Departments (ID 1160)

• Maths
  Maths

  Mathematics, often called the language of the universe, embodies a profound and intrinsic beauty that resonates through every facet of our world. Studying mathematics cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential in our increasingly complex and data-driven society. It sharpens the mind, encouraging precise reasoning and the ability to analyze and interpret information.

  The department strives to make teaching informative, interesting and inspiring. Specifically, we aim to strengthen and develop mathematical knowledge and skills, develop the ability to think logically, help to understand the relevance and application of mathematics in a real-world context, and help appreciate the power and beauty of mathematics.

  Our departmental website contains a large number of resources that can help support all of our pupils and their parents enabling everyone to reach their potential. Our schemes of work plus our resources for all year groups and abilities can be found here as well as links to useful websites and material. All pupils have access to Mathswatch accounts and My Maths. Welsh material can be accessed via Mathemateg.com ensuring high quality teaching and learning for all.

• English
  English

  In the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman English Department the traditional and the modern meet to create an inspiring experience designed to make pupils proud of their cultural roots, whilst they gain the skills and qualifications they need to excel in life. The atmosphere in our department is exciting and exacting.

  All KS3 classes follow a bespoke curriculum grounded in "the best that has been thought and said" linking traditional Welsh and English literary greats to contemporary and international classics, with WJEC GCSE qualifications in Language and Literature taken in Y10 and Y11 . English Literature and English Language and Literature is highly popular in the Sixth Form, at both AS and A Level.

  There are plenty of opportunities for pupils to extend their learning and experiences outside the classroom through a thriving extra curricular programme, often led by visiting experts, including creative writing, Drama and Premier League Reading Stars. The ALN department and Literacy coordinator also work closely with English and support is always on hand.

  Pupils are encouraged to be self-aware, independent and creative thinkers. During their time with us, we see them grow into ambitious, capable learners ready to learn throughout their lives, creative contributors, and ethical, informed confident citizens

  English Departmental Website

• Welsh
  Welsh

• Science
  Science

  Visit the Science Department Website

• PE
  PE

  The PE department at YDA is a very active department with a wide range of sports offered throughout school and multiple options at GCSE and A-Level. In addition the enthusiastic and dedicated department offers a wide range of opportunities through curricular and extracurricular activities. The school’s Youth Active Person also works closely with members of the department to organise activities for the pupils. We have excellent access to sporting facilities!

  Visit the PE Department Website

• Modern Foreign Languages
  Modern Foreign Languages

  Welcome to the Modern Foreign Languages department at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman. Both French and German are taught in the department, with the opportunity to continue both subjects up to A Level. In addition to French and German, we have many extra-curricular language clubs such as Mandarin, Polish and we also offer Latin at GCSE.

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  MFL Departmental Website

• History
  History

  The History Department at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is committed to teaching history so that it is engaging, thought-provoking and relevant to our young learners today. We strive to help students to make sense of why things are the way they are in the modern world as well as asking challenging questions about the past. Pupils are encouraged to approach what they read, hear and see in a critical way and we encourage students to have a genuine love of history. In today’s 21^st Century climate, History remains a vitally important subject providing the student with the skills to understand and appreciate the contemporary world around them. To find out more about History at YDA, please visit our departmental website.

• Geography
  Geography

  Geography Department Website

• RE
  RE

  The main aim of the department is to teach all of our pupils the main world religions, alongside contemporary issues that affect their lives. We endeavour to promote tolerance and empathy, so that every pupil can become a respectful, global citizen.

  Our lessons enable pupils to:

  • Acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions
  • Develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures
  • Develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues, with reference to the teachings of the principal religions represented in the United Kingdom and thereby develop confidence in their own beliefs and values.
  • RE Department Website

• Drama
  Drama

• Music
  Music

  Music Department Website

• Art
  Art

  The Art Department at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is a dynamic and stimulating environment where pupils learn a broad and varied curriculum. High achievement is encourages through an engaging programme of high quality teaching and learning. We expect all students to do their very best as they explore, develop and refine new skills, ideas and experiences.

  Learners receive high level of individually tailored support form a skilled team of 4 teachers, support staff and professional practitioners. Students are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively through independent learning, practical application , teamwork and reflection. We also prepare our pupils for the future by addressing issues relevant to their personal, social and moral development. All teachers have a variety and diverse skill set to offer, such as painting/drawing, graphics, photography, textiles and sculpture.

  There is a strong ethos of self expression and creativity in all classrooms and teaching. Pupils are encouraged to be independent and self motivated. Imagination and ‘thinking outside the box’ are promoted and encouraged. The classroom environment is nurturing and stimulating, (as indeed are the linking corridors and entrance into the department).

  Our Departmental Website

  KS4 & KS5 Pinterest Board

• Design & Technology
  Design & Technology

  Here at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman we have a variety of experiences within Design and Technology, we are really lucky as it is a large department which has two cooking rooms, two woodwork workshops, two metal workshops, a textile room, four computer rooms, a LEGO studio and also a Computer Aided Design and Manufacture room.

  In these rooms we have industry standard equipment and software, namely 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, a Heat Press, Embroidery Machines, Adobe Creative Suite software and Autodesk Inventor, which you get to use during key stage three to create designs and make new projects.

  Our teachers are experts in many areas of Technology and have worked for large companies such as - Sony, LEGO, Graphic design companies and also in advertising/point of sale – skills and experiences which they bring into our classroom.

  Visit our Departmental Website

• ICT
  ICT

  ICT Department Website

• Social Sciences
  Social Sciences

  We offer a wide range of Social Sciences at Key Stage 5 ,including Psychology, Criminology, Government & Politics, Health and Social Care and Sociology. Please see the A-Level Course Guide for more details!