Curriculum

THE ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

Bangor Grammar School aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that enables each boy to achieve the highest standards of which he is capable as a person, as a citizen and as a member of the workforce.

Key Stage 3

The academic structure at Key Stage 3 meets the requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum and the development of teaching and assessment strategies appropriate for this curriculum is an ongoing facet of school development work. Boys take the subjects listed in the Years 8 – 10 link. Of these ICT is taken as a discrete subject in Year 8 only; after that it is delivered entirely through subjects, culminating in preparation for Key Stage 3 accreditation in Year 10. Year 8 pupils study a general science course, before specialising in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Years 9 and 10. Home Economics is taken in Years 8 and 9 only, although resources in the new school will allow the subject to expand. All boys take French in Year 8 and opt for a second modern language, German or Spanish, in Year 9.

Key Stage 4

By March of Year 10 all boys will have opted for 9 GCSE subjects, with some having the opportunity to take 10. Boys are required to take English, Mathematics, full course or half course Religious Education, Physical Education (available for some as a full GCSE) and Learning for Life and Work (not as yet a GCSE option). Most will take English Literature and all will take at least one science. The remaining choices are listed in the Years 11 – 12 link.

Post – 16

Most boys who meet the school’s criteria for Sixth Form entry will take 4 AS subjects, although the possibility of taking 3 will be offered to some with a lower GCSE points score. They also take one of a series of enrichment courses. The majority will reduce their curriculum to 3 subjects in Year 14. Subjects on offer are listed in the Years 13 – 14 link. In addition there is the possibility of taking courses that the school does not offer at other schools in Bangor with whom we are in partnership.

• Homework - Homework is seen as an essential part of a boy’s education and varies from one and a half hours per night at KS3 to three hours per night at Sixth Form.
• Instrumental tuition of a high quality is available from specialist music tutors and leads to external awards.
• Sport is timetabled for an average of two hours per week for each boy.
• Parental Consultation Meetings are held annually for each year group to provide the opportunity for parents to discuss their son’s academic progress with his teachers.