We encourage a love of learning, both in the classroom and via a spectacular Outdoor Education, Sport and Activity programme. Our family atmosphere, whole-person approach and Christian foundation make a winning combination and the latest inspection report judged us "outstanding" for our curriculum and the way we guide and care for our pupils. Over 40 years of pioneering experience, small classes and expert SpLD provision (for those who need it), combine to create happy, motivated and confident young men and women, ready to face an increasingly competitive outside world. If this enterprising way forward appeals to you, do visit us and savour the special atmosphere of St David's.
Central to our approach is our belief that challenge and opportunity created in a non-academic sphere enable you to recognise your own strengths, promoting self-belief, confidence and personal satisfaction; stimulating your interest in this way then translates into the classroom and enhances academic study. It's not all water and mountains, though! For you, perhaps, your strengths may lie in the performing arts, in design, in the laboratory or on the sportsfield. Finding, encouraging and praising your talents, therefore, is our mission, best achieved in close partnership with both you and your parents. Together, we aim to develop 'the whole person', leading to both academic success and preparation for life.
Just as examples, the rich and diverse range of subjects in the Art department offers you everything from drawing and painting, through graphic design, sculpture and photography to critical & historical studies; you’re encouraged to explore your imagination and devise your own projects for presentation to examiners. In the Performing Arts, drama and music have leapt ahead in recent years, leading to Associated Board and LAMDA qualifications. Business Studies, Geography, the Humanities, ICT, Languages, Maths and the Sciences all have their place at St David's; if these are your strengths, we will give you every opportunity to achieve your optimum. Apart from mainstream academic subjects, we have a particular expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD), leading to career areas that include all aspects of design: Engineering & Architecture, Animation, TV & Video Broadcasting, Web Design, Computer Games Design, Technical Illustration – it goes on. In our state-of-the-art Lennard Centre, CAD sits alongside our Design & Technology multi-media workshops, housing the latest in both software and the more traditional equipment associated with manufacturing; the emphasis is on 'quality', so that you can see and handle products that are well-made. And so can examiners whom, we understand, enjoy coming to St David's to experience the high standard of our students' output, often to degree level.
Learning skills are integral to our approach and in the junior years (7 to 9), class sizes of no more than 14 (about 8 in English & Maths) allow the individual attention you deserve. We follow the National Curriculum and a lot more besides: a choice of up to 21 subjects leading to GCSE or Level 2 BTEC and 17 for A-level or Level 3 BTE
