COLLEGE CURRICULUM

At St Malachy's College, we aim to develop the potential of every student through the provision of a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.

Academic excellence sits at the heart of College life, supported by outstanding pastoral care, high-quality teaching and a commitment to helping every young person discover and develop their strengths.

Our curriculum is designed not only to achieve excellent outcomes, but to nurture confident, capable and compassionate young men who are prepared to make a positive contribution to society.

Key Stage 3 Students from St. Malachy's College

St Malachy's College Circle Crest in White

Excellence in Learning

We promote high aspirations for all students by developing literacy, numeracy and digital skills, encouraging curiosity and creativity, and helping students make meaningful connections across different areas of learning. Through rigorous teaching, assessment and support, every student is challenged to achieve their full potential.

KEY STAGE 3

Years 8 - 10

Key Stage 3 provides students with a broad and balanced educational experience across a wide range of subject areas. Alongside core academic subjects, students benefit from enrichment opportunities, modern languages, digital learning and a comprehensive programme of Learning for Life and Work designed to support both academic and personal development.

Key Stage 3 student taking part in a digital skills class at St Malachy's College Belfast.

Subjects include:

Art & Design
Digital Skills
Drama
English
Geography
Home Economics
History
LLW

Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Science
Technology
Two Languages (French / Spanish / Irish)

*LLW coupled with the tutorial programme includes the delivery of Personal Development, Citizenship and Employability.

Key Stage 3 Student playing in St Malachy's College Orchestra

Key Stage 3 Students taking part in a Science Lesson

In Year 8 students are allocated a library period fortnightly during which a focus is placed on reading for enjoyment and enables further promotion of the Accelerated Reader programme which has been well established across KS3.

A Community of Care

Pastoral care is central to life at St Malachy's College. Through a structured network of Heads of School, Year Heads, Form Tutors and support staff, students are guided and encouraged throughout their time in the College. By combining academic support with personal development and wellbeing, we create an environment where every young person can flourish and achieve their full potential.

GCSE (Key Stage 4)

Years 11 - 12

Students build upon the foundations established in Key Stage 3 through a combination of core subjects and a wide range of option choices. The curriculum provides flexibility, challenge and opportunities for students to pursue areas of interest while preparing for future study and career pathways.

St Malachy's College Hurling Team Player

St Malachy's College students at the annual Prize Giving ceremony.

Core Subjects:

English Language
Mathematics
Triple / Double / Single Award Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

English Literature
Religious Studies
Irish / Spanish / French / Gaelige (Students may select one or two languages)

Options include:

Art & Design
Business and Communication Systems (BACS)
Business Studies
Computer Studies
Digital Technology (Multimedia)
Drama
Food and Nutrition

Further Mathematics*
Geography
Health & Social Care
History
Learning for Life & Work (LLW)
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies

Moving Image Arts
Music
Physical Education
Government and Politics**
Statistics**
Technology and Design

*Pupils of proven ability may be selected for Further Mathematics. These students will complete GCSE Maths in Year 11 and GCSE Further Maths in Year 12.

**Some students at KS4 have engaged in GCSE classes outside the school day with timetabled provision for Government & Politics and Statistics, thus enabling them an opportunity to gain an extra GCSE.

SIXTH FORM (Key Stage 5)

Years 13 - 14

Our Sixth Form offers an extensive range of A Level and vocational pathways within a vibrant academic community. Students are supported to achieve excellent outcomes while developing leadership skills, independence and ambition for university, apprenticeships and future careers. Strong links with universities and industry partners further enrich the Sixth Form experience.

Pupils wishing to study post 16 in St Malachy’s College will be guided by the Criteria for Admission to Sixth Form.

Sixth Form Gael Linn Students from St Malachy's College

The Sixth Form Curriculum aims to build upon the foundations laid in KS4. The College tries to accommodate any combination of subjects. Pupils normally study three subjects for AS and those with a strong GCSE performance are encouraged to study a fourth subject at GCE AS-level. Most students take three subjects through to A2 level but some may continue to study four.