Academic overview:
The school's curriculum aims to:
- Provide a structure that values all pupils equally;
- Provide a framework for a balanced programme of study throughout years 7-11, incorporating, for every pupil as far as possible the same areas of experience and meeting the criteria laid down by the National Curriculum;
- Offer to each pupil an equal opportunity in terms of provision, experiences relating to their preparation for future life and their development as an individual;
- To provide each pupil with realistic choices in terms of courses on offer;
- To prepare all pupils to achieve appropriate qualifications and a standard of basic skills appropriate to their later lives as citizens;
- Reflect the changes taking place in society;
- To encourage pupils returning to the Sixth Form in the development of maturity, self-discipline and self-confidence.
Years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3)
All pupils study English, Mathematics, Welsh, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Design & Technology, Music, Art, Drama and Physical Education.
For Year 7 pupils joining the school, the teaching programme in Welsh is a progression of that undertaken by the pupils in Key Stage 2 as determined by their primary school categorisation. Those pupils following a Welsh First Language course will also study Drama, Music, French, Design & Technology and PE in a bilingual programme.
History, Geography, Religious Studies and Mathematics are also available through the medium of Welsh. Pupils will also be able to study Design & Technology, ICT and PE Games through the medium of Welsh up to Year 9. In Years 8 and 9, German is offered as a Second Modern Foreign Language.
The emphasis is on providing a broad base for later external examination courses. A number of classes in Year 7 are taught in mixed ability groups but setting is the dominant organisational form used throughout the Key Stage. All Year 7 pupils receive English, Welsh and French dictionaries for use during their school careers.
Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4)
All pupils follow external examination courses in the Core Subjects of English, Mathematics, Welsh and Science. Additional courses are selected from an option arrangement consisting of National Curriculum 'Foundation' subjects together with others such as Business Studies, Sociology, Technology, ICT and Separate Sciences. A wide choice is available.
Pupils receive tuition in Religious and Physical Education and can pursue these courses to examination level. History, Geography, Religious Studies, Drama and Mathematics are available through the medium of Welsh. French, Business Studies and Design & Technology are also offered through the medium of Welsh but with bilingual support material.
National Curriculum Cross Curricular Themes are addressed through individual subject schemes of work as well as the school's bilingual Personal and Social Education Programme which also incorporates Health Education and Work Related Education.This programme has recently been completely rewritten to ensure ACCAC learning outcomes are achieved through the use of contemporary and locally influenced materials. As part of the school's Careers Programme a variety of ICT software packages are used to introduce pupils to potential careers within their fields of interest. The school also organises and supervises a one week's Work Experience Placement for all pupils in Year 10 in a vocational area of their choice.
Pupils are generally entered for the GCSE Examination though alternative Entry Level Certificate courses are available in a number of subjects. A mentoring scheme is in place for all pupils in Years 10 and 11 to help them develop skills and complete coursework.
Full details of choices, courses and examination levels are given in the 'Year 10/11 Option Booklet' given to each pupil in February of Year 9. Great care is taken in helping pupils select the most appropriate courses.