We are very proud of the wide and varied selection of subjects and extracurricular activities we have to offer our pupils. It is through these many choices that pupils can shape their learning journey to their interests and passions and therefore come to Kings Monkton School always curious to learn and be part of the school community.
Humanities are academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. Humanities help us to do the following:
At Kings Monkton, we offer a diverse range of subjects within the faculty to suit all learning styles:
• History (Key Stage 3 – 5)
• Geography (Key Stage 3 – 5)
• Religion & Philosophy (Key Stage 3 – 5)
• Sociology (Key Stage 4 – 5)
• Psychology (Key Stage 4 – 5)
• Criminology (Key Stage 5)
By ensuring that our pupils have a bespoke curriculum suitable for their needs, we achieve outstanding GCSE and A level outcomes, year on year. The faculty comprises of two History Teachers (Mrs Price and Ms Bowley), two Religion & Philosophy Teachers (Mrs Alexander & Mrs Morton), one Geography Teacher (Ms Phillips) and one Psychology, Criminology and Sociology Teacher (Ms Hersi).
Staff in the faculty feel passionately that lessons that we learn outside the classroom are just as important as the ones in it. Therefore, our provision is enhanced by offering several exciting trips to ensure that pupils learn about these subjects in context. In recent years, our pupils have had the opportunity of visiting Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Synagogue, the Senedd, and Bletchley Park, in addition to trips further afield, such as:
At Kings Monkton School, the STEM and DT programs offer students an exciting journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, students delve into various design and engineering aspects, including cutting-edge CAD design and 3D printing techniques.
In DT, students immerse themselves in the realm of engineering, gaining proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and applying it to create intricate models and rapid- prototyping. They harness the power of 3D printing technology, transforming their designs into tangible objects, enabling them to bring their innovative ideas to life.
From coding and robotics in Key Stage 3 to cutting-edge pathways in Computer Science, Digital Technology and Esports, our students experience STEM as something to explore, create and lead. Our pupils leave us as confident, future-ready innovators.
This dynamic approach to STEM and DT education at Kings Monkton School equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in design and engineering fields, nurturing their creativity and preparing them for a future that thrives on technological advancements.
Pupils are also taught the importance of STEM subjects and develop an understanding both inside and outside the classroom. Many STEM careers need creativity as much as the more analytical skills traditionally associated with STEM subjects. Most STEM roles are about coming up with solutions to problems – and problem solving is often about thinking creatively or “outside the box”. At the same time, STEM subjects require research, attention to detail and a critical approach which is useful in any profession or subject. This means STEM and arts/humanities subjects complement each other well at A-level, as skills gained in one can improve your approach to the other.
We work in partnership with InestIN so pupils can attend conferences in Kings College London and University College London to get a better understanding of engineering and science-based subjects. We also work with Swansea University to offer pupils the opportunity to undertake a week’s engineering camp at Swansea University at the end of Year 12.
Pupils also enter competitions to develop their interest and improve their CV, such as the UKSDC competition in conjunction with NASA and coding competitions, both online and at events. The ultimate experience for our pupils is the opportunity to spend ten days in Silicon Valley learning about the blue-chip industry.
We ensure that pupils not only get the best results in subjects such as mathematics and science – with outstanding GCSE and A Level results year on year – but also get the practical experience of studying and learning about these STEM subjects and careers with professionals from different universities and industries.
Our Science faculty consists of five teachers and a technician, utilising four well equipped laboratories.
At Key Stage 4 we offer WJEC Biology, Chemistry, and Physics GCSE as well as Double and Single Award Science GCSE. In 2025 GCSE Triple Award results were 96% A*-C, with approximately 30% of pupils achieving an A*.
At Key Stage 5 we offer WJEC Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-Level classes. Many of our A-Level pupils go on to study Medicine, Science, and Engineering at University.
Curriculum enrichment is an important part of our Science curriculum, with faculty incorporating trips and opportunities to support classroom learning. Most notably are trips to Universities, practical fieldwork, and involvement in competitions such as the UK Space Design Competition.
Kings Monkton School’s Design Technology department offers an exciting and inspiring range of opportunities, giving pupils the chance to develop practical skills, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning. With access to specialist machinery and equipment, and innovative teaching, pupils are encouraged to design, make, test, and evaluate products across a variety of material areas.
Through their Design Technology classes, pupils experience projects involving woods, metals, plastics, and textiles, building a broad understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and design principles. From working with timber to create high-quality products, to shaping and soldering metals, vacuum forming plastics, and developing textile-based designs. Pupils gain valuable experience in both traditional and modern manufacturing techniques.
The department places a strong focus on problem-solving, creativity, and real world application. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, develop practical solutions, and explore how design can improve the world around them. They also learn important transferrable skills such as; communication, teamwork, resilience, and project management.
Design Technology at Kings Monkton helps prepare pupils for a wide range of future pathways and careers, including; Product Design, Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design, Fashion & Textiles, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, Construction, Manufacturing, and Skilled Trades. By combining creativity with technical knowledge, the department equips pupils with the skills and confidence needed for further education, apprenticeships, and future employment in an ever-changing world.
Our team of experienced educators is committed to supporting students in developing confidence and achievement in Mathematics. We provide a structured and engaging learning environment where pupils can explore mathematical ideas, build strong problem-solving skills, and develop fluency.
Our department places emphasis on developing understanding alongside application, enabling pupils to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts. Through clear teaching, careful support and a focus on mastery, we aim to help every pupil make progress and become more proficient in Mathematics.
Kings Monkton School’s Computing & Business Faculty offers a vibrant and forward-thinking approach to STEM education, creating an environment where curiosity, creativity and innovation thrive. Supported by a team of passionate and knowledgeable teachers, pupils benefit from expert guidance and mentorship at every stage of their journey. Enrichment opportunities, competitions and clubs further enhance learning, sparking curiosity and allowing pupils to pursue their interests beyond the classroom.
Starting from Year 7, our Computer Science classes connect practical programming with real-world solutions. Our pupils regularly engage in hands-on projects that bring their learning to life by designing apps and analysing business data.
Our Key Stage 3 pupils have recently contributed to our Acceptable Use Policy, demonstrating their awareness of digital responsibility and their ability to influence rale change within the school community.
GCSE learners can continue to develop their expertise through a broad and engaging curriculum, including Computer Science and Business Studies. These courses equip pupils with a deep understanding of computational thinking, programming, cybersecurity, business, financial literacy and data-driven decision-making skills that are highly valued in an increasingly digital world. Pupils select their options with confidence, knowing that their futures will be aided by a solid understanding in the world they are moving into.
A-Level, we offer courses in Computer Science, Digital Technology, Esports, Business Studies and Economics through expert teaching with modern facilities and a curriculum that reflects the latest developments in a variety of industries. As a recent addition, the Esports programme offers a unique and exciting pathway, combining strategic thinking, teamwork, and technical knowledge alongside game design, event management, and digital marketing. Providing an introduction into an ever-growing sector.
The Creative Arts Faculty comprises of Art, Design and Technology, Media Studies, Music, Music Technology and Performing Arts. Using our specialist facilities pupils are encouraged to develop their personal interests through their projects and much of their work will be practical. All pupils study Art, Design Technology and Music in Years 7, 8 and 9 and there are opportunities for pupils to attend workshops, extra-curricular clubs and to participate in our termly showcase events and the annual school production. Uptake of creative subjects is strong at GCSE and A Level, and we offer a range of traditional and vocational subjects to cater to the needs of our pupils.
The faculty is well resourced using specialist equipment, such our fantastic Recording Studio, fully equipped Design Technology Suite and with specialist iMacs for our digital coursework in Media and Music Technology.
The Modern Foreign Languages faculty is made up of three teachers, two of whom are native speakers.
French is taught from Year 3 to A level and Spanish from Year 5 to A level. Examination classes are small and both the GCSE and A level results are excellent.In 2022 100% of French students achieved an A* at both GCSE and A level and 75% of Spanish pupils scored A*/A at GCSE. Francophonie week is celebrated annually throughout the school.
The Sport and Lifestyle Faculty includes Physical Education, Food and Nutrition, and Health and Social Care. Across the faculty, pupils are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle by keeping active and developing an understanding of healthy eating.
In Food lessons, pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 develop essential cooking skills through a variety of practical topics, including food hygiene and safety, understanding food poverty and sustainable food choices whilst exploring international cuisines from other cultures. At GCSE level, we offer two courses: WJEC Food and Nutrition, and Nutrition and Health (NCFE). We also offer Food and Nutrition at A-Level, and these courses are a popular choice among our pupils.
Key Stage 3 pupils receive a PE and Games lessons each week. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 also take part in a weekly Games lesson. Our Games lessons are held off-site using outstanding facilities such as Talybont, Cardiff Metropolitan University, specialist climbing centres, the International White Water Centre, swimming lessons, and the International Indoor Athletics Centre.
In PE lessons, pupils learn about fitness training in our gym and take part in activities such as table tennis and dance. During the Summer Term, pupils also walk to Mackintosh Place for tennis lessons. We believing that PE should provide pupils with the opportunity to try a wide range of activities and sports, with the aim of encouraging them to continue participating outside of school and into early adult life. We also offer PE as a GCSE and A-Level option.
The English faculty consists of a team of specialist English teachers and our Literacy Lead and Librarian. Together, we have a broad range of specialisms and skills which we deploy collaboratively to support all our pupils on their KMS journey.
Our carefully crafted KS3 curriculum develops skills in reading, writing and oracy through a range of novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction writing. Pupils will explore a diverse range of texts, including titles by Jeffrey Boakye, Mildred D. Taylor and Marjane Satrapi. At KS4, we offer an entry level qualification along with separate qualifications for GCSE Language and Literature.
Curriculum enrichment forms a vital part of our approach to learning, and we incorporate a varied range of trips and visits into our calendar. We regularly host author talks, online and in-person, and have held successful events with Kat Ellis, Louisa Reid and David Brayley, to name a few!
We arrange trips to the theatre to see curriculum staples like An Inspector Calls but also offer pupils the chance to see contemporary adaptations such as War Horse and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Our in-house creative writing workshops are a yearly highlight, and our annual Page to Stage competition offers pupils the chance to develop a piece of work that will be adapted for the stage and performed in the summer term.
Reading for Pleasure sits at the very heart of our department and we strive to foster a culture of positive engagement with books and authors. We support this through dedicated reading time during lessons, a rolling programme of calendared events in collaboration with our school library including Harry Potter Book Night, World Book Day and Banned Books Week, thriving staff and pupil book clubs and opportunities to shadow the Carnegie Medals for Writing and Illustration.
The library has a vital role to play in supporting pupils to read for pleasure; regular collaboration with English teachers means pupils have access to the library collection and are supported in developing the confidence and agency to make an informed choice. Through this, we empower our pupils to learn, to grow and to challenge themselves.
We are passionate about our school community and recognise our pupils’ right to read books by and about people who are just like them. We are proud to offer a diverse range of contemporary fiction and non-fiction titles for pupils to borrow, and even prouder that our collection continues to flourish thanks to a stream of enthusiastic recommendations from parents, staff and pupils themselves.
Our library is a warm and reassuring learning environment for pupils, whether they are searching for something new to read, looking for a quiet space to revise, or catching up on homework. The space is open from 8:25 am every day and is staffed through break, lunchtime and from the end of the school day to 5 pm.
In Primary, we run an activities programme that provides opportunities to extend the curriculum for our pupils and to offer them the chance to get involved in several different activities which are not normally covered by a traditional curriculum. Activities change every half term. Examples include:
Cookery lessons – we offer cooking lessons to all our pupils from Year 1 upwards, running 6-week courses to learn to cook a range of recipes from shortbread to bolognaise.
Music lessons – for preschool children we run Music Monsters, an internationally renowned music course that helps pupils develop important musicality, rhythm and explore different instruments. We also work in partnership with International Music School (IMS) and offer peripatetic music teaching everyday Monday to Saturday to 8.00pm.
Out and about – at Kings Monkton, we believe that teaching takes place outside of the classroom and provides important opportunities for our children to learn and grow. As such, we take our children out on curriculum trips at least every half term.
Drama and creative writing – our pupils write a 500-word story every year and we publish this in our primary novel. Our partners, IMS, then choose their favourite play and turn it into our primary musical, in which all the pupils act in, and the successful writer becomes the executive director.
Science club – to support our STEM curriculum, pupils attend science club to develop their inquisitive nature and have fun in the lab.
Lunch time clubs – including Games Club, Chess Club, Pokémon club, Gym club, Minecraft club, football and Digital Leaders.
Additional School Activities
We work in partnership with several different organisations to ensure that we offer the very best opportunities to our pupils and that the experiences and teaching they receive during these activities is of the highest quality. The activities are designed in partnership with the pupils so that they reflect their needs and passions, and include:
Musical Tuition
Drama
Karate
Production Rehearsals
Music Theory
Choir
Football
Chess Club
Gym
