Curriculum

Key Stage 3

In Years 8 - 10 a system of broad banding according to ability is used to determine class groupings with each year having a supported learning class. Classes are banded into smaller groups for practical subjects.

The curriculum at Key Stage 3 includes;

Key Stage 4

In Years 11 and 12 a system of broad banding according to ability is used for the compulsory core subjects. Pupils in other subjects in these years will be banded if appropriate. All students in Years 11 and 12 will study English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education and non-exam Learning for Life and Work. Further subjects are available as options. Pupils take eight GCSE courses in Years 11 and 12, while a number of further courses are available during ‘twilight’ sessions, which run beyond the end of the school day. We also offer students the opportunity to follow the Prince’s Trust Personal Development and Employability programme, equivalent to two GCSE grades, and an Essential Skills course, which is equivalent to one GCSE grade.

The subjects we offer at GCSE level are;

A Level

The Sixth Year in St Patrick’s offers a Programme of Study for students who want to work towards Higher Education courses. The College offers the following Advanced Level programmes, with the list below showing the subjects which our Sixth Form students can access as part of the Ballymena Learning together community:

Offered in St Patrick’s College (available in Single or Double Award)

Post-16 Transition Programme

Our one-year Transition Programme is designed for students progressing from GCSE level who want to enhance their skills and improve their qualifications in order to make the most appropriate choices for their future career.

These new and innovative Post-16 courses develop the relevant skills necessary for the very competitive world of work and also lay a solid foundation for further study at A Level.

This special curriculum affords the students a further year to mature as well as offering the opportunity to participate in a supervised and structured work experience programme which is now considered a valuable asset and much appreciated by employers.

The Transition Programme offers students a range of qualifications including:

• BTEC Level 2 Sport
• BTEC Level 2 Health & Social Care
• OCN Level 2 Personal Finance
• OCN Level 2 Vocational Studies
• Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication
• Essential Skills Level 2 in Application of Number
  
• GCSE English Language (Repeat)
• GCSE Mathematics (Repeat)