In St Brigid’s we believe GCSE Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies is an essential tool to help our students prepare for and avoid the problems they will inevitably face on the roads.
What Is Involved?
The GCSE Examination consists of one Theory Paper worth 40%, an Investigative Study with a marks allocation of 30% and a Practical Riding Activity carrying 30% of the marks.
Topics covered include:
- The Highway Code, Legal Requirements,
- Motoring Mathematics, Post Accident Procedure,
- Motor Vehicle Technology, Road User Behaviour.
The Investigative Study gives students the opportunity to examine a moving traffic situation such as the problem of speeding motorists at a location near the school. Practical Riding is carried out on a 49cc moped within the school grounds, not on public roads. Students are given their first experience of powered transport in a safe environment where they do not have to contend with other traffic.
What Are The Advantages?
Firstly the course will instil a greater knowledge and awareness of road safety in students taking the subject.
Secondly a good grade in this subject will be accepted by most employers including the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Grade C or above is also accepted by Queens University, UU and the Teacher Training Colleges as a qualification for entry to degree courses.
Thirdly these are some possible routes to further study - engineering, mechanics, car body work, traffic police, driving instruction and examination.
Percentage of students achieving A* - C grades.
Year % A*- C
2006 57%
2007 59%
2008 57%
2009 63%
2010 83%
2011 61%
