Curriculum Overview

Our Curriculum 

What is our vision for the curriculum? 

At Connah’s Quay High School, our curriculum is designed around our vision of Creating Success. Guided by our values of Aspire, Responsibility and Care, we are committed to ensuring that every learner leaves our school with the qualifications, knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their chosen pathway and achieve success in further education, training, employment and life. 

We believe that securing strong qualifications is fundamental to unlocking future opportunities. Combined with rich learning experiences and exceptional pastoral support, our ambitious curriculum equips learners with the resilience, character and wider skills they need to flourish in an ever-changing world. 

To achieve this, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum that places equal value on both core and foundation subjects. Alongside developing excellence in English, Mathematics, Science and Welsh, learners experience a rich curriculum including the humanities, expressive arts, technology, health and wellbeing, physical education and international languages. This balanced approach ensures learners develop not only the qualifications needed for future success, but also the creativity, problem-solving, communication, digital and interpersonal skills that employers, colleges and universities increasingly value. 

Rooted in the principles of the Curriculum for Wales, our curriculum develops ambitious, capable learners who are ready to learn throughout life; enterprising, creative contributors; ethical, informed citizens; and healthy, confident individuals who are prepared to make a positive contribution to their communities and beyond. 

What will my child learn? 

Every learner benefits from a broad and balanced curriculum throughout their time at Connah’s Quay High School. 

During Years 7–9, learners study a wide range of subjects to build secure foundations in knowledge, skills and understanding. Our curriculum includes: 

• English  

• Mathematics  

• Science  

• Welsh  

• International Languages  

• Geography  

• History  

• Religion, Values and Ethics  

• Health and Wellbeing  

• Physical Education  

• Information Technology  

• Technology  

• Food and Nutrition  

• Visual Arts  

• Performing Arts, including Drama, Music and Dance  

Alongside subject knowledge, learners develop the literacy, numeracy, digital and wider skills that prepare them for lifelong learning and future success. 

In Years 10 and 11, learners continue to study a strong core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, Welsh, Skills Challenge and Physical Education, alongside a broad range of option subjects that allow them to personalise their learning and prepare for their future aspirations. 

How do we help every learner succeed? 

Every learner is unique, so our curriculum is designed to provide the right balance of challenge and support. 

Our teachers have high expectations of every learner and use high-quality teaching, adaptive practice and responsive assessment to ensure all learners make excellent progress. Learning is carefully planned to build knowledge over time while developing confidence, independence and resilience. 

Our curriculum helps learners develop: 

• Excellent subject knowledge and understanding  

• Strong literacy, numeracy and digital skills  

• Creativity and problem-solving  

• Communication and teamwork  

• Confidence and resilience  

• Leadership and independence  

• Personal wellbeing and self-belief  

We believe that every learner should be challenged to achieve their very best and supported to overcome any barriers to success. 

What opportunities are available beyond the classroom? 

Learning at Connah’s Quay High School extends far beyond lessons. 

Learners benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities including educational visits, sporting activities, performances, competitions, leadership opportunities, careers education and experiences with employers, colleges and community organisations. 

These experiences help learners discover new interests, develop confidence, build lasting memories and understand how their learning connects with the wider world. 

How do we prepare learners for the future? 

Everything we do is focused on preparing learners for life beyond school. 

Through high-quality teaching, meaningful learning experiences and personalised guidance, learners develop the qualifications, knowledge and wider skills needed to progress confidently into sixth form, college, apprenticeships, employment and higher education. 

Working in partnership with families, our feeder primary schools and the wider community, we ensure every learner is supported to achieve their ambitions and leave Connah’s Quay High School as a confident, compassionate and capable young adult. 

Creating Success – Together 

At Connah’s Quay High School, we believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to flourish. Through high expectations, excellent teaching and a caring community, we inspire learners to Aspire, take Responsibility and show Care, ensuring they leave our school ready to create their own success. 

“By combining academic excellence with a rich and balanced curriculum, we ensure every learner leaves Connah’s Quay High School with the qualifications, skills, confidence and character to create their own success.” 

AOLE Walkthrough

Curriculum for Wales