Art

 The Art and Design Department aims to provide opportunities for the pupils to develop their own personal and creative responses by
(1) Researching, gathering, and interpreting information;
(2) Developing an appreciation of the work of artist;
(3) Developing creative thinking skills and personal creative outcomes through investigating, designing and making 3-dimensional construction or prototyping lens based and digital media
(4) Using the visual elements with understanding when engaging in art and design
(5) Evaluating and appreciating their own and others’ work through discussion and reflection.

Business Studies

Since the department’s inception in 1997 the number of students choosing to study Business Studies has grown to the extent that it has become one of the most popular choices at both GCSE and A level. The teaching team prides itself in the results their pupils achieve, some of which have been outstanding. For example, a number of GCSE pupils have achieved results in the top three places in Northern Ireland, in addition to an A Level student achieving a place among the top five students in the United Kingdom. The staff are committed to providing a diverse range of teaching and learning experiences which are enhanced by their experience as examiners of both GCSE and A level specifications.

Child Development

 Child Development is a broad course on the development of babies and small children (0–5 years).  It encourages students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills, including practical skills, by focusing on key areas such as pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn baby, 
the responsibilities involved in parenting and
the social, physical, intellectual, communication and emotional development of small children, including their dietary, health and educational needs.

English

The English Department is passionate about our subject. Our aim is to encourage writers in all sorts of areas. We want pupils to be able to write in many different forms for many different purposes. Efficient reading is one objective, but in attaining this we wish to unlock the storehouse of knowledge and vicarious experience that is involved in reading. Also important, is the ability to talk and listen and we will try to hone this skill over the years in English class.
The English Department is an enthusiastic group of teachers who love their subject. Also, their involvement in school life testifies to their commitment to pupils’ education. We are involved in debating, theatre visits, drama productions, the library, public speaking, the school magazine, sport, mentoring, conservation and pastoral care.

Geography

The Geography Department in Larne Grammar school prides itself in providing an interesting and stimulating curriculum for all students. The curriculum is based on the Revised Curriculum for Northern Ireland at Key Stage 3, and follows the CCEA Specification at GCSE, AS and A2 level.  

Throughout Key Stage 3 we centre our study of Geographical principles on modules which are used as frameworks for the development of each pupil’s geographical skills and knowledge. These units of work are structured so that pupils are well prepared to continue with Geography at GCSE and 'A' level.

Health and Social Care

 Health and Social Care provides opportunities for students to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of what is required for working in the health, social care and early years sectors. In particular, they learn about human development, 
factors affecting health and development,
how relationships influence social and emotional development, major life changes, barriers to health and social care services and 
the importance of safeguarding in health.

History

History continues to be a very popular and successful subject for students at LGS. It attracts pupils who have an interest in exploring the events that have shaped our world. It is a challenging but enjoyable subject for students with suitable English skills and an interest in exploring important historical events. Given the skills you will develop through history starting at key stage three and beyond, employers of all kinds will be very interested in you. In addition to teachers, archivists and museum curators, those who have studied history often find themselves working in occupations such as finance and management, consultancy work, radio and television, journalism, law, publishing, the arts, the Civil Service and other branches of public life.

ICT

 The aims of the ICT Department are
To equip all pupils with the necessary skills to enable them to make full use of ICT across the range of subjects.
To foster an interest in and enjoyment of all aspects of Information and Communication Technology and Computer Science. 
A wide range of ICT facilities are offered at Larne 

Mathematics

The Mathematics department seeks to provide a learning environment which will stimulate and encourage pupils by producing thought provoking and challenging work. We have high expectations of our pupils and aim that each will achieve their full potential.
Pupils are split into four classes of mixed ability and follow the Key Stage 3 programme of study.
Pupils are split into five classes and take GCSE Mathematics at either Foundation or Higher level, with the majority taking Higher. 
Further Mathematics can also be taken at GCSE level.
Pupils can study AS Mathematics in Sixth form and A2 Mathematics in Upper Sixth in a modular course. Further Mathematics and Scholarship Mathematics are taught when required. 

Modern Foreign Languages

Studying a Modern Language is no longer compulsory at Larne Grammar School, however it is hoped that students will realise the benefits, advantages and many career opportunities that arise from having a qualification in another language.

At GCSE level, students should derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning, and be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.  The course also aims to encourage students to recognise that their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills help them to take their place in a multilingual, global society.

Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies

Mechanics copy goes here

Home Economics

All pupils study Home Economics in Years 8, 9 and 10 as one of the strands of Learning for Life and Work. They have the opportunity to examine the key aspects of Home Economics as well as developing their practical skills by creating dishes that are relevant to the theoretical lessons. Pupils are introduced to simple, useful dishes in practical lessons in year 8, and then progress to make more complex dishes throughout year 9 and 10. Students learn how to use equipment and become confident when using many pieces of large and small equipment. We try to include a practical lesson every other week.S

Music

The Music Department is a very busy area of the School.  All pupils in Years 8, 9 & 10 study music; with emphasis on the three skill areas of Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising.  Music is offered as a GCSE option in Year 11, an AS in Year 13 and as an A2 in Year 14. 

Physical Education

The delivery of Physical Education in Larne Grammar School is in accordance with the current Northern Ireland curriculum. We endeavour to develop each pupil’s physical skills and ability by offering a wide range of practical activities in an inclusive and safe environment.

Curriculum PE – Every pupil from year 8 to year 11 will participate in 2 periods of PE and 2 periods of Games

Pupils in Year 11 can choose to sit GCSE PE as an academic subject. Currently candidates must be assessed in three practical activities that amounts to 50% of the final mark.

Religious Education

The Religious Studies Department plays a vital role in developing students’ understanding of the increasingly diverse and globalised world around us from the perspective of religion and faith. We aim to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of people’s values, beliefs and cultures as well as the most pressing and important ethical issues of our time. From the morality of war to the ethics of marriage and divorce, Religious Studies at Larne Grammar School covers numerous issues concerning both religious and secular society.

Science

The Science Department is an enthusiastic group of teachers with a wealth of experience and a range of teaching styles and it aims to provide a challenging and stimulating environment for students to question and discover what is happening around them.
During their studies students will:
(i) learn about, enjoy and respect living things (Biology)
(ii) study the structure, properties and reactions of different materials (Chemistry)
(iii) investigate forces, energy and how things work (Physics)

Technology

This subject is taught in the Technology Centre, a purpose built area which is across the road from the main school building. The Centre has a bright and attractive foyer that displays a range of pupil’s work.  There are one system room and a planning room where problems are analysed and theoretically solved before moving into the manufacturing rooms to realise a solution.  The emphasis in Technology and Design is on the development of creative design skills and manufacturing capability whilst working with a range of materials.  Many of the skills taught through Technology and Design are transferable.

Travel & Tourism

This specification supports the aim of the Northern Ireland Curriculum to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives, as well as its objectives: to develop the young person as an individual; to develop the young person as a contributor to society; and to develop the young person as a contributor to the economy and environment.

Careers

Careers and Employability are taught in a timetabled programme from Years 8 to 14.

Years 8 – 10 currently have 30 minutes per week, one period, during which they follow the CCEA programme of study for Employability and CEAIG requirements of “Preparing for Success”. In Year 10, the programme also includes guidance on choosing subjects for GCSE. All Year 10 students receive a careers guidance interview with a member of the Careers department when picking GCSE subjects.

Currently, all pupils in Year 12-14 have a timetabled Careers class for 30 minutes per week.

Learning For Life and Work

Learning for Life and Work provides opportunities for pupils to develop skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and values that help them prepare for adult life, independent living and work;
meet the challenges and opportunities of contemporary society
make informed decisions and take responsible action throughout their lives.
At Larne Grammar School, Learning for Life and Work is delivered through discrete provision of the following subjects:

Education for Employability, Home Economics, Local and Global Citizenship, Personal Development