Our broad and balanced curriculum is set to ignite aspiration, encourage pupils be brave by embracing new challenges across all Areas of Learning. Our learning experiences are designed to allow all pupils to realise the four core purposes and encompass all concepts within the statements of what matters for Curriculum for Wales which promotes learner progression.

Four Core Purposes

Ysgol Bro Taf learning opportunities and experiences will discover brilliance in every child to allow learners to develop characteristics as outlined in the four core purposes: 

1. Ambitious, capable learners who are ready to learn throughout their lives; Inquiring, knowledgeable, thinkers, reflectors, good communicators and are aspirational. 
2. Enterprising, creative contributors who are ready to play a full part in life and work; Creative and artistic learners, risk takers, team members and good collaborators who can express ideas and emotions clearly.
3. Ethical, informed citizens who are ready to be citizens of Wales and the world; Open minded, principled, caring, rights respecting people who can express individual views of culture and identity of others.
4. Healthy, confident individuals who are ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society: Resilient, Independent, happy, hardworking, active and empathetic citizens who can manage emotions and foster positive relationships.

At Ysgol Bro Taf, the crucial development of cross curricular skills of literacy, numeracy and digital skills are an integral part to our curriculum design and will be a main focus to allow pupils to make exceptional progress throughout the school.

All mandatory aspects of promoting the Welsh Language and Culture, Religion, Values and Ethics and Relationship and Sexuality Education are authentically embedded within our curriculum.

Self-evaluation procedures will formally review the quality of our curriculum, pedagogy and assessment throughout the whole school. These procedures will be used to refine and further develop our curriculum as pupil’s progress throughout the school. Pupil voice will play a key part in reviewing our provision and will inform a range of developments to suit all pupils needs. Parents and carers will also be regularly consulted to ascertain views and opinions on how to support all pupils. As part of our self-evaluation activities, the school will work closely with the Local Authority, Regional Consortia and our Cluster support our 3 to 16 continuum learning across our community.

Supporting Assessment of Learning and Progression

At Ysgol Bro Taf, assessment of learning and progression plays a crucial role in supporting the curriculum by ensuring that all pupils are effectively supported at every stage of their educational journey, from age 3 to 16. The school uses both formative and summative assessments to gauge pupils’ understanding and development, enabling teachers to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This ongoing process allows for targeted interventions, ensuring that each child progresses at their own pace while meeting age-appropriate expectations.

Formative assessments—such as observations, feedback, and quizzes—are integrated into daily learning and help teachers adjust their teaching methods to meet individual needs. Summative assessments, such as end-of-term tests or projects, provide a snapshot of overall achievement. Both types of assessment help ensure that learners are on track to meet the learning objectives of the Welsh Curriculum, which emphasises skills development alongside subject knowledge.

Progression is closely monitored through tracking systems that reflect individual growth over time. These systems ensure that pupils are continuously challenged and that their learning builds progressively across key stages. The focus on assessment of learning supports curriculum delivery by providing data that guides instructional decisions, enabling Ysgol Bro Taf to foster a supportive, responsive, and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

Curriculum Structure

At Ysgol Bro Taf, the curriculum is structured within Lower Middle and Upper School;

To allow all pupils the opportunity to access our state-of-the-art specialist facilities, cross phase teaching will take place from Years 4 to 6 with specialist subject teachers.

Curriculum approach

At Ysgol Bro Taf, curriculum design is underpinned by a range of concepts carefully considered from what matter statements and developed through pupil voice. The concepts progress throughout the school and will be refined to Areas of Learning appropriate for each stage. Each concept is underpinned by an enquiry question to allow pupils to deepen their learning and create a culture of enquiry, investigation and analysis.

Upper School

Pupils will be supported to take their options in Year 9 in preparation for starting their qualifications in Year 10.

The options process includes several stages throughout Year 9:

• Careers talks in all curriculum areas
• Exploring Careers Wales resources including questionnaires about what careers may suit particular individual preferences
• Pupil consultation about their aspirations for future careers and possible links for qualifications
• Pupil and parents/carers information 
• A ‘straw’ poll where a large number of qualifications are put out for pupils to indicate their preferences
• Formation of the option blocks base don pupil demand
• Parents/Carers’ Learning Review Evening for year 9 pupils with careers and option information
• Individual interviews with pupils to submit option choices
• Quality Assurance of option choices by Heads of Areas of Learning
• Confirmation of options via letter

All year 10 and year 11 pupils will study the following curriculum areas/qualifications:

• Mathematics
• Mathematics – Numeracy
• Double Science
• English Language
• English Literature
• Welsh Language
• Religion, Values and Ethics
• Health and Well-being

Pupils will also study three options. Please note that options change year to year, depending on the choices of the pupils. 

Year 10 Curriculum Offer 2023-2024

Year 11 Curriculum Offer 2023-2024