Our Curriculum

The Curriculum at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn

The curriculum concentrates on literacy, numeracy, interpersonal and work training skills through a broad range of specialist subjects appropriate to the needs of all pupils but which also conforms to the aims of the National Curriculum including a foreign language for Key Stage 3. Pupils in the 6th Form and Ty’r Ysgol follow a more independently based programme of Work Experience, College placements and work aimed towards external accreditation in various vocational areas.

The School aims to offer a modified, relevant, broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum encompassing the National Curriculum, which ensures entitlement and embraces a variety of teaching situations. Our staff are experienced in applying a range of autism-specific approaches in the classroom as appropriate for individual pupils including TEACCH, PECS, Social Stories™, Makaton, schedules and visual supports.

Foundation Phase

In our Foundation Phase provision for pupils from 3 to 7 years of age the emphasis is on the development of skills through a play based curriculum which incorporates well planned and structured activities. The Areas of Learning are:

  • Personal & Social Development, Well-Being & Cultural Diversity
  • Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
  • Mathematical Development
  • Welsh Language Development
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Development

Key Stage 2

For pupils between the ages of 7 and 11 years the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for Wales and incorporates aspects of the Access Curriculum to support the pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties. Work is organised within whole-school themes every term and there is an emphasis on developing the communication skills of all pupils.

Key Stage 3, 4 and Post-16 – Ty’r Ysgol

At KS3 pupils follow the National Curriculum differentiated by their class teacher to support the needs of pupils with moderate/severe learning difficulties. At KS3 pupils work towards achieving Asdan ‘New Horizons’.

At KS4 & Post 16 Pupils continue to follow the National Curriculum with greater emphasis on developing independent life skills this is linked to the 14-19 Learning Pathways with themes/topics supported by Equals ‘Moving On’ scheme of work and the Asdan Award Scheme. At the end KS4 pupils achieve Asdan’s ‘Transition Challenge’ and Post 16 pupils work on modules for ‘Towards Independence’

Key Stage 3, 4 and Post-16 – Park Street

At KS 3 and 4 pupils follow the National Curriculum and are taught by specialist teachers in the core subjects. Pupils work towards external accreditation including:

  • Entry Levels
  • GCSE's
  • Prince's Trust Xl
  • Vocational courses

The Post 16 pupils have a varied curriculum benefiting from the school's links with establishments such as Denbigh High School, Denbigh Community College and Pengwern College, where pupils are able to integrate and attend accredited courses. All pupils continue their work towards further achievements in ASDAN and Prince's Trust Xl.

Welsh

Although we are an English medium school, we are committed to promoting the Welsh language as an integrated part of school life. The majority of our pupils come from homes where English is the first language; however, as a school within Wales, the school will promote an ethos where Welsh culture and heritage is supported and celebrated.

Sex Education and Health

The school has adopted the Personal and Social Education Framework that was published by the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills in 2000 and again in 2008. This was approved by the Welsh Assembly Government for use in schools, and prepares a curriculum that satisfies the requirements of teaching Sex Education in the four Key Stages.

Sport and Games

The school gives every pupil the opportunity to take part in sport. We encourage links with clubs e.g. swimming. The school is a member of the North Wales Association for People with Learning Disabilities. Students take part in the Urdd Eisteddfod Folk Dancing sessions and other competitions as well as the sports they participate in as part of the National Curriculum. Some students take part in the Annual Welsh Games each year, which is a three-day residential event alternating each year between Cardiff and Bangor.

We strongly believe that giving children the opportunity to take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities enriches their education thus playing a vital role in their development, such as visits to local community facilities, Outdoor Pursuits Centres, Welsh Language Centre. Pupils accessing the residential site undertake many activities in the evenings including bowling, swimming, skiing, snorkelling, etc.

Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn aims to help pupils:

  • Develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and physical skills;
  • Acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a fast changing world;
  • To use language and number effectively;
  • To have respect for religious and moral values and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life;
  • Understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations;
  • To appreciate human achievement and aspirations.