Welcome to the Magherafelt High School Motor Vehicle Road User Studies homepage.

In today’s environment we depend more and more on road traffic. One of the most important life skills needed is the ability to cope with the road and driving conditions as they exist in Northern Ireland. This subject, leading to a GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies, will be taught in six study areas.

Why study motor vehicle and road user studies?

• Gain an interest in and appreciation of the motor vehicle;
• Develop an awareness of the interaction of the road user, the environment and the vehicle.
• Develop a respect for the safety of road users.
• Learn to act decisively and positively at the scene of an accident.
• Acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the use of a powered vehicle.
• Develop an understanding of the mathematical, scientific and technological principle or motor vehicle; and
• Acquire a range of manipulative and communicative skills.

How will I be assessed?
There is one external assessment worth 40% and two controlled assessment tasks, each worth 30%.

Type of Assessment

Motor Vehicle and Road User Theory

Foundation Tier- 1 hour 30 minutes examination paper.

Higher tier- 2 hours examination paper.

The external assessment is worth 40% of the overall GCSE qualification.

Investigative Study

The study will involve about 23 hours work and a maximum of 2000 words. It will include an investigation and collection of data, the preparation of analysis and interpretation of results and a conclusion.

The controlled assessment is worth 30% of the overall GCSE qualification.

What will I study?

Vehicle Control and Road User Behaviour
This unit explores the driver and
pedestrian’s safe use of the road
and demonstrates how this is a
combination of many factors.

Legal Requirements
This unit covers the important
legal requirements of driving and
owning a vehicle.

Road Transport and its Effects on Society
This unit explores the background
to modern road systems and traffic
law.

Motoring Mathematics
This unit addresses the financial
implications of owning and driving
a motor vehicle.

Accident Procedures
This unit deals with the procedures
recommended in the event of a
road traffic collision.

Motor Vehicle technology
This unit explores a motorist’s
responsibility for maintenance and
care of a vehicle. You will gain basic
knowledge of vehicle systems and
safety precautions. You will be able to
recognise component parts of vehicle
systems and understand and know
the checks and safety precautions
you need for safe road use.
 
Procedures

Practical Moped Riding
This will allow you to demonstrate
your skills of vehicle control
and road craft. This controlled
assessment is worth 30% of the
overall GCSE qualification.