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@StJohnsAberdare
https://twitter.com/DT_SJB/status/1841513062257303776

17:18 PM - 2 Oct 2024

We are extremely proud to announce that our school’s Head Student, Dylan, has been awarded a prize from the Innovation Awards. He will attend the Senedd in December to be presented with his prize. What a wonderful achievement. Well done Dylan🌟 pic.twitter.com/vgtWuAJbeV— D&T () October 2, 2024

https://twitter.com/DT_SJB/status/1841141960385421783

16:43 PM - 1 Oct 2024

First month of the academic year done! First Textiles Designers of the Month are up. Well done everyone 🤩 pic.twitter.com/57BObV8Tv8— D&T () October 1, 2024

https://twitter.com/SJBLitNum/status/1841006091192189073

07:43 AM - 1 Oct 2024

After an exciting first day at the Book Fair, we're ready for another! A huge thank you to our Literacy Ambassadors who supported students in choosing books. Open again every day this week outside the 6th Form Bistro. pic.twitter.com/9Xc46z2tzE— SJB Literacy and Numeracy () October 1, 2024

https://twitter.com/DT_SJB/status/1840796426311221414

17:50 PM - 30 Sep 2024

We visited the Innovation Awards today and our school’s Head Student, Dylan, was part of it. Our department is extremely proud of him as it is highly competitive and only a small number of projects are chosen every year. Well done!🌟 pic.twitter.com/BzZ28AQ1CE— D&T () September 30, 2024

07:53 AM - 30 Sep 2024

Today is the day! We're so looking forward to welcoming the Book Fair this week. This is a 'cashless' fair, so payments can be made online or via a contactless machine. Please follow the quoted thread here for more details https://t.co/Pi1riPTXH4— SJB Literacy and Numeracy () September 30, 2024

https://twitter.com/StJohnsAberdare/status/1839686484200190222

16:20 PM - 27 Sep 2024

We were extremely pleased to receive a visit from past pupil Nicole, runner up on this year's Love Island. Thanks for visiting! pic.twitter.com/gdMqfRUW4u— StJohnsAberdare () September 27, 2024

21:09 PM - 26 Sep 2024

Thank you to prospective Year 5 and 6 families who came to our Open Evening. We were delighted to welcome you and hope you had a great experience. A massive thanks to the many pupils who supported the event, along with our staff and Friends Association 👏🏻— StJohnsAberdare () September 26, 2024

https://twitter.com/StJohnsAberdare/status/1838609546161336383

17:00 PM - 24 Sep 2024

We are recruiting for a Curriculum Leader: Mathematics to join us in January 2025. Please follow the link for more details https://t.co/miYzeMf3bH pic.twitter.com/5DKgEhW0HH— StJohnsAberdare () September 24, 2024

https://twitter.com/St_Johns_Music/status/1836779683444039699

15:49 PM - 19 Sep 2024

🎶 so proud of you all 🎶 pic.twitter.com/vTlbF6FYUQ— SJB Music Dept () September 19, 2024

https://twitter.com/St_Johns_Music/status/1836778712408240252

15:45 PM - 19 Sep 2024

Llongyfarchiadau a Da Iawn, boys!! What a brilliant morning watching the boys being creative and singing with Only Boys Aloud! (diolch ) A fantastic experience for you all! (and you sounded lush!🎶😎) pic.twitter.com/WwB1lyjtmw— SJB Music Dept () September 19, 2024

Overview of Curriculum

Our curriculum seeks to offer a broad and balanced experince which enables each member of the school community to become the ‘best versions of themselves’.

The formal and informal curriculum is designed so that all students, regardless of their background or ability, is able to develop the attitudes and qualities which prepares them to

  • achieve the very best academic standards in all subject areas, commensurate with their own ability;

  • utilise the necessary skills which helps prepare them for life beyond school; and

  • live good lives, underpinned by our core gospel values.

We take every opportunity to ensure all students make the best progress possible and achieve the highest possible standards in subjects and qualifications. We strive to narrow the gaps in achievement and enable those not achieving age-related expectations to catch up with their peers. Our ALNCo works closely with all departments, in order to support students so that they all have access to the curriculum. The school challenges more able and talented students so that they achieve their full potential and their progress is sustained and enhanced. We make certain that all young people develop the skills and abilities needed for success in life and can apply them in a wide range of contexts.

Teaching groups vary in nature but generally there are mixed ability classes on admission in Year 7. A process of setting, determined by each department, takes place as students move through the school. Some setting takes place in Year 7 with further extensions to setting in Years 8- 11. 

Curriculum Organisation
Within Years 7, 8 and 9, also known as key stage 3, the school curriculum consists of

  • Core subjects: English, Welsh, mathematics, science and religious education;

  • Non-core subjects: Modern foreign languages, design technology, ICT, history, geography, art, music, drama, physical education, PSE (including sex education) and careers and the world of work.

Within Years 10 - 11, also known as key stage 4, the school curriculum consists of

  • Compulsory subjects: English language and English literature, Welsh second language, mathematics: numeracy, mathematics, science, religious education, physical education and Welsh Baccalaureate;

  • PSE (including Relationships and Sexuality Education) and careers and the world of work; and

  • A broad range of academic and vocational courses leading to external qualifications (based on demand). 

Within the SJB Sixth Form, also known as key stage 5, the school curriculum consists of

  • A broad range of courses leading to external qualifications; and

  • All students follow the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Qualification.

"Teachers have strong subject knowledge and establish beneficial routines to ensure that pupils settle quickly and are ready to learn" (Estyn)