CURRICULUM

Malone College believes that all pupils, regardless of ability, are entitled to the best that education can offer. The College has high expectations of all its pupils and adopts teaching approaches that encourage individuals to strive towards and achieve their own personal goals.

The curriculum offered at Malone, whilst primarily shaped by the Revised Curriculum and the Entitlement Curriculum for Northern Ireland, is also designed to reflect the key principles of the College mission statement. The integrated nature of the College is reflected in each area of study and priority is given to providing a broad and balanced programme for all our students. All pupils are assessed on entry to the school and their needs catered for accordingly. We are aware that we are living in changing times and are adapting our curriculum to better prepare our young people for life and work in the 21^st Century.  The College is committed to ensuring that the curriculum is challenging, interesting and relevant, and that teaching methods are varied and innovative allowing pupils to access curricular content through their own learning styles.

AREAS OF STUDY & CONTRIBUTORY SUBJECTS AT KEY STAGE 3

During Years 8 to 10 the pupils follow a broad, balanced programme in accordance with the programmes of study for Key Stage Three and the revised curriculum, which will be phased in over the coming years.

MALONE COLLEGE COLLABORATION  

Malone College is a major player in various educational collaborations within Schools and Colleges across the city and in Lisburn, to maximise the curriculum offer for our students, thus enhancing their learning experiences at Key Stage 4 and Post 16.

We are members of the South Belfast Area Learning Community (SBALC), with subject links in many schools, including Hunter House College and Belfast Metropolitan College.  We also provide subject options in conjunction with Fort Hill College and St. Colm's High School in the Lisburn Area.

We run courses in collaboration with the Hair & Beauty Academy, Impact Training and Springvale Training for students at Key Stage 4 specifically, thus giving them an opportunity to gain professional qualifications as an enhancement of their academic studies in school.

AREAS OF STUDY & CONTRIBUTORY SUBJECTS AT KEY STAGE 4

At Key Stage Four, pupils are expected to study for qualifications most likely to benefit their future careers. At the end of Year 12, students sit GCSE examinations in the chosen subjects. In addition to the compulsory subjects at GCSE, pupils will be able to choose subjects from option lists.

 Note: from September 2010 all students at KS4 will complete a GCSE in LLW

COURSES OFFERED AT POST-16 FOR 2010 – 2011

At Post-16, in addition to the traditional A-level examination, the sixth form also offers more vocational A levels which provide our students with access to a broad based education.  Malone College provides transport between sites for those students who select subjects offered at other locations.

Courses on offer are subject to change for 2010/2011.

If further clarification/information is required in relation to the Curriculum, enquiries may be directed to Mrs K Moore (Curriculum Vice-Principal).

LEARNING FOR LIFE AND WORK

In Malone College, each pupil recieves one period per week of Learning for Life and Work (LLW).  This incorporates three main subject areas - Personal Development, Employability and Local and Global Citizenship.  This is an integral area in the Revised Curriculum which became statutory in 2007.

Topics covered in Learning for Life and Work include:

• Personal Development - Health and Drugs Education, Relationships and Sexuality, Financial Responsibility, Self Awareness, Personal Health;
• Employability - Work in the Local and Global Economy, Career Management and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship;
• Local and Global Citizenship - Diversity and Inclusion, Equality and Social Justice, Democracy and Active Participation, Human Rights and Social Responsibility.

The purpose of studying LLW is to enhance the curriculum the pupils are receiving, as well as developing our young people to be key participants in society.  It helps develop their skills and capabilities and thus raise self-esteem and self-worth.  It also allows pupils to take a sense of ownership of their own career path and provides opportunities to reflect upon the nature of their own and other communities and the World in which they live.  Themes and key topics from the LLW programme will also be incorporated into subject specific teaching where and when appropriate.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra-Curricular activities form an integral part of the education of the whole child and, as such, Malone College offers a busy and varied programme before school, after school and lunchtime activities, designed to promote health, social awareness and primarily enjoyment.  The activities offered reflect the needs and interests of all pupils.

Some of the activities on offer include sporting activities (e.g. cross-country, football, rambling, rugby, golf, netball, table tennis, dance), Guitar club, Singing Club, Band, Language Clubs, Drama, Chess, Art, Cookery, Fantasy League, German, ICT, Ichthus, Literacy Booster, Technology, Business, GCSE/A level Revision Clubs, Homework Club, Sign Language, Table Tennis etc.