Pupils decide what to learn (From Barry And District News)

Pupils decide what to learn

A BARRY school believes letting pupils choose their curriculum is the route to success - and that is exactly what they are going to do from this coming September.

While Bryn Hafren Comprehensive students will still sit core subjects like English, maths and science that lead to a GCSE, they will have the opportunity to shape their studies to fit their plans.

Deputy head Ian Kilcoyne explained the scheme fits in with the approach adopted by the National Assembly for Wales' Learning Pathways document.

He said it encourages pupils to think more about their future and which subjects will be most appropriate for further study or their career.

He told the News: "This is totally open to all pupils and we've got some very bright students who will get good grades that have decided to do single science alongside more languages."

According to Mr Kilcoyne, the key to the success of this new approach is flexibility, and spending time in careers evenings and parents' evenings.

Taking a risk, the school had to trust research showing the results would balance, or there would have been staffing problems.

But teacher Lesley Olden said: "It has worked out, as the research predicted."

Links with Barry College and Pencoed College mean hairdressing and beauty, as well as childcare and animal studies, will also be offered.

Lesley added: "We hope this will reduce the dissatisfaction in Year 10, because 70 to 80 percent of their time will be spent doing subjects the pupils have chosen.

This should raise motivation and improve attendance."

School governor and Learning Resources Centre Manager Jackie Morgan added: "It's already got the year 9 children talking about it.

Not only are pupils getting a solid academic grounding, but there is also the opportunity to get practical experience through our partnerships with the colleges, as well."