Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview
It is our responsibility to ensure that a broad and balanced learning experience is provided to all pupils. Our aim is to have class sizes no bigger than 20 in all subjects – indeed many of our classes are much smaller than this. We believe that the intimacy and closeness between pupil and teacher generated by this small class size is of the utmost importance in facilitating teaching and learning of the highest quality. Our teachers know every pupil on an individual basis and, together with the pupils, they strive for the goal of academic excellence for every child.
Key Stage 3
A broad curriculum is provided to all Key Stage 3 pupils, which includes an extensive Careers programme during Year 10 to support the selection of subjects for Key Stage 4 study.
During Years 8, 9 and 10, pupils will have the opportunity to study the following subjects:
Art & Design
Drama
Digital Technology
English
French
Geography
History
Home Economics
Learning for Life & Work (LLW)
Mathematics
Music
PE
RE
Science
Technology & Design
Key Stage 4
A certain number of subjects must be studied by all pupils. These are English, Maths, Science (Single/Double Award), Religious Education, Physical Education, Personal Development and Careers. In addition, we also offer a wide range of GCSE and other courses including Agriculture & Land Use, Art & Design, Business Studies, Digital Technology, English Literature, French, Further Maths, Geography, History, Home Economics Food & Nutrition, Learning for Life & Work, Music, MVRUS, Technology & Design, Essential Skills Communication and Essential Skills Application of Number.
The school is meeting the demands of the Entitlement Framework Curriculum (requirement to deliver 21 subjects). This target has been achieved through collaboration with the Southern Regional College Newry, St Paul’s High School Bessbrook, St Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen and Newry High School. Pupils from all 4 schools now avail of a wide range of courses (GCSE and B.Tech qualifications) on different sites.
In addition to providing greater subject choice for our pupils, this successful partnership has helped to promote throughout the curriculum, those values and attitudes which lead to mutual respect between the pupils. A sense of tolerance is combined with pupil confidence to share cultural experiences which is extended beyond the classroom and the school environment.
The Vocational Enhancement Programme (VEP) offered by SRC is delivered through the Occupational Studies course, with students choosing 2 units in Year 11 and 2 further units in Year 12. Pupils who are successful on this course can achieve a Level 2 in their two units which will be counted by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and FE colleges as being equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grade A*-C.
