Cathays High School

Curriculum Organisation

When students first enter the school at 11 years of age, they are placed in Year 7, and progress to Year 11 by the time they are 16 years of age. Those who stay on after 16 years of age become Years 12 and 13.

In each year group there are normally 5 or 6 classes, named after the initials of the form tutor.  e.g. 8AG

 Our curriculum is centred on the needs of each individual within each curriculum area. Where these individual needs are best addressed through “subject sets” then this method is used. However, where the curriculum is best served through the use of “mixed ability” groups, we use that method. We do not have “streams” or “bands”.

All lessons in this school are taught through the medium of English. The language of Welsh is taught as a separate subject in the curriculum.

The Curriculum at KS3 (Year 7,8 and 9)

In Year 7  8 and 9 pupils all students study the same National Curriculum subjects , comprised of :
a) “core  subjects  which are: English, Mathematics Science; Welsh; Religious Education; Physical Education & Games;  Personal and Social Education(including Careers  in Year 9).
 
b) “foundation subjects” which are: History, Geography, Technology, Information Technology  French, Art, Music, Drama.

Following revision of the National Curriculum subject orders and the introduction of a  non statutory skills framework in 2008,  the school has responded by retaining our existing approach to curriculum organization at KS3 while adopting a more skills focused approach to the delivery of the subjects. , This includes an  the explicit  focus on the development of the generic skills of communication, numeracy, ICT and thinking  across the curriculum.

The Curriculum at KS4 ( Year 10 and 11)

At KS4 all  students continue to study the core subjects of the National Curriculum :
English, Mathematics, Science,   R.E. Welsh;  PSE (Personal and Social Education ), P .E. and Games;. In addition, following approval by the Welsh Assembly government, all pupils are entered for the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification. at either foundation or intermediate level.  This flagship qualification extends pupils experience incorporating  a range of activity which includes the core subjects of PSE and Welsh  and the development  of  key skills.

In addition pupils choose 4 options.  In  compliance  with the “Learning and Skills Measure” 2009, all pupils have the opportunity to study from a choice of  30 courses  including  at least 5 vocational options. This is achieved  through a local area curriculum offered  through the Cardiff 14-19 network ( i.e  currently in conjunction with Cardiff & The Vale College, Cardiff High, Llanishen High and Whitchurch High Schools)   

Finally, pupils can opt to study further optional subjects through our Out of School Hours Learning Programme. e.g Dance; Photography;  and a choice of community languages

The curriculum at KS5 / Sixth Form  (Years 12&13)

In Years 12 and 13 a range of academic and vocational courses are offered which prepare students for university, further education, commerce and industry.

 In order to offer a wider range of AS courses the school runs a joint timetable with partnership schools  allowing students  to pick a subject  at a different centre to meet their needs.

We also offer a choice of progression routes for students  including one year vocational courses and ESOL courses for those with limited English.  

In addition. students are prepared for the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification at either intermediate  or advanced level. This qualification, which at advanced level is equivalent to  an A grade, has proved  highly successful in both motivating students and equipping them with the skills for  both further study and employment.