Curriculum
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
In years 8,9 and 10 al pupils follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum with Information Communication Technology integrated into all subjects at this level; in addition pupils have the opportunity to study personal and Social Education. Health education is promoted through the subjects of Home Economics and Science.
Subjects studied include;
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Home Economics
- Physical Education
- Religious Education
- French
- Technology and Design
- Art
- Music
- Personal and Social Education
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
During Key Stage 4 (Year 11 and 12) all pupils will study the core subjects: English, Religious Education; Mathematics; Science and French in addition to Careers and Games. Pupils will also study a group of optional subjects chosen from Geography, History, English Literature, Double Award Science, ICT, Technology and Design, Business Studies, Office Applications, Information Systems, Home Economics, Child Development, Music, Art and Physical Education.
The subjects pupils study will be based upon parent / pupil choices; pupils Key Stage 3 continuous assessment record; internal and external examinations in addition to recommendations from subject teachers.
Post 16 Sixth Form Curriculum
At present pupils have a choice of studying either Vocational “A” levels in Years 13 and 14 (Lower and Upper Sixth) or Intermediate level GNVQ in Year 13 (Lower Sixth).
General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ)
Two-year GNVQ Advanced courses in Business Studies, ICT and Leisure and Tourism are offered presently. A one year couse Intermedite level GNVQ is offered in Business Studies. Pupils will also study and have to demonstrate competence in the core skills of Information Technology, Application of Number and Communications. They will be give the opportunity to develop skills in problem solving, working with others and improving their own learning and performance.
The range of post 16 courses on offer will depend on the number of pupils choosing a course together with our staffing resources within the school.
Special Educational Needs
Some pupils in the 11-18 age group have Special Educational Needs which must be catered for. Monkstown Community School is a caring school which treats all pupils as individuals.
The School has a Moderate Learning Difficulties Unit with three specialist teachers who work with pupils, parents, subject teachers and external agencies to ensure that the appropriate support is provided. This includes
1:1 support
- Learning Assistants
- Reading Partnerships
- Small teaching groups
- Extra support in subject classes
- North Eastern Board personnel
- A range of teaching approaches to enable pupils to develop confidence and understanding.
All requirements of the Northern Ireland Code of Practice are met and parents are kept fully informed.
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Famous quotes containing the word curriculum:
“If we focus exclusively on teaching our children to read, write, spell, and count in their first years of life, we turn our homes into extensions of school and turn bringing up a child into an exercise in curriculum development. We should be parents first and teachers of academic skills second.”
—Neil Kurshan (20th century)