The Curriculum delivered in New-Bridge Integrated College centres on the development and progression of skills and knowledge as well as the values and attitudes of our learners. Outstanding Learning is at the heart of our delivery and this informs the planning and practice of all lessons in New-Bridge Integrated College
Curriculum Aims:
- To provide a wide variety of learning experiences in which our students can connect their learning and in doing so, experience a more relevant, coherent and engaging curriculum;
- To develop our students’ thinking skills and personal capabilities through a wide range of classroom based and enrichment activities which challenge, motivate and engage;
- To improve our students’ skills and performance in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT across the curriculum;
- To develop a ‘Growth Mindset’ model of assessment practice which engineers success through links to achievement, attitude, effort and home learning and acknowledges that although learners may not all succeed at the same point, with structured supportive strategies, they can improve and develop as self-reliant and resilient learners. We are persistent in this and believe that students can and will do better with specific subject supportive mechanisms in place and provision of positive and meaningful feedback;
- To strive to develop positive relationships in our classrooms as evidenced in our strong focus on behaviour for learning ;
- To take risks for learning in our classrooms (teacher and pupil) and know through our aspiration and vision that the learner of the future must be flexible, adaptive and collaborative and
- To encourage self-belief in our learners through our optimistic and enthusiastic approach to their progress.
Subjects & Options
Art & Design
Mrs E. McKeown Head of Department
Mrs D. Clarke
Mr J. Mullan Technician
The Art and Design Department offers junior students the opportunity to work with ceramics, textiles, graphics, ICT, photography, printing and a range of media within the Fine Art and Design disciplines.
GCSE Art and Design course follows the CCEA specification and develops students’ understanding of how meanings, ideas and intentions can be communicated through visual and tactile language. Further details found in Option Booklet.
At AS and A2 Level pupils follow the CCEA Art & Design specification which is a combination of practical portfolio work, practical examination and dissertation. Further details found in Option Booklet.
After school Art Club STEAM, Carson Creative Competition; Cross Border Project; Visits to galleries; Workshops with Artists; Junk Kouture.
Business Studies
Mrs M Wing
CCEA GCSE Business Studies encourages students to investigate how businesses start up. Pupils explore the resources, marketing and finance that businesses need and the challenges they face. Topics from the specification include entrepreneurs, stakeholders, the value of employee training and motivation and how businesses can use electronic and mobile technology in different ways. Pupils learn to apply skills such as decision making, proposing business strategies or solutions, understanding other viewpoints and justifying decisions.
The specification has three units – Unit 1: Starting a Business and Unit 2: Developing a Business are both exam units worth 40% each and Unit 3: Planning a Business is completed as a controlled assessment unit worth 20%.
Cambridge Technicals Level 3 in Business allows pupils to learn how a business might evolve from a small start-up business to a large multinational organisation. Students will explore ways in which businesses respond to changes in their economic, social and technological environment and gain an appreciation of the influence different stakeholders can have upon a business. At AS Level pupils complete two exam units – Unit 1 The Business Environment and Unit 2 Working in Business, and A2 Level includes three portfolio assessed units. The exams are made up of multiple-choice style questions, short answer questions and extended answer questions. Some of the questions will require the skills of analysis and evaluation with responses based on businesses that learners have researched.
The A2 units cover three key aspects of business including technology, leadership and management and project management skills and processes. Studies engage with businesses to develop and use their experience to plan and ideally execute a one-off project.
Opportunity to take part in Young Enterprise programme; Competitions.
Construction & The Built Environment
Mr S Kelly
Mrs Mitchell
Mr J Cromwell Technician
The CCEA GCSE Construction and the Built Environment specification features up-to-date content that reflects modern-day practices in the construction industry.
It encourages students to develop their knowledge of the industry, which they then apply in relevant and work-related contexts.
Students learn to interpret drawings of domestic buildings and explore the materials and sustainable methods used in domestic and commercial construction. The specification also helps students to appreciate the importance of health and safety in the construction industry.
To enhance their practical skills, students complete a craft project based on woodwork, brickwork or blockwork. They also develop their computer-aided design knowledge, understanding and skills by producing a portfolio of work.
In New-Bridge Integrated College, students’ study 3 periods per week in Year 11 and 12.
STEM club
Drama
Mrs M Warnock Head of Department
Mrs D Manson Head of Senior School (SLT)
Drama engages feelings, imagination, encourages creativity and allows students to work alone and with others. At New-Bridge Key Stage 3 students are given the opportunity to develop their skills in the areas of:
- Acting
- Dance Drama
- Improvisation
- Mime / Movement
- Scriptwriting
- Drama Strategies
At KS4 Drama offers students the opportunity to explore a range of practical, creative, analytical and performance skills.
At KS4 pupils study the CCEA Drama specification, which offers students opportunities to build on the learning experiences from Key Stage 3.
Component 1: Devised Performance Controlled assessment – a performance or a design presentation, and a student log.
Component 2: Scripted Performance Controlled assessment – a performance or a design presentation.
Component 3: Knowledge and Understanding of Drama – External written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes, three questions based on one set text.
At AS and A2 Level the pupils follow the WJEC Drama and Theatre course.
Pupils study 2 units per year (AS Level – Units 1 and 2; A2 Level – Units 3 and 4).
Units 1 and 3 are designed to encourage pupils to make connections between dramatic theory and their own practice.
Units 2 and 4 – learners explore three complete performance texts. There is an exciting and diverse list of texts to choose from. Pupils are also required to watch live theatre productions in order to learn about the processes and practices involved in interpreting and performing theatre.
After school Junior Drama Club; live theatre visits; school productions, competitions.
English
Mrs S McGee (Head of Department)
Mrs L McDowell (SLT)
Mrs S Carberry
Mrs D Mathers
Mrs C Scott
Mr M McCullough
Mrs J Ward – School Librarian
During KS3 study, students explore a range of prose, poetry and plays, where they develop their skills in the three keys areas of communication: Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing.
English Language students follow the CCEA specification and complete four units of study:
Writing for Purpose and Reading to access non-fiction and media texts; Speaking and Listening;
The study of spoken language and the study of written language; Personal/Creative writing and reading non-literary texts.
During this time, they build on Communication skills initiated during KS3.
English Literature students follow the CCEA specification and complete three additional units of study:
The Study of Prose;
The Study of Drama and Poetry;
The Study of Shakespeare.
AS students follow the CCEA specification and complete two units of study:
The study of poetry 1900-present and Drama 1900-present
The study of prose pre-1900.
A2 students follow the CCEA specification and complete three units of study:
Shakespearean Genres;
The study of poetry pre-1900 and unseen poetry;
Internal assessment.
Students are offered the opportunity to partake in a range of competitions throughout the year. These are selected to enhance key skills in communication: Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing. In liaison with the school librarian, Mrs Ward, we also offer a weekly lunchtime book club, through which is the opportunity to visit the Warner Brothers Harry Potter studios in London!
Geography
Miss M McIntyre Head of Department
Mrs C. McIvor
Miss L Millsopp
Geography is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 3. Pupils study Geography in mixed ability classes 2 periods per week in Year 8 and 3 periods per week in Yr 9 and 10.
Students are encouraged to take part in competitions and become involved in the Eco Club.
At KS3 pupils participate in a variety of fieldwork activities, educational visits and events e.g. Power Down Day and Climate Week.
Year 8: Physical, Human and Environmental Geography in the school grounds, Weather Study, Rock Trail of Loughbrickland Village, Biodiversity Trail around Whyte’s Estate, and W5 Wastebusters Roadshow, Supermarket Survey, Day in the Life of a Farm.
Year 9: Energy Audit, Laganside -River Cruise, W5, and Titanic Quarter.
Year 10: Cotton Fashion, Visit to NI based companies e.g. Coca Cola, Tayto.
Students are required to complete topic based assignments to complement their exam series
GCSE Geography students follow the course offered by CCEA attending classes 5 periods per week in Years 11 and 12 and 9 periods per week in Yr 13 and 14.
KS4 Fieldwork:
Yr 11: Students have the opportunity to visit a river and coastal area e.g. Mournes and Newcastle.
Yr 12: Students attend a 2 day residential at Killowen Outdoor Education Centre, Rostrevor.
A Level Geography is offered within the Banbridge Area Learning Community Schools.
Eco club: opportunity to become Eco Warriors…
Home Economics
Ms R Jenkinson Head of Department
Mrs D Reilly
Mrs A Peters
Mrs J Freeburn Technician
Home Economics is one of the strands of Learning for Life and Work and it is based on the following themes;
- Healthy eating,
- Home and Family Life
- Independent Living.
Key Stage 3 pupils complete a range of units in Home Economics. Practical activities are linked to each unit of work, to help pupils develop life skills, such as thinking skills, teamwork and cooking skills
Practical activities include for example, Toasted Tortilla, Soda Bread, Truffles, Healthy Burger, Sweet Chilli Vegetable Stir Fry, Scones and Lasagne.
GCSE Home Economics Food and Nutrition, follows the CCEA specification.
The subject encourages pupils to think critically, make reasoned choices and manage change. It is divided into 2 components.
- Food and Nutrition
- Practical Food and Nutrition
Further details found in the Option Booklet.
GCSE Home Economics Child Development follows the CCEA specification. The course aims to encourage an understanding of pregnancy, the responsibilities of being a parent and the overall needs of young children and emphasises the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Further details found in the Option Booklet.
Occupational Studies follows the CCEA specification. Two Units are completed in Year 11, Patisserie and Baking and Contemporary Cuisine. Pupils complete knowledge checks, practical activities and evaluations. Further details found in the Option Booklet.
GCE Health and Social Care Single Award – At AS and A2 pupils follow the CCEA Health and Social Care specification. It consists of 3 Units, comprising two portfolio assessments and one external exam at both AS and A2. The pupils also complete a work placement during Year 13, in a health and social care setting. Further details found in the Option Booklet.
After school Home Economics Cookery Club, Chef of the week, Cookery Demonstrations, Competitions.
History
Ms S Harrison Head of Department
Ms S Irvine (Head of LLW and Citizenship Co-ordinator)
The following topics are taught across KS3
Year 8 – What is History? The Norman Conquest; Norman Control; The Normans in Ireland; Health in the Middle Ages.
Year 9 – The Reformation; Tudor Monarchy; The Gunpowder Plot; Slave Trade and Plantations in Ireland; The Williamite Wars.
Year 10 – Development and Change in the 20th Century (Significant Events and People); First World War; Second World War (Belfast Blitz, Pearl Harbour, Dropping of the Atomic bomb in Hiroshima); Causes and Consequences of the Partition of Ireland; Holocaust.
The following Historical skills are developed across KS3 – Investigating the past and its impact on our world today; Cause and Effect; Continuity and Change; Progression and Regression; Chronological understanding; Skills of Enquiry; Problem Solving and Decision Making;
CCEA GCSE History
Unit 1 Modern World Study in Depth (Germany 1933-1945) and Local Study (Changing Relations Northern Ireland and its Neighbours 1920-1949)
Unit 2 Outline Study (International Relations 1945-2003)
CCEA A Level History
AS Unit 1 Historical Investigations and Interpretations
AS Unit 2 Historical Conflict and Change
A2 Unit 1 Change Over Time
A2 Unit 2 Historical Investigations and Interpretations
In KS3 each pupil has the opportunity to participate in Shared Educational Workshops and educational visit each year. In this school year we plan to visit the following landmarks:
Year 8 – Norman Workkshop and Carrickfergus Castle
Year 9 – Plantations Workshop
Year 10 – Causes and Consequences Workshops and Crumlin Road Gaol
ICT & Creative Media
Mr A McGee Head of Department
Mrs C Kelly SENCO
Mrs A Pentony
Mr J Doyle ICT Support Manager
Mr O McMahon Marketing/Social Media
It is the policy in New-Bridge to deliver UICT as a cross-curricular skill but to complement this and to increase their skills as digital makers our Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils have two periods of ICT per week. Within these lessons the pupils are given the opportunity to develop and extend their existing ICT/Computing and Media skills in:
- – text processing and presentation
- – spreadsheets and modelling
- – creating and editing still and moving images
- – working with sound
- – game making
- – website development
- – communication using ICT
- – coding: Scratch, Micro: Bit, Python and HTML
- – networks and the Internet
- – hardware & software
- – data representation and databases
The pupils are also advised about e-safety and responsible use of ICT
The year 11 pupils have 4 options available to them in the department to suit their individual interests and capabilities.
- CCEA GCSE Digital Technology: Multimedia Route (NEW)
- CCEA GCSE Digital Technology: Programming Route (Collaborative option) (NEW)
- BTEC Information and Creative Technology (Level 2) (NEW)
- BTEC Creative Digital Media Production (Level 2) (Collaborative option)
The collaborative courses attract pupils from other schools in the Banbridge Area Learning Community.
At AS pupils have two options in the ICT department:
OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 In IT
This is an up to date vocational course that has been designed with refreshing and exciting content. It aims to be engaging, fit for purpose and suitable for the needs of our students in 2021 and beyond. The Level 3 Cambridge Technical in IT course will focus on the requirements that today’s universities and employers demand as well as the transferable skills required such as communication, problem solving, time management, research and analytical skills.
GCE Digital Technology incorporates aspects of computer science and information technology. It explores how we can use technology to create, store, process, analyse and present information in a digital context. This includes computer architecture, networks, web technology, digital media, programming tools and software applications.
Pupils also have the option to study for the Subsidiary Diploma Level 3 Edexcel BTEC Creative Media Production. This is a collaborative course which attracts pupils from other schools in the Banbridge Area Learning Community.
ICT lunchtime club; Coding Club; Competitions; Film Media Club.
http://www.videosoftdev.com/support/free-video-editing-software-for-schools
Languages – Spanish
Mr D Keenan Head of Department
Ms G Byrne
The topics taught reflect topics covered for GCSE. The course followed in Key Stage 3 is ¡Viva! (Segunda Edición), books 1 and 2. The range of topics include:
Self, Family, House, Home, Local Area, Daily Routine, School, Hobbies, Sport, Shopping, Health and Well-being, Travel.
Students focus on using the present and future tenses in Year 8 and the past tense is introduced in Year 9. In Year 10, students develop their confidence in using all three timeframes accurately.
The skills developed are: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing.
Students follow the CCEA GCSE Spanish course supported by the ¡Viva! GCSE textbook.
Students focus on developing their knowledge on familiar topics from KS3 and using complex opinion phrases to convey their points of view including subjunctive structures. Grammar is developed to include the use of the imperfect tense and students improve their spoken Spanish through the use of role plays and informal conversation.
Students focus on Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing in class in preparation for the GCSE examinations.
Learning for Life and Work LLW
Form Tutors – Employability Personal Development and Citizenship
Miss L Millsopp – Head of CEIAG
Miss S Irvine – Head of LLW and Citizenship Co-ordinator
Careers
Year 8
Personal Development
- Integration at New-Bridge
- Integrated Education Month
- Study Skills
Citizenship
- What is Citizenship?
- UNICEF Rights Respecting School – know your rights
Employability
- WOW factor
Year 9
Personal Development
- Feelings and Emotions
- RSE
- Basic First Aid
- Study Skills
Citizenship
- UNICEF Rights Respecting School – know your rights
- Role of the PSNI
- Understanding Refugees
Employability
- Introduction to Employability
Year 10
Personal Development
- Managing Risk
- Drug abuse prevention
- Study Skills
Citizenship
- Democracy and Rule of Law
- Politics in Northern Ireland
Employability
- Employability and making GCSE options choices
Careers
Year 11
Personal Development
- Super You!
- Study Skills
- Drugs Prevention
- Scam wise
Citizenship
- Democracy and Rule of Law
- Politics and voting in Northern Ireland (Electoral Commission)
- Role of PSNI
Employability
- Employability at KS4
Year 12
Personal Development
- Super You!
- Study Skills
- Drugs prevention
Citizenship
- Democracy and Rule of Law
- Politics and voting in Northern Ireland (Electoral Commission)
- Role of PSNI
Employability
- Careers Service guidance
- Work Experience
- Employability – post 16 options
Careers –
Citizenship –
Personal Development
The New-Bridge pupil council is made up of elected representatives from years 8-12.
Each year group has 3 or 4 reps. The council meets every six weeks to discuss a range of issues impacting pupils at New-Bridge.
Opportunity to take part in Young Enterprise Programme ; Year 12 and Year 13 Work Placements; University Summer Schools.
Mathematics
Mr S Agnew Head of Department
Mrs M Tennyson
Miss J Baird
Mrs L McKinstry
Mathematics and Numeracy is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. This Area of Learning encourages pupils to deepen the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills they have acquired at Key Stage 2. Pupils develop and demonstrate this deeper understanding through creative and critical thinking, being flexible in their approach, solving problems and making informed decisions.
GCSE Mathematics follows the CCEA specification which encourages students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding in applying mathematical methods and concepts.
GCSE Further Mathematics follows the CCEA specification. It is designed to broaden the experience of students whose mathematical ability is above average and who would like to study mathematical courses at AS/A level or study other courses at AS/A level that require mathematics beyond GCSE Higher Tier.
Further details found in Option Booklet.
GCE Mathematics follows the CCEA specification which encourages students to extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques. They use their mathematical knowledge to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, and develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
Further details found in Option Booklet.
UK Mathematical Challenge – Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels.
Numeracy Competitions.
Music
Mrs T McLean Head of Department
Peripatetic staff- Mr W McLean, Mr S Dolan, Mrs J Graham, Mrs I Mathers, Mrs L Parton, Ms R Keegan & Mr J Hagan
Pupils develop their skills through listening, composing and performing in a wide range of styles.
Pupils develop their appreciation and enjoyment of Music through active involvement.
Pupils develop their musical ideas by exploring structures and musical elements through a range of resources.
Pupils develop sensitivity to other performers
Pupils reflect upon and evaluate their own Music and the Music of their peers
Pupils develop a wide musical vocabulary.
All pupils have the opportunity to learn an instrument in a one-to-one lessons throughout the year.
All pupils at key stage 3 have weekly periods of Music on their timetable
Pupils are encouraged to participate in our extensive extra-curricular programme.
Pupils follow the CCEA Music GCSE.
This GCSE Music course aims to provide a valuable, rewarding and comprehensive course of study that not only broadens pupil experience but develops knowledge, understanding and musical skill
The GCSE Music course promotes creativity, encourages personal and social development and extends imagination.
At New-Bridge we encourage students to:
develop their understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music.
extend their own interests and increasing their ability to make informed judgements about musical performances both inside and outside of the classroom.
acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to:
communicate through music and to take part in music-making;
develop a lifelong interest in music and appreciate the extent of music-related
What knowledge and skills are assessed?
Performing skills – one solo and one group piece.
Composing skills – you must create two compositions
Listening & Appraising – analyse music from Areas of Study
Opportunities to study A level Music within the Banbridge Area Learning Community schools.
Lunch time theory club, after school choir practice, Chamber Choir, peripatetic tutors for range of instruments, school productions, Music Autumn, Spring and Summer Concerts, Opportunity to sit ABRSM Grades, Feis Competitions, Songwriting competitions, Carson Awards, annual London Theatre Trip.
Physical Education
Mr K Walker Head of Department
Miss A McKenna
Mr C Lenaghan
Miss J Cochrane
KS3 Physical Education follow the NI Curriculum, being taught activities and sports from:
- Invasion games
- Gymnastics
- Dance
- Swimming
- Athletics Outdoor Activities
For GCSE Physical Education the pupils are taught the CCEA Physical Education Specification. Within the specification they will focus on the following areas;
- Component 1 Factors Underpinning Health and Performance
- Component 2 Developing Performance
- Component 3 Practical Performance in Sport
KS4 (non-GCSE) follow the NI Curriculum, being taught skills and knowledge to further develop their understanding from KS3
- Developing and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
- Invasion Games
- Dance
- Personal Fitness
For advanced level Physical Education, the pupils are taught the RQF BTEC Level 3 in Sport (equivalent to one A-Level)
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
- Professional Development in the Sports Industry
- Application of Fitness Tests
Extra-Curricular Programme allows the development of the competitive sports with Football, Netball, Hockey, Gaelic Football, Camogie, Cross Country, Athletics and Table Tennis clubs happening throughout the week.
Religious Education
Mrs C. Harrison
Ms L.A Phillips Head of Junior School (SLT)
Mrs S. Forde
Miss S. Irvine
Ms G. Byrne
The CCEA learning objectives ‘Revelation of God’, ’The Christian Church’ and ‘Morality’ are developed across Year 8 -10. World Religions are also included to encourage pupils to develop a knowledge and understanding of and sensitivity towards, two major world faiths other than Christianity.
The flexible framework at Key Stage 3 allows: teachers to establish foundations for Key Stage 4 study by providing opportunities for;
- pupils to demonstrate deeper understanding;
- pupils to become more independent learners who will be more adept and experienced in managing their own learning.
Key Stage 3 experiences should provide a robust basis for learning at Key Stage 4. The knowledge, understanding and skills outlined in Key Stage 3 Religious Education provide a framework that enables teachers to tailor the breadth and depth of coverage to meet the needs and interests of their pupils.
Religious Education is a statutory subject at Key Stage 4. There are two possibilities. Students are advised on the most suitable option.
- CCEA GCSE Religious Studies
- OCN Level Two Certificate in Religious Studies
*Further details are found in the GCSE Options Booklet.
AS/A2 students follow the CCEA GCE Religious Studies Specification.
At AS, students complete two units of study:
- Unit AS 1: An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
- Unit AS 5: The Celtic Church in Ireland in the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Centuries
At A2, students complete two additional units of study:
- Unit A2 1: Themes in the Synoptic Gospels
- Unit A2 5: Themes in the Celtic Church, Reformation and Post-Reformation Church
*Further details are found in the GCSE Options Booklet.
FIN- Fellowship in New-Bridge. Visits to different Churches.
Science
Mr S Duffin Head of Department
Mr G Thompson SLT
Mr A Edgar
Mrs A McCully
Mr P Firth
Mrs A McCarthy
Mr G McParland Technician
At KS3 Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught. We encourage as much investigative and practical work as possible and to this end we use the “Spotlight Science” books as our main text.
At GCSE, the CCEA specification is currently followed. Pupils will study either Double Award or Single Award Science.
At post 16 Biology, Chemistry and Physics follow the CCEA specification. Applied Science follows the EDEXCEL specification.
STEM Club/National Science Week/Visits.
Technology & Design
Mr Kelly
Mrs Mitchell
Mr Cromwell Technician
In Year 8 our pupils have two timetabled periods, per week, of Technology and Design. In Year 9 and 10 our pupils have one timetabled period of Technology and Design. Within these classes pupils learn a variety of relevant skills that will equip them for life in a technological society. Class work and homework is based around projects or design tasks. As pupils work through the projects they acquire new skills and knowledge.
Technology and Design provides an opportunity to design and make a real product. It allows you to create a project based on a design criteria that solves a problem. As part of the course, you will study the areas of designing, manufacturing, electronics, pneumatics and mechanical systems. You will learn how these technological developments have influenced the way that we live and work.
At GCSE we study CCEA Product design and pupils enjoy the challenges this brings. Students get the opportunity to work with various material including the traditional wood and metal as well as new Smart and Composite materials.KS4.
A Level Technology offered within the Banbridge Area learning Community Schools.
STEM club; Sentinus.
Uniformed Protective Services
Miss McIntyre
Miss Irvine
Miss McKenna
Mrs McIvor
This BTEC Level 3 course will effectively prepare you for application and career success in the Uniformed Protective Services. You’ll increase your knowledge, skills, level of fitness and discipline ready for a career in the uniformed protective services or the private sector.
Single Award (1 A-Level):
2 Units in year 13
2 Units in year 14
Double Award (2 A-Levels):
4 Units in year 13
4 Units in year 14