Class sizes

Teaching group sizes vary depending on the subject and the age group. In Years 7-9, most students are taught in either their Tutor Group (usually 27-30 students) or in "AS" groups (22-26 students).

Setting

Setting varies depending on the subject and age-range of the students. Some subjects, for example Welsh and Maths, set from Year 7 right through to Year 11. Other subjects set from Year 10 onwards whilst other subjects teach in mixed ability groups. In short, Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda recognises that individual Faculties are free to choose their grouping arrangements so long as all students' progress in their learning is a priority and the principles of respecting, praising, valuing and encouraging others are maintained.

Where setting does take place, selection of groupings is continually reviewed and is based on prior and current attainment, measured through:

• External tests & data, in particular SATS results and CATS scores

• Teacher assessment based on all skills, not solely written skills