Curriculum

Our aim is for all pupils to achieve their full academic potential. We have a proven record of success in public examinations. Pupils follow a curriculum that fulfils and goes beyond National Curriculum requirements. As pupils progress through the school they can increasingly choose to specialise in subjects that suit their aspirations and potential career choices. A wide range of learning methods, both traditional and innovative, is used. In a typical day, pupils may work in pairs to analyse historical sources, be involved in a whole-class discussion in RE, or video a role-play in English. We believe that pupils work best when grouped with other pupils of similar ability for each subject. Following initial assessments during a settling-in period, setting is introduced in Year 7 and is applied in most curriculum subjects as pupils progress through the school.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

In Years 7 - 9 all pupils follow the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3. Their programme of study includes: English, mathematics, science, art, drama, modern foreign languages (one each term), information & communication technology, geography, history, music, physical education, PSHE (personal, social & health education), religious education, technology and Welsh. Information technology is taught as a separate subject, to equip all pupils with the skills they need to make effective use of IT resources in their other subjects. From Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to study a choice of two modern foreign languages.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow the core national curriculum of English, Mathematics and science (with separate sciences leading to 3 GCSEs), RE, PE, IT, Welsh and PSHE. In addition pupils choose three options from a range of subjects. Further details are available in our Key Stage 4 Options booklet. A range of vocational programmes of study is available to compliment the traditional GCSE subjects.  Some of these courses are taught in partnership with MCC 14-19 Network and could be taught at Coleg Gwent or via work placements with Private Training providers.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13)

Pupils in Years 12 and 13 are offered a full range of over 34 different courses ranging from Level 1 to Level 3.  These include a broad range of traditional AS and A Level courses as well as a wide variety of vocational courses.  Most of these courses are delivered at the school (a few using the latest video-conferencing technology), and some are delivered in partnership with MCC 14-19 Network including in some cases, work placements with Private Training providers. In addition, twilight courses are available in Paralegal Law and Sage Accountancy.  Pupils also have the opportunity to study for Open University modules as an extension to the school-based curriculum.

Last Edit: 2009-03-31