Teaching And Learning

A college that inspires lifelong learning

We are passionate about learning, and we believe it is both what you learn and how you learn that matters, which means our students not only have the knowledge required to be successful now but have honed their own approach to being a successful learner, that will last a lifetime.

Students are supported through our Learning to Learn programmes that are bespoke to each key stage and ensure our students take ownership of their learning, instilling a sense of independence and diligence they can take with them into their future careers.

We believe in personalising the learning process and our bespoke tracking system enables us to monitor student progress every half term, intervening and providing tailored support for individual students while at the same time recognising and praising those making progress and achieving success. We share this information with parents as we believe that by working together, we can better develop students who are self-motivated, aspirant, and successful.

We not only invest in our students, but ensure our teachers’ Continued Professional development is central to our goal of supporting students to achieve their potential and excel. We encourage our teachers to be highly reflective professionals and teaching and learning is driven by our Teaching and Learning Development Team.

We are committed to raising standards and our curriculum at KS3 is broad, knowledge rich and designed to provide a foundation for all students to pursue their desired careers. We believe that all students can thrive given the opportunity to study suitable courses. We meet the needs of all our students by offering four distinct pathways that include opportunities to study subjects as broad as Further Mathematics and English Literature in our academic pathway and Construction and Early Years Learning, Care and Development in our Vocational pathway. Ultimately, our desire is to see our students excel in their careers and in life.

KS3, KS4 and Sixth Form Curriculum

In Years 8, 9 and 10 students study the following subjects in line with the NI Curriculum:

  • Art & Design
  • Citizenship
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • Employability
  • English
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Home Economics
  • ICT
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Personal Development
  • Physical Education
  • Religious Education
  • Science
  • Spanish

For GCSE, all students study the core subjects of:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Physical Education
  • An LLW course, including Careers and either Preparation for Adult Life, COPE, or Prince’s Trust
  • Religious Studies 

Optional Courses Modules (*subject to demand)

  • Art & Design*
  • Business & Communication Studies*
  • Business Studies*
  • HE: Child Development*
  • Drama*
  • English Literature*
  • Early Years Learning, Care & Development*
  • French*
  • Further Mathematics
  • Geography*
  • Government & Politics*
  • History*
  • HE: Food & Nutrition*
  • ICT*
  • Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies*
  • Music*
  • Religious Studies*
  • Science Double Award*
  • Spanish*
  • Sports Studies*
  • Technology & Design*
  • Travel & Tourism*

* Occupational Studies Courses in Engineering, Business, Construction, Sports, ICT, Beauty, Child Development and Catering

Courses available:

  • Art & Design
  • Professional Business Services
  • COPE Level 3 (compulsory for all students)
  • English Literature
  • Engineering
  • Geography
  • Government & Politics
  • Health and Social Care
  • History
  • Hospitality
  • ICT
  • Life & Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Production Arts
  • Public Services
  • Science
  • Sociology
  • Sports Studies
  • Technology
  • Tourism

Key Stage 4 GCSE Results (Y12)

% Achieving Grades A*- C in 5 or more subjects93%
93%

Post 16 GCE Results (Y14)

% Achieving Grades A* – E in 3+ A Levels87%
87%

Sixth Form Provision

Having achieved 5 GCSE subjects at Grade C and above, most of the Sixth Form student population is generated by Glastry students who have chosen to access the post-16 curriculum on offer.  However, increasingly students from other schools and colleges are deciding to transfer to Glastry, due to the warm welcoming ethos at the college, strong academic success at Key Stage 4 and 5, the range of subjects we have to offer, and the enrichment opportunities available which develop their personal and social skills.

Our curriculum provision is reviewed annually and continues to expand as we strive to meet the changing needs of our students.  We therefore provide a range of traditional academic and vocational courses.

Private supervised study is facilitated in the Sixth Form Study Centre.  Students are also supported by a comprehensive careers programme, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding potential pathways upon completion of their post-16 education.  The programme is enhanced with university visits, apprenticeship talks, work placements and individual meetings with our Careers Officer.