KS3 Curriculum
We aim, within the framework of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all our pupils. We strive to create the learning conditions in which our pupils can achieve to the maximum of their potential; maturing to become confident, skilled and responsible individuals, able to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
Curriculum Overview
In Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils will study a number of subjects based on the General Learning Areas of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. These are listed below:
General Learning Areas
Language and Literacy
Mathematics
Science & Technology
Environment & Society
The Arts
Modern Languages
Physical Education
Religious Education
ICT is also delivered as a discrete subject.
Learning for Life and Work
Pupils study Learning for Life and Work including Personal Development, Local and Global Citizenship, Employability and Home Economics. All pupils have timetabled Personal and Social Education.
Cross Curricular Skills
The Cross Curricular Skills of Using Literacy, Mathematics and ICT are integrated into the subjects delivered within the Areas of Learning.
KS3 Literacy
We inspire students to discover the joy of reading and provide opportunities to improve their reading skills. Our school library is a haven for students – this colourful and nurturing environment provides access to a range of stimulating fiction and non-fiction resources. We encourage students to express meaning, feelings and viewpoints.
At KS3, we provide set, structured opportunities for students to engage in Reading for Pleasure. We challenge students to meet individual Reading for Pleasure targets and to work towards achievement of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Reading Awards. We use Accelerated Reader to promote student engagement and to monitor reading success. We celebrate students’ success through our English Department merit scheme, the Reading Awards and World Book Day celebrations.
The English Department provides a framework for the development of writing skills across the curriculum and each student is involved in the identification of individual Building Block targets. Teachers of Literacy set structured activities to support students’ achievement of Writing targets and promote ownership of learning.
We provide valuable support for our students, including Literacy Support through Lexia and our Year 8 Reading Buddy programme.
KS3 Numeracy
We aim for all pupils to recognise the importance of Numeracy and to develop their skills. We provide opportunities for pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of how these skills apply across the Curriculum and in the world around them. Through a range of strategies, pupils are able to enhance their logical thinking, reasoning and decision-making abilities whilst creatively solving mathematical problems.
In St Joseph’s College we work closely with outside agencies to deliver Financial Capability and Life Skills workshops. These help to improve pupils’ understanding of the application of mathematical skills to real life and work situations in preparation to make informed choices in today’s world.
All KS3 pupils work through a structured Numeracy programme which helps improve pupil’s confidence and ability. We empower pupils with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills required to fully access GCSE Maths concepts as they move to Key Stage 4 study.
Setting
In Year 8 pupils are placed in mixed ability classes, with classroom assistant support. We take into consideration the information we received from primary schools and information from parents before final class lists are prepared and pupils placed in classes.
We set high standards and children will be challenged to achieve academically.