Learning Pathways

You're about to make some important decisions about your future: Which subjects are going to be best for you? What ideas do you have about higher education or careers? How do you ensure you make sensible and relevant choices?

But don't worry; we're here to help you make the most appropriate choices and build a curriculum around your interests, strengths and needs.

Most of your adult life will be taken up by higher education and work. The choices you make now may help to ensure you are able to have a satisfying and rewarding career. Skills are very much on the agenda for employers. You need to be able to work in a team, use initiative, problem solve, use numbers, use technology and communicate orally and in writing.

As we go through this guided learning pathway process, do not be afraid to ask for information and advice. Subject teachers, Achievement Leaders, Youth Workers, Careers Advisors and the Senior Leadership Team are all here to help you. And that goes for parents and carers too!

Everything you need to know can be found on this page. However, you are also welcome to ‘drop in’ to one-to-one meetings with a member of senior staff to discuss the choices available to you in detail. This is a great opportunity to ask questions so that we can get things right for you.

As you make these important decisions, you’ll need to think about what is best for you. After all, it’s your future! We call these ‘guided’ learning pathways because you’d be sensible to listen to the advice of the people that matter to you. Your family will have views about what they think is best. Your teachers will also know about your strengths and areas for development as a learner. The aim is that we can come to an agreement that everyone is content with, most of all you.

Your learning pathway will be made up of the following elements:

Core knowledge and skills

• Mathematics and Numeracy
• English Language and Literature
• Science

Wales, the world and you

• Welsh Language
• Religious Education
• Character Education*
• Health and Fitness*

Personal specialisms

• Specialism 1
• Specialism 2
• Specialism 3

Specialisms can lead to a range of qualifications. These will be determined based on your attainment at the end of Key Stage 3, your progress at the start of Key Stage 4 and, in some circumstances, by other factors (such as class sizes).

*These lessons do not lead to qualifications

It is our aim that you will get the most out of school and that teaching and learning inspires you to succeed. We seek to actively develop the potential of every young person at St Teilo’s, giving them the best possible start in adult life. This means that we want you to achieve a range of qualifications at the highest levels at the same time as you grow socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Qualifications in Wales have changed. Parents and carers will have a very different understanding of qualifications than you. They might remember a time when children studied either ‘academic’ or ‘vocational’ qualifications. We think about qualifications differently now, instead focusing on the level of qualifications as opposed to the type of qualifications.

Pupils at St Teilo’s will study different qualifications which are assessed at the following levels:

Entry Level

• This includes entry level awards and entry level certificates. Entry level is used very rarely and only for children with significant educational needs.

Level 1

• This includes GCSEs at grades D, E, F or G, level 1 awards and level 1 certificates. Pupils may attain a level 1 qualification if a level 2 qualification is beyond their reach, for whatever reason.

Level 2

• This includes GCSEs at grades A*, A, B or C, level 2 awards and level 2 certificates. We aim for every young person at St Teilo’s to attain as many level 2 qualifications as possible.

The ‘Core knowledge and skills’ and ‘Wales, the world and you’ aspects of the pathway are compulsory for all pupils. However, you have a broad choice of ‘Personal specialisms’ available to you as part of your guided learning pathway.

Although your choices are very broad, there are some limitations. This is because the school needs to be able to create a working timetable with enough teachers and classrooms available to deliver the curriculum. However, we normally find that almost all pupils are able to choose the specialisms they want and we have kept our curriculum offer as wide ranging as possible for you.

It depends! Once everybody has made their choices we will begin to build a curriculum which is unique to your Year Group. Teachers will then look at your prior attainment, your progress early in Year 10 and your strengths and weaknesses as a learner. The profile of each class will be used to pick the qualification which will give you the best possible outcome. Remember, we aim for every pupil to gain as many level 2 qualifications as possible.

On very rare occasions the Headteacher chooses to withdraw a course. This is normally because so few pupils have opted for it. However, we will do as much as we reasonably can to keep as many courses running as possible. We always work very hard to keep our curriculum broad and comprehensive.

As far as possible, we try to help you make the right choices early on. This is why you find so much information on this page and why you will have drop-in opportunities with a senior member of staff. However, from time-to-time people have a change of heart and we try to accommodate changes as best as we possibly can. There are some limitations, such as class sizes and number of lessons missed, so if you change your mind speak to your Achievement Leader as soon as possible.

You are incredibly precious to your family. You are also very important to St Teilo’s! We all want what is best for you and will all take a view on what gives you the best start in adult life. These are ‘guided’ learning pathways meaning that we want everybody to agree. Sometimes, we need to be prepared to negotiate and compromise. We make a commitment to listen very carefully to your ideas and opinions and, once the negotiations are over, will work very hard to ensure you are happy with the curriculum that has been designed for you.

There are lots of people who can help you to make decisions about your future. These include your family, your friends, older pupils, your teachers and other school staff. You can also access a great range of information on the Careers Wales website. If you'd like to speak with the Headteacher, you can email here.

You can find the specifications for courses here.

The benefits of this compulsory subject include:

• Increased employability across all sectors;
• Advanced problem solving and reasoning skills;
• Improved understanding of the world and its systems;
• Better critical thinking skills and heightened intelligence.

This compulsory subject leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Mathematics (at Level 1 or 2) and GCSE Maths-Numeracy (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Mathematics (at Level 3) or A Level Further Maths (at Level 3)
• Careers in Engineering, Medicine, Finance, Science and many others

You can find the specifications for courses here.

The benefits of this compulsory subject include:

• Improved verbal communication skills;
• Fluency in reading a range of texts;
• Accuracy in writing a range of useful and practical texts;
• A greater understanding of character and the effects of language on a reader.

This compulsory subject leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE English Language (at Level 1 or 2) and GCSE English Literature (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level English Language (at Level 3) or A Level English Literature-Language (at Level 3)
• Careers such as journalism, teaching and tutoring and a wealth of further study

You can find the specifications for courses here, here and across the three separate disciplines here, here and here.

The benefits of this compulsory subject include:

• A better understanding of the world and universe;
• A development of skills such as problem solving and numeracy;
• Fostering critical thinking skills in the context of a widely recognised and respected subject;
• Becoming the next generation to positively progress the human race.

This compulsory subject leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Applied Science (at Level 1 or 2), GCSE Double Award Science (at Level 1 or 2) or GCSE Physics, Chemistry and Biology (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Physics, Chemistry and Biology (at Level 3)
• Careers in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Technology, Environment and many others

This compulsory subject includes the study of:

• Trust
• Justice
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Liberation
• Creativity
• Gentleness
• Compassion
• Hospitality
• Love
• Gratitude
• Humility

The Character Practices are taught within the context of contemporary issues which affect young people, including anti-racism, sexuality and relationships, keeping safe, climate justice and democracy and citizenship.

The benefits of this compulsory subject include:

• Promoting the four purposes of educating for wisdom, hope, community and dignity;
• Understanding ourselves and our place in the world;
• Becoming more tolerant, more loving and more understanding of others;
• Being a force for good in the world.

This compulsory subject leads to:

• At Key Stage 5, preparation for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (at Level 3)

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this compulsory subject include:

• Develop further the skills of literacy, communication and evaluation;
• Being able to discuss, reflect and share your thoughts, opinions and beliefs;
• Understand other cultures and points of views;
• Understanding current affairs and modern day ethical issues.

This compulsory subject leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE RE (at Levels 1 or 2).
• At Key Stage 5, A Level RE (at Level 3) and further studies in Philosophy, Ethics, Politics, Criminology etc.
• A wide range of careers including, Police Force, Teaching, Nursing and medical care, Journalism, Social Work, Air Cabin Crew, Politics, Prison Officer, Probation Service, Armed Forces, Youth and Community Worker.

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this compulsory subject include:

• We live in Wales;
• To create a stronger sense of belonging;
• Develop new skills and language strategies;
• We support a target of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.

This compulsory subject leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Welsh (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Welsh (at Level 3)
• Employment benefits in all sectors
• Welsh speakers earn more on average in Wales!

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Actively engaging in the creative process of art, craft and design developing independent learning;
• Becoming confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques;
• Developing an awareness of the different roles in the production of art and in the creative and cultural industries.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, Level 2 Certificate in Creative & Media within Art and Design or GCSE Art and Design (at Levels 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, Level 3 Award in Art and Design or A Level Art (Level 3).

You can find the specifications for these courses here and here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Business allows you the opportunity to gain skills and understanding which may be useful for future job applications;
• The news is full of stories of 'recession' and ‘economic recovery’. You will gain knowledge, skills and understanding which will enable you to understand such issues and how they affect you and your future;
• You will study topics which will be both useful and practical to you in later adult life.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, Level 2 Certificate in Business or GCSE Business (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Business, A Level Economics or BTEC Business (all at Level 3)
• Careers in areas such as Business Management, Accountancy, Law and Travel

The number of classes available may be limited in this popular subject.

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• A development of confidence through team work and performance;
• As well as acquiring the skills involved in creating and performing drama you will also be able to acquire skills in working with others, problem solving and communication. You will find that by undertaking the study of drama will prepare you to deal with a range of different situations and people.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Drama (at Levels 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Drama and Theatre Studies (at Level 3)

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world;
• A practical approach to making electronics encourages students to design and make quality electronic products with creativity, originality and flair. Learners have the opportunity to use and interact with a wide range of electronic components, new technologies and modern electronic devices.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Engineering Design [previously Electronic Products] (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Engineering Design (at Level 3)
• Potential career paths could include electrical/electronic engineer, circuit designer, software/hardware programmer

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• It encourages learners to cook, enables you to make informed decisions about food and nutrition, and allows you to acquire knowledge in order to be able to feed yourself and others affordably and nutritiously;
• Develop an understanding of the importance of a nutritious diet to a healthy life-style. Develop your analytical and problem solving skills.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, BTEC Hospitality (at Level 1 or 2)
• Career as a Nutritionist, Product design in the food industry, Food scientist, Food technologist, Research and Development Technologist, Dietician, Education Lecturer/Teacher, Nursing, Food photographer

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world;
• Learners can sketch, design and model ideas as well as problem solve and understand complex machining techniques. Students will develop existing skills and be taught new ones in the areas of conceptualising, investigating, experimenting, evaluating and finally making.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, BTEC Engineering (at Level 1 or 2) or GCSE Product Design (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Product Design (at Level 3) or vocational college courses.
• Potential career paths could include Product Designer, Commercial Designer, Building Technician, Biomedical Engineering, Technical & Engineering Careers in Radio & TV, Aircraft Engineering, 3D Designer

You can find the specifications for courses here and here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• It will help you to make sense of the world around you;
• You will improve your literacy through your report writing and written work and make practical use of your numeracy skills;
• You will develop your skills to work independently.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, Level 2 Award in Tourism or GCSE Geography (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Geography (at Level 3)
• Careers in sectors such as tourism, environment, government, teaching, sustainable development and many more

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Gaining an understanding of human behaviour;
• The development of lots of skills including communication, writing skills, independence and team work;
• The opportunity to visit child, health and social care settings;
• Active learning through model making, role-play and discussions.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Health and Social Care and Childcare.
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Psychology, Health and Social Care or Criminology
• Careers such as teaching, childcare, nursing, midwifery, speech and occupational therapy, research assistant, psychologist or criminologist.

The number of classes available may be limited in this popular subject.

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Develops independent thinkers who study the facts before making their own mind up;
• Allows opportunities to problem solve and think on what life could have been like ‘if’ something else had happened;
• Cultivates open-mindedness and trains the mind to assemble, organise and present facts in a high quality way;
• A study of highly interesting topics that takes your learning beyond the classroom.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE History (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Levels in History, Sociology, English (lots of high achieving universities have said they prefer students who have studied history!)
• Careers in politics, journalism, teaching, comedy

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Enhance your social, physical, creative, cultural and personal development through experiential learning in the outdoors;
• Support your aspirations for an active, healthy and inclusive Wales, where learning in the outdoors provides a common platform for participation, fun, achievement and employment;
• Increasing your understanding of the environment, the Welsh language and the cultural heritage and future of Wales.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, Agored Cymru Award, Extended Award, Certificate or Extended Certificate (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, Agored Cymru Award, Certificate or Diploma (at Level 3)

The number of classes available may be limited in this new subject. There will be a requirement for 'out of hours' learning. Parents and carers should also be aware that this course incurs some cost for necessary trips and activities.

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• The development of interdisciplinary skills and imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence;
• Most careers now involve an element of ICT usage or understanding and so it supports most career choices;
• Specialist Careers such as Network Manager, Technical Sales and Support, IT Consultant, Software Engineer, IT Teacher.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Digital Technology (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level ICT (Level 3)

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Opportunities to develop your performance skills;
• Opportunities to develop working with others by practising and performing as part of a group;
• An increase in self-confidence;
• Music is a highly respected subject which is favoured by many universities when they choose candidates.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, BTEC Music (at Level 1 or 2)
• Music offers a solid foundation for progression to other music studies, and often to a music-related career. Our course provides the opportunity for students to develop valuable transferable skills such as self-confidence, concentration, creativity, evaluation and team work.

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Practical activities that take into account previous achievement and personal interest helping to gain self-esteem, respect for yourself and others and develop a commitment to an active lifestyle;
• Some of the key hiring qualifications requested by employers in today’s market include leadership, perseverance, dedication to continuous improvement and strategic thinking, all of which you learn in Physical Education.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE PE or Sports and Coaching Principles (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level PE (at Level 3)
• This qualification can be the foundation to access many careers in the sports and leisure industry. Pupils could go into coaching or physiotherapy, sports marketing and PR, education, public service or work for government

You can find the specification for this course here.

The benefits of this specialism include:

• Broadening your horizons and especially increasing your chances of finding a good job.
• Addressing shortage of linguists in the UK – not just people who focus on foreign languages, but especially people who are skilled and trained in other areas who can offer a language on top of that.
• Access to a wide range of careers, including the Armed Forces, journalism, engineering, travel and tourism, business and retail.

This specialism leads to:

• At Key Stage 4, GCSE Spanish (at Level 1 or 2)
• At Key Stage 5, A Level Spanish (at Level 3)
• Access to Russell Group universities: you will have to compete with students from England, many of whom will have studied a foreign language as part of the core curriculum

The number of classes available may be limited in this subject.

Please speak to your teachers about your GCSE choices, but remember that even though they might teach you now, they will not necessarily teach you in Years 10 or 11.

Do not pick a subject just because your friends did. It should be your choice. You might not be in the same class as them anyway!

You should not judge a book by its cover, so do not judge a course by its title. Make sure you know what the course will involve. Find out what topics you will cover and how you will be marked. Do your research.

Make sure that your option choices are subjects which interest you and you would like to study. The choice is yours and you will be studying them for two years, so do not make the choice without thinking about it and speaking to staff, friends and family.

Think about the answers to these questions:

• What lessons are you currently enjoying in Year 9?
• What are your hobbies and interests both in and outside of St Teilo’s?
• What are your thoughts for the future?
• What do you think the key to success in Years 10 and 11 will be?