Dear Parent/Guardian,
There are some important changes coming to the curriculum in Wales from September 2015. In particular a more robust Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification will become compulsory for all pupils in Years 10 and 11 and GCSE Maths will split into two separate exams (GCSE Numeracy and GCSE Maths), both of which will be taken by all our pupils.
On top of these changes, we need to respond to our Estyn inspection report from November 2013 which stated that we needed to improve standards in Welsh Second Language.
To prepare for these changes and pressures, we have reviewed our curriculum model at KS4 and KS3 and are proposing to make a small number of alterations. These changes are: to increase the WBQ and Maths time at KS4 by one lesson per fortnight by removing compulsory GCSE ICT Short Course; and to increase Welsh time by one lesson per fortnight in Year 7 and Year 9 by reducing time for PE and Science.
We believe that this proposal retains the breadth and balance of our curriculum at both KS4 and KS3, while also allowing us the flexibility to make further changes in the future if need be.
Attached below you will find tables showing our current curriculum model and the new proposed model. We would welcome your comments regarding the proposed changes. These can be submitted by emailing me from our website or sending written information to me with your son/daughter.
The deadline for consultation responses is Friday, 16th January. I look forward to hearing your views.
Yours faithfully
ALAN TOOTILL
Headteacher
Letter – Proposed Curriculum Changes – Consultation with Parents