COLLEGE

Key Stage 5
Following successful completion of GCSEs students can make application to enter the College Sixth Form to study A
Levels. The Key Stage 5 curriculum, which is subject to annual review, comprises:
Key Stage 5 - Years 13 and 14 (Post-16)
Applied Business Art & Design Moving Image Arts Environmental
Technology Geography Applied ICT English Literature Mathematics
Biology Religious Studies Health and Social Care BTEC Public Services
BTEC Sport
College curriculum
Students in Years 8 to 10 follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Active learning is prioritised in Key Stage 3 with
students having numerous and regular opportunities to be creative, to problem solve, to manage information and to
work with others.
The Curriculum comprises:
Key Stage 3 - Years 8 -10
English Maths Science French Art & Design Drama Employability
Spanish Geography History Home Economics ICT Citizenship Music
Personal & Social Development Religious Education Technology & Design
Physical Education
At the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 10) students make their subject choices for Key Stage 4 and GCSEs. All students in
Key Stage 4 (Years 11 and 12) are required to follow a number of prescribed subjects from the General Learning Areas.
These are examined by GCSE syllabi or in a number of cases through other publically accredited bodies. Subject choice
at GCSE, provides our senior students with access to academic and applied GCSEs and to a range of vocational courses.
The table below provides an example of core and optional subjects which may be studied at Key Stage 4. Subject choice
at GCSE, provides our senior students with access to academic and applied GCSEs and BTECs and to a range of other
Vocational Courses.
Additional A Level provision is offered to our students through the Bangor Learning Partnership/ North Down and Ards
Learning Community.
The Choice of A levels on offer to St Columbanus’ College students from the North Down and Ards Learning
Community is wide ranging. This selection of subjects varies annually and the list below illustrates some of those A Levels
which may be made available to our students.
An Examplar of NDALC choices:
Applied Science Chemistry Drama Engineering French History
Hospitality Law Music Physics Psychology Sports Science
St Columbanus’ College works closely and successfully with its partner schools to accommodate the A Level choices of
its students. Separate arrangements for A Levels are always dependent upon timetabling arrangements and staffing in all
schools.
Please note that choices may vary from year to year according to the needs of the pupils
At appropriate times of the year the College website illustrates the new choices available to incoming Sixth Form
students.
Please see the College website for further information on the curriculum.
Key Stage 4 GCSE - Years 11 and 12
Core
English (GCSE) Maths (GCSE) Religious Education (GCSE) ICT (GCSE &
vocational accreditation) Occupational Studies* Physical Education
Careers Maths For Life**
*confirmed annually for some students **some students
Choice/GCSEs
Art & Design Biology Business Studies Construction Child Development Double
Award Science English Literature French / Spanish Geography History Home
Economics Moving Image Arts Music Physical Education Technology & Design
Single Award Science BTEC Travel and Tourism Personal Success and Well-Being
The curriculum is determined by the needs of each cohort of children and other factors related to curriculum delivery.
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