Subjects & Qualifications

Beauty - Higher (SCQF level 6)

Contact the Qualifications Manager for this subject area
Paul Gallacher

Structure of the Course

Mandatory Units
Summary of Course content
Summary of content of each Unit
Assessment approaches
Learning and teaching materials
Experience of the workplace
Resource requirements
Progression
Arrangements document

This Course is at Higher level and consists of four 40 hour mandatory Units.

Mandatory Units:

Facial Techniques	1 Unit credit
Facial Treatment Packages	1 Unit credit
Nail Finishes	1 Unit credit
Creative Current Make-up Trends	1 Unit credit

Summary of Course content

The Course provides a broad, experiential introduction to beauty. The focus is on experiencing the salon environment and on the development of vocational skills, knowledge and understanding. Practical experience of communication and customer care skills is included. Specific skills in cleansing, toning, moisturising, basic face massage, masque application and removal, skin warming, exfoliation, nail shaping, cuticle care, hand massage, nail painting and basic make-up application techniques are developed. Current make-up trends are identified from a variety of sources, with candidates having the opportunity to experiment to produce a ‘look’ which reflects these trends. Emphasis throughout all Units is on the employability skills and attitudes which will help to prepare candidates for the workplace. These are detailed in the employability skills profile in this Course Specification.

Summary of content of each Unit:

Beauty: Facial Techniques
Candidates will learn about the structure and function of the skin, facial bones and muscles, skin types and common skin conditions. They will also learn how to analyse the skin before selecting appropriate products to reflect the client’s skin type and condition; and will develop the practical skills of cleansing, toning and moisturising the skin and basic face massage. Massage techniques and demonstrating dexterity when applying these are areas which will be included. Candidates will evaluate their own performance in identified employability skills and attitudes and set goals for improvement in order to enhance their employability profile.
Beauty: Facial Treatment Packages
Candidates will learn about the structure and function of the skin, skin types and common skin conditions. They will also learn how to analyse the skin before selecting an appropriate treatment package and products which meets the clients needs; as well as develop the practical skills of cleansing, toning, skin warming, exfoliation, masque application and removal and moisturising. Candidates will also have the opportunity to review their own performance and identify areas for improvement in specified employability skills.
Beauty: Nail Finishes
Candidates will learn about the nail structure and bones of the hand and arm. They will develop practical skills of shaping nails, improving the appearance of cuticles, nail painting and basic hand massage. Candidates will also have the opportunity to review their employability skills profile.
Beauty: Creative Current Make-Up Trends
This Unit focuses on an awareness of the ever changing face of make-up fashion trends and the expression of creativity. Candidates will explore and identify current make-up trends from a variety of sources. They will interpret these, then plan and prepare to create a current make-up 'look'. Candidates will develop practical skills in make-up application, then create and present a ‘look’ which reflects a current make-up trend identified on a client. Candidates will evaluate their own performance in relation to specified employability skills and evaluate their progress in achieving goals.

Assessment Approaches

To achieve the Course award the candidate must successfully achieve all the Units which make up the Course.
Assessment objectives

Knowledge and skills in relation to working in a beauty environment
Practical vocational skills
Communication and customer care skills
Knowledge of current relevant health and safety legislation
Skills for employment in the beauty industry
Generic employability skills

Assessment in this Course will be based mainly on a range of practical activities carried out in a salon environment. Performance evidence will be supported by teacher/lecturer observation checklists and client record cards. Candidates will also complete structured questions, reviews of their employability skills and gather specified evidence.

Learning and Teaching Material

The main approaches to learning in the Course should be experiential, practical and candidate centred. Candidates should have the opportunity to learn and develop practical skills in a real or simulated salon environment where they will experience workplace conditions, deal with customers, learn the importance of teamwork and develop good working practices.

Experience of the workplace

Centres are encouraged to establish links with industry representatives, who may be willing to offer support in the form of visits from a member of staff to give candidates a realistic view of conditions in the beauty industry. It may be possible for centres to arrange visits to beauty salons as part of the candidates' learning experience, to help candidates build knowledge and understanding.

Resource Requirements

Centres will require beauty salon facilities for each of the Units in the Course. This will include plinths, trolleys, beauty stools, basins. The salon facility will need to be equipped with sufficient beauty equipment, tools, products and consumables which should include magnifying lamps, spatulas, brushes, tweezers, files, a range of cleansers, toners, exfoliators, masques, moisturisers, enamel, make-up, gowns, towels and sterilising equipment to give candidates plenty of opportunity for practise and assessment.

Progression

This Course or its Units may provide progression to:

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Beauty Therapy
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Beauty Therapy
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Beauty Therapy
further education
training/employment

Arrangement documents

Subject:	Beauty
Level:	Higher
Code:	C262 12
Edition:	Version 1, February 2009
Downloads:	SfW Health and Social Care Higher Course and Unit Specifications (289 KB)

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