The Senior School Curriculum

In designing the curriculum for the senior school we very much aim to give every single child the chance to achieve his or her full potential. A particular priority is to help all pupils to achieve the best academic qualifications possible and to be well prepared for the next stages of education and career. But education is, of course, much more than examination passes! We wish our pupils to develop into personable, confident and articulate young adults, to develop an inquisitive nature and appreciate the value of learning, and to be able to take their place as full, well-informed members of society.

We aim to achieve this by means of a broad-based and well-planned curriculum which is applied as flexibly as possible to suit the needs and priorities of the individual. The timetabled subjects are complemented by a wide-ranging programme of clubs, sports and activities. Participation in this programme helps pupils to acquire the skills and values which are so important for success in life.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum: Years 7, 8 and 9

In Year 7 pupils study:

English and Mathematics
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
French
History, Geography and Religious Studies
Design Technology and ICT
Art, Drama and Music
PE and Games

In Years 8 and 9, in addition to the subjects above, pupils have the option of studying a second foreign language and able linguists may follow two extra languages. The choice is made from:

Latin
German
Spanish
Classical Civilisation
Extra English and Mathematics (for pupils who need extra help here.)

There is no setting or streaming in Year 7. In Years 8 and 9 broad setting is introduced in Mathematics, Science, French and English. This is to help all pupils to progress at their own pace in these subjects.

Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11

Subject choices for GCSE begin in Year 10 and are continued into Year 11. All pupils study:

English Language and Literature (two GCSE subjects)
Mathematics
Biology, Chemistry and Physics (taken either as three GCSE separate subjects or a double GCSE award.)
A modern foreign language: French or German or Spanish.

Pupils also have a choice of three optional subjects chosen from the list below. They are strongly encouraged to follow a humanities subject (Geography, History or Religious Studies.)

Art: Fine Art or Photography
Business Studies
Classical Civilisation
Design and Technology (Graphics or Textiles or Resistant Materials)
Drama
Geography
History
ICT
Latin
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies

A second foreign language may be studied as one option.

Pupils also have games lessons and take part in the extended activities programme on Friday afternoons.

In Years 10 and 11 setting by ability is used in English, Mathematics, Science and French. The GCSE and IGCSE examination in most subjects is taken at the end of Year 11. Some pupils can take additional subjects such as Music and Greek by studying outside of normal timetabled time.

A pre-IB course is avaliable for year 11 students from abroad to prepare to start IB one year later.

Option Systems and Subject Choices

The options systems in Years 10 and 11 and the Sixth Form do not consist of fixed blocks of subjects. These systems are re-designed each year to accommodate all pupils' preferred choices as far as is possible. Pupils are asked to select their choice of subjects by February in each year and advice to help make them to their choices is carefully planned. The option blocks are then constructed from these choices. Sixth Form students are not required to make their final choice of AS subjects until after the GCSE results are published. The exact range of subjects to be offered in the IB Diploma programme will also be constructed from pupils' choices.

Activities

All pupils are able to take part in the lunchtime and after school programme of clubs and activities. In addition, on Friday afternoon, pupils in Years 10, 11 and the Lower Sixth take part in the senior activities programme. This includes: