Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

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The curriculum in St Joseph’s reflects the statutory curricular requirements.  It provides pupils with access to a broad, balanced and flexible range of academic and vocational options which are matched well to their needs and interests and provides relevant pathways to appropriate destinations.  

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Our curriculum offers the full range of traditional A Level subjects in addition to a variety of vocational qualifications. Our students continue to enjoy outstanding academic success in all subject areas including English, Science, Mathematics, Languages and the Humanities. Results in external examinations consistently show that our students out-perform the Northern Ireland Grammar Average in many subject areas. Data evidences that we remain one of the top performing grammar schools in Mid-Ulster.  An example of this is outstanding achievement in A Levels sciences, most notably our A Level Chemistry results which regularly see 100% of students achieve A*-B grades.  Our curriculum offer supports a significant number of our students securing places on the most high demand degree programmes such as Medicine and Dentistry.

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The cross-curricular skills of literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology (ICT), are integrated to good effect across the curriculum in St Joseph’s with each of these areas being led discreetly by a member of teaching staff.   

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The Curriculum Vice Principal has overall leadership responsibility for the curriculum.  There is regular review of the curriculum, at all levels, to meet the needs and interests of the current cohorts of pupils, in order to enable them to realise their potential.   

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We have established effective links with other schools in the Area Learning Community (ALC) and the programmes available through the ALC are of a high quality and demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs, abilities and aspirations of all pupils. 

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The end of Years 10 and 12 mark key transition points when students embark on a new ‘era’ in their education.  The curriculum team work proactively with students and parents leading up to these key transition points to ensure that all students are offered the help and guidance needed to make effective and positive subject choices. Our Key Stage 4 and Post-16 curriculums are as flexible as possible and enable success.  

 

Inbuilt into our curriculum is the progressive development of employability skills.  In addition to this aspect of the curriculum, it is crucial that students and parents are proactive in researching potential career pathways at the end of both Key Stage 3 and 4 to identify which subjects are required.  It is also important that students research each qualification before making a firm decision as this ensures that the correct decisions are made.  Our options booklet offers a breakdown of each subject and we encourage you to read this carefully to make informed decisions.  

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In addition to the formal curriculum our pupils have access to a wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities which are inclusive and are valued by the pupils. 

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Key Stage 3 (Years 8, 9 & 10) Study

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