At Ysgol Bae Baglan we have developed a purpose-led curriculum, which has a secure foundation on the Four Purposes of the Curriculum for Wales 2022. Our curriculum is broad and balanced with a focus on the acquisition of knowledge and skills, whilst ensuring it is both motivating and challenging to engage pupils and foster a love of learning.
It has a strong focus on promoting pupil independence and digital competency, enabling our pupils to become effective citizens of the 21st century. It is also designed for a school in Wales, being tailored to reflect the unique nature of the country and its culture. Our curriculum is underpinned by the twelve pedagogical principles and employs a range of teaching approaches.
Our progressive approach is a child centred,inquiry-based learning approach, which develops the skills integral to the four purposes: creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving, personal effectiveness and planning and organising. The development of these skills allows learners to work in a holistic way, providing them with opportunities for both innovation and inquiry and to use connections between different Areas of Learning and Experience effectively.
The overarching purpose of our assessment procedures is to support every learner to make progress. In our curriculum, assessment is an integral part of the learning process, with teachers working with pupils to help identify their strengths, areas for development and next steps in learning.
Secondary Phase
At YBB using national guidance, working collaboratively across our cluster and listening to feedback from staff and students we have created our new curriculum. We have made sure this curriculum secures a broad and balanced learning and teaching experience for each student.
Through our curriculum, we will enable and expect students to become:
- an ambitious, capable learner, ready to learn throughout their life
- an enterprising, creative contributor, ready to play a full part in life and work
- an ethical, informed citizen, ready to take part in Wales and the world, and
- healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead a fulfilling life as a valued member of society.
Students will experience and develop cross curricular skills, these are:
- literacy
- numeracy
- digital competence
Learning at YBB will be taught in subject disciplines within the six Areas of Learning Experience (AoLE).
Expressive Arts – Art, Drama and Music.
Humanities – Geography, History and RE
Health and Wellbeing – PE and PSE
Languages, Literacy and Communication – English, International Languages (French and Spanish) and Welsh
Mathematics and Numeracy – Mathematics
Science and Technology – Science, Design Technology and ICT
At Key Stage 4, pupils follow a compulsory curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, Health and Fitness, RE and Welsh. Pupils then choose from a variety of subjects via an initial free choice. These choices are then analysed, from which option blocks are created based on a best fit scenario. Pupils can choose from GCSE, IVET’s and BTEC courses which are offered either at school or collaboratively with local providers.
At both Key Stages, the school actively monitors and targets pupils to identify underachievement and provides support and a specific mentoring programme to help pupils with their KS4 studies.
14-19 Learning Pathways
The courses offered at YBB form part of a pupils 14-19 Learning Pathway and can lead onto further studies at Neath Port Talbot College or any post 16 provider.
The College offers the broadest range and choice of A levels, AS levels and Vocational Courses within the LA’s post 16 education provision.
YBB has strong links with the College and representatives will regularly visit the school to discuss issues with pupils and attend parent evenings. Many YBB pupils will also benefit from bursaries awarded by the College to assist them with their studies.
