Curriculum

The Senior School curriculum is designed to offer all pupils a broad base on which to build their future studies. Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) provides the preparation for the core GCSE years (Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11).

In Year 7 all subjects are compulsory. The number of teaching periods allocated to the various areas of the curriculum is approximately that recommended by National Curriculum guidelines. At this stage, Science is taught as a single subject by way of an introduction to scientific principles and methods. All pupils begin their first Modern Foreign Language which is Spanish. We also offer Year 7 pupils an introductory course in Latin. This ensures that everyone is made familiar with the Classics.  

Subjects covered are:

• Art
• Design & Technology
• Drama
• English
• Food Technology
• Geograpny
• Graphic Design
• History
• ICT
• Learning to Learn
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• PSHCE
• Religious Studies
• Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• Spanish

In Year 8 the broad-based curriculum continues and pupils also begin to study their second foreign language. They can choose between continuing their study of Latin or begin either French or German. 

In Year 9 all courses which began in Year 8 are followed.

By the end of Year 9, all pupils will have followed a full basic course in IT and will be given the opportunity to take a recognised qualification in this subject. 

All pupils begin studying GCSE Sciences in Year 9. This is taught as three separate disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) by subject specialists and pupils are likely to complete two internally assessed examinations in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They are also entered for one external examination each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

During Year 9, decisions will be made as to the subjects to be studied to GCSE level. Whilst there is the significant opportunity to make some significant choices, our system ensures that all our pupils continue to receive a balanced education and are able to proceed beyond GCSE into a wide range of further options. There is much support, discussion and guidance during Year 9 on option choices.

To find out more about the Key Stage 3 curriculum and learn more about the individual subjects covered, download the Key Stage 3 Curriculum Brochure (in PDF format - approx 545k).

Year 10 and 11 

In preparation for entering Year 10, pupils select the subjects they are going to study up to GCSE level. They then follow a two-year course in these subjects, leading to GCSE examinations in May/June of Year 11. 

The following subjects are compulsory at GCSE:

• English
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (counts as two or three subjects)
• Foreign Language (at least one from French, Spanish, German or Latin)
• Plus three other choices from the GCSE Curriculum

All pupils continue to follow the three Science course so that each pupil studies Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The course leads to a double award (two GCSE grades) in Science. Those pupils who are willing and able, follow a course leading to three separate Sciences and sit exams giving three grades in the Sciences. This allows our most able pupils to gain ten GCSE passes.

For further details, download the GCSE Key Stage 4 Curriculum Brochure (in PDF format – approx. 403k).