The College offers a balanced and broadly based curriculum for all pupils at Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Post - 16.

Breadth and balance are provided not only through academic subjects but also through a range of experiences provided to develop the faith, moral character, skills and individual talents of our pupils.

Such experiences include weekly pastoral care classes, regular visits of our school chaplains and frequent participation in the sacraments. Other enriching experiences include a wide range of extra curricular activities - sporting, cultural, academic, recreational, external competitions, quizzes, and many inter-school activities.

 

The delivery of the curriculum takes place within a positive, caring environment and is planned and monitored in such a way as to ensure access for all and ‘achievement opportunity’ for all.

Curriculum for school year 2005 - 06

Key Stage 3

All pupils at Key Stage 3 (i.e. years 8, 9 & 10) take the following core subjects: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Irish, Technology, History Geography, French or Spanish, Home Economics, Art, Physical Education, Drama, Music, Personal & Social Development, I.C.T. and Reading for pleasure.

Additionally, Health Education, Cultural Heritage and Education for Mutual Understanding are taken as ‘cross curricular’ themes.

 

Key Stage 4

All pupils in Year 11 and Year 12 study the common core subjects: Religious Education, English, (Language alone or Language and Literature) Mathematics, Science (Double Award or Single Award), Physical Education and Careers.

In addition, a pupil will choose to study one subject from each of three option groups. The option groups (2005/2006) are:

1. French or Spanish or Irish

2. Geography or History or Home Economics or Business Studies

3. Art or Technology or Office Applications or Drama.

A specially structured time table has been put in place for those boys taking GCSE Music. Key Stage 4 curriculum provision is reviewed every academic year. This ensures that each incoming Year 11 group is facilitated to select from a broad range of subjects in line with interests, abilities and qualifications required.

The normal mode of assessment at the end of Key Stage 4 is GCSE. Some pupils will take programmes of study which lead to certificate accreditation by CEA, and EDEXEL.

 

Post 16

St. Patrick’s College has a long and proud history in Post 16 provision. At present the College offers a range of subjects at GCE Advanced Level. This wide spectrum of Post 16 provision offers an excellent platform for our sixth formers to progress to University, further Education or directly into quality employment.

For those students who don’t fully “do themselves justice” in G.C.S.E., there is an opportunity to take either GNVQ Business or BTEC First Diploma in Engineering. Both programmes are equivalent to 4/5 subjects at GCSE level.