St David's College A GSG School

Other features

All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.

Sports

Unusual sports

Sailing

Special Education Needs

We take great pride in our whole school approach to dyslexia and related difficulties so all our classroom teachers receive extra training and qualifications beyond the usual BEd/PGCE. Indeed, we have over 50 years experience, and much of the research that has underpinned modern understanding of dyslexia was carried out at St David's, in collaboration with Bangor and Chester Universities. In addition, our team of 20 specialist staff provide one to one and small group support in the areas that might be holding a student back from doing their best. Our emphasis is on using multi-sensory teaching and communication strategies to help a pupil reach their full potential. We are a relatively small secondary school with equally small classes and the friendly relationship between staff and pupils is just one of the factors that leads to success. In fact, we think these aspects are really just the very best teaching practice and we have pupils every year who are aiming for 3 "A/A*" grades at A-level. Work in the classroom is supported by what we believe is the most extensive sporting, outdoor pursuits and extra-curricular programme in the UK (for instance there were 16 major expeditions last year alone). Fitness is important in its own right but it also aids concentration and team activities provide scope for learning important leadership and social skills. Having others depend on your skills and enthusiasms can be a real eye-opener to some, and our whole ethos is geared to raising your self-esteem... which is so important if your talents are to be uncovered and nurtured into full bloom.