Curriculum
At Ysgol Clywedog we offer a curriculum based on the principles of breadth, balance, coherence, relevance and, where appropriate, guided choice.
On entering Ysgol Clywedog in Key Stage 3, all pupils are required to take English, mathematics, science, Welsh, physical education, religious education (RE), history, geography, French, art, music, drama, design technology, ICT and personal and social education (PSE).
In Key Stage 4, the core curriculum of English, Mathematics, and Science are taken to examination level. Welsh, PE, RE and PSE are studied by all students but can also be chosen as a GCSE option.
At the start of Year 10, we aim to provide an even richer and more varied curriculum by including subjects in addition to those of the National Curriculum. Students are able to choose from a wide selection of subjects and study them to Level 1 and/or Level 2. Courses delivered in school include:
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Art & Design
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History
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BACS (Business & Communication Systems)
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ICT
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Catering
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Music
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Child Development
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PE
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Drama
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Psychology
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Electronic Products
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RE
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Engineering
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Resistant Materials
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Fine Art
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Sociology
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French
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Sport BTEC
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Geography
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Textile Technology
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German
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Welsh
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Graphic Products
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Students can choose four subjects from the above list, but one choice will be either ICT or BACS. For students who find a large number of subjects difficult to study alternative curriculum structures are available with support and courses that lead to a variety of certificates. Students who are able to 'fast track' subjects will be able to undertake more than four option choices.
In line with 14 - 19 developments in education, we work closely with Yale College and other providers to offer a variety of vocational courses to a number of students. Students have the opportunity to take courses such as Hair & Beauty, Construction, Catering, Engineering, Equine Studies, Performing Arts and others. These courses can lead to vocational qualifications that will enable the students to progress at post 16 level. This year we are continuing to offer courses in Law, Psychology and Geology at Yale and this allows those students who are able, to gain GCSE's in one year. Other courses running in school allow students to gain wider general key skills and can be integrated with work placements.
In Year 7, students are taught mainly in mixed ability groups. Sets according to ability are introduced for mathematics, science and languages during Key Stage 3. This will allow teachers to prepare learning experiences at the most appropriate level for the groups of children, acknowledging that even in sets individuals will need support on some occasions as well as extension work on others. Class sizes are kept low as part of the school's policy to focus on the individual. Some children receive extra literacy support in humanities subjects in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Whatever age or ability, students can be assured of a wide and varied curriculum that meets our statutory obligations, allows choice and equips them well for further education and adult life.
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