At Key Stage 3, all students follow the full range of national curriculum subjects. Central to these are English and Maths; all students have seven hours of English and Maths per fortnight; students who need extra support in these areas have additional time.
All can access musical instrument teaching at a subsidisedrate, or in the case of students in receipt of free school meals, free.
At Key Stage 4, students follow a common core of English, Maths, Science, Welsh, RE, PE and Skills Challenge which provides all with a strong foundation for future success. Students also choose three options from a broad range of more than twenty subjects. Students (and parents) receive individualised support in making these choices and we ensure – through the broadest provision – that option choices are appropriate for the individual. All students follow Welsh to GCSE level. RE is taught to all students in key stage 3 and 4. Parents can exercise their right not to participate in religious education and must do so in writing to the Headteacher. All students study careers education through PSE and students have individual interviews in key stage 4 and the Sixth Form to support their progression beyond school. At key stage 4, some students follow work – related courses and undertake, where appropriate, placements in employment. Ysgol Dinas Brân is committed to promoting the health, well-being and safety of all of its learners. The school delivers a wellstructured personal, social and health education programme to support their emotional and physical well – being
The Sex and Relationships Education Programme, within PSE, helps learners to understand the emotional and physical development at puberty (Year 7) and the lessons progress to discuss topics such as relationships based on respect and love (Year 7 & Year 8), sexuality (Year 8 & Year 9), consent and the law (Year 8 & Year 9), sexting (Year 9 & 10), conception and contraception (Year 8 & Year 9), abusive relationships (Year 10), the dangers of binge drinking (Year 10 & Year 11) and sexually transmitted diseases (Year 10 & Year 11). Parents may exempt their children from the Sex Education programme by making a formal request in writing to the Headteacher. The school’s efforts in promoting healthy living have been recognised by the awarding of Phase 5 of the Healthy Schools Scheme
