SENIOR SCHOOL

The School curriculum aims:

• to be balanced, broadly based and contribute effectively to the intellectual, physical and personal attainment and development of all pupils across the full age and ability range
• to prepare pupils for the next stage of education, training or employment and to provide the skills needed for life long learning
• to provide continuity and progression from one Key Stage to the next
• to provide equality of access and opportunity for all pupils
• to meet the requirements of all those pupils who need special provision including very able pupils, and those for whom English is an additional language
• to be enriched by extra-curricular activities
• to be supported by an effective system of tutoring

The School curriculum follows the principles of the National Curriculum. Modifications to the National Curriculum Programmes of Study may exist in some subject areas if Heads of Department consider it appropriate.

 

An outline of the subjects taught to each year group is given below:

Year 7

English, Mathematics, Science, French, Latin, Geography, History, Design Technology (Food, Resistant Materials and Textiles), ICT, Art, Drama, Music, RE, PSHE & C, and Games.

Year 8

Subjects as in Year 7. Spanish or German is offered to all girls in Year 8 as a second Modern Language.

Year 9

Subjects as in Year 8 but in addition Careers is included in PHSE & C lessons. Advice is given to each girl in her GCSE options, and time allowed for full discussion between pupil/parents and staff. A Critical Thinking club is also offered.

Key Stage 4: Years 10 & 11

Core subjects:

• English (+ English Literature)
• Mathematics (IGCSE)
• Double Science (Core Science and Additional Science)
• RE (short course, worth 0.5 of a GCSE)
• ICT (short course, worth 0.5 of a GCSE) (Current Year 11 only)
• Games
• PSHE & Citizenship
• Careers Education and Guidance (forms part of the PSHE & C programme)

plus 4/5 options from:

• Art and Design
• Art and Design: Textiles
• Business Studies and Economics
• D.T.: Food Technology
• Drama
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• ICT (Current Year 10 and ongoing)
• Latin
• Music
• Physical Education
• Spanish
• Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Critical Thinking is also offered as an unpaid extra to those girls that are interested. Girls may take the AS Critical Thinking examination at the end of Year 11 if they wish.

Additional Activities:

All students are timetabled for Physical Education (Games) and PHSE & C (Personal, Health and Social Education and Citizenship).

Students are encouraged to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as Sport, Music, Drama, Community Service, Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh Award or helping in the Preparatory Department.