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Curricula explained
Years 7-9 curriculum
Pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 follow Key Stage 3 (commonly abbreviated as KS3), the legal term for the three years of schooling in schools in England and Wales, when pupils are aged between 11 and 14. Pupils follow these core subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- Religious Studies
- Art
- Design & Technology (DT)
- Drama
- French (core in years 7 & 8, option in Year 9 along with German)
- Geography
Options
- English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
- French/German in Year 9
If interest exists, as part of the extra curriculum, it may be possible to study Welsh, with examination entry
possible if sufficient progress is made.
GCSE curriculum (years 10 &11)
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic qualification awarded in a specified subject, generally taken in a number of subjects by pupils aged 14–16.
Education to GCSE level is often required of pupils who study for the International Baccalaureate or to GCE Advanced Level (A-level).
Rydal Penrhos pupils take the following core GCSE subjects as well as options, which can be found by download the GCSE curriculum document on the right. Pupils would normally be expected to sit at least eight GCSEs comprising core subjects and options.
- English Language GCSE
- Mathematics GCSE
- Science GCSE
- Religious Studies (part of school week – non examined)
- PSHE (part of school week – non examined)
- Games (part of school week – non examined)
+ for full list of options see GCSE booklet
All pupils would normally expect to sit AppliedScience, Religious Studies and Literature. The top Science sets can, after recommendation, choose to sit separate science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Occasionally pupils are entered into GCSE examinations before Year 10, enabling them to study additional external qualifications alongside their GCSEs.
Pupils receiving support from either the Learning Support or the English as a Foreign Language Departments may experience a reduced GCSE programme.
Most GCSEs contain a mixture of supervised course work or practical work with a terminal paper. All subjects now offer modular courses.
Pre-Sixth curriculum
Rydal Penrhos School offers a one-year course to overseas pupils aged 15 or 16 to prepare them for the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth form. Pupils study alongside GCSE students.
A-levels
In the Lower Sixth (Year 12) pupils will follow AS courses, each usually consisting of two modules. In the Upper Sixth (Year 13) students will study A2 courses, each usually consisting of two modules. A2 courses build on and develop the knowledge and skills gained at AS. AS is compulsory in order to pursue A2 studies to make the full A-level. Pupils tend to study towards three of four A-levels.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
An alternative course of study in the Sixth form, pupils study six subjects; three at Higher and three at Standard level.