Curriculum Overview

Curriculum for Wales

As part of our process for preparing for Curriculum for Wales, we endeavor to provide opportunities for learners to become:

Ambitious, capable learners who:

• are confident, lifelong learners
• develop independence
• embrace a love of learning
• challenge themselves
• have a willingness to persevere and are prepared to ‘fail’ as a part of learning
• have high aspirations
• are proactive
• are able to identify and use digital technologies to further their learning.

Ethically, informed citizens who:

• aim to become honest and responsible
• make and have better choices – better informed
• are respectful of others and their opinions
• understand the importance of environment
• feel like they belong.

Healthy, confident individuals who:

• develop a ‘can do’ attitude
• have increased self-belief
• have clear boundaries
• are able to build healthy, positive relationships
• set goals and be proactive
• are confident to ask for help
• focus on understanding good mental, physical and sexual health.

Enterprising, creative contributors who:

• are active listeners who contribute in an informed and meaningful way
• know kindness and the consequences of their actions; have empathy with others
• have an increased awareness of the outside world and know that there is life outside of their local area!
• take risks
• are adaptable to change
• are able to link learning and skills across subjects and experiences.

Along with our values, planning curriculum opportunities considers these four purposes and the knowledge, skills and experiences we provide our learners to develop these characteristics.

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3 offers a rich and varied curriculum designed to prepare learners for the ‘step up’ to Key Stage 4, the transition from primary to secondary school and to develop key skills across all subjects. There is a strong focus on breadth of curriculum, with learners studying a full curricular range in addition to the core subjects.

Year 7 also provides opportunities to ease the transition from primary to secondary through cross-curricular planning in addition to the study of traditional subjects such as: English, Maths, Welsh, Science and Humanities.

Year 8 and 9 focus on subject based lessons in: English, Maths, Science, Welsh, MFL, DT, Art, Music, Drama, History, Geography, Religious Studies, P.S.E. and P.E.

As a result, learners are able to experience all subjects in order to develop their individual areas of interest and to make informed choices when deciding upon GCSE options subjects in Year 9. For those learners, who are unable to access the traditional curriculum, alternative provision is provided, to cater for their learning needs. However, the introduction of CfW will ensure progress along a continuum of learning as it is rolled out.

Learners are well supported in choosing their individual curriculum pathway and parents are involved throughout this process. In addition to the core subjects, the majority of learners select three option subjects.

Key Stage 4 focuses on depth of learning, with learners guided to develop their knowledge of key concepts and to understand the underlying links between different subjects and ideas. There is a clear emphasis on the in-depth development of the key skills and knowledge required for exams, whilst still ensuring subjects are engaging and enjoyable for learners. Teachers focus their planning on what learners need to learn and design interesting, engaging lessons designed to ensure the progress of all. Again, there is an alternative curriculum offer for those learners who are unable to access GCSE courses; unable to access a full range of GCSE courses; have a specific interest and/or for well-being and pastoral reasons, need alternate provision.

Alternative Curriculum in consultation with Learning Managers, SLT, learner and parents:

Compulsory *

Optional +

14-16 network “

Linc Conwy #

Curriculum for Wales

Although the school has not adopted the new curriculum for 2022-2023, we are continuing our preparations ready for implementation in September 2023.

Cross-curricular Skills

The development of literacy, numeracy and digital competence skills, across the curriculum is crucial to progress in all subject areas. Opportunities to make progress in these areas are planned for in subject specific lessons and also during form time.

Whole School Literacy Co-ordinator – Ms P. Sheridan

Whole School Numeracy Co-ordinator – Mr N. Vyner

Whole School Digital Competence Co-ordinator – Mr C. Heard

Relationships and Sexuality Education - Miss C. Owen

Religious Values and Ethics - Mr R. Dennis