main-prospectus-2014-15

Proud to be WelshCurriculumWhilst Castell Alun is an English MediumSchool, the Welsh culture is emphasisedWelsh if they have not studiedWelsh in the school curriculum forLower SchoolUpper Schoolthroughout the school in many areas.The Welsh Department plays an important role inensuring the delivery of the language through itsteaching provision but also promotes the cultureof Wales in a number of extra-curricular activities.Welsh is used in main school assemblies and theCurriculum Cymreig is an integral part of subjectspecific schemes of work throughout the school.Students who enter the school in the final year of KeyStage 3 or during Key Stage 4 may be exempted fromthe normal National Curriculum requirements to studyat least one academic year in anyof the three preceding academicyears. However, even though thestatutory requirements to teachWelsh does not apply to thosestudents who meet the abovecriteria, the Governing Body andHeadteacher may decide thatthe subject should be taught.The understanding of the Welsh culture and languageis extended in the Sixth Form through participationin the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.In Year 7, every child will followa timetable comprising:EnglishExpressive Arts(Games, Gymnastics/Dance, Music)Humanities(Geography, History, ReligiousEducation)Languages(French and Welsh)MathematicsScienceTechnologyThe aim of the Upper Schoolis to provide each student witha balanced curriculum whichcaters for individual interestsand aptitudes, without closingtoo many avenues of study.Towards the end of Year 9students are asked to choosefrom a number of options andthis process is carried outwith full consultation betweenparents, students and staff.Details of option programmesare provided in a separatebooklet distributed during theSpring Term of Year 9. A Parents’Evening for Year 9 students isheld prior to the final optionchoice. Students also study theIntermediate Welsh Baccalaureatequalification, elements of whichinclude Essential Skills, WorkrelatedEducation, P.S.E andWales, Europe and the wider world(including a languages module).ArtInformation TechnologyALL subjects are included withinthe framework of the NationalCurriculum. In addition studentswill experience: Personal andSocial Education (PSE), anAssembly (Year or Group) andWhole School Assembly.“Pupils’ understanding of Welsh culture and traditions is developedwell through a range of subjects and extra-curriccular activitiesincluding an annual Eisteddfod.”“The Welsh Baccalaureate qualification in Key Stage 4 and in the Sixth Form is astrong feature. The course provides a wide range of opportunities for pupils to improvetheir skills, which include beneficical activities to support the community.”22ESTYN 2013ESTYN 201323