The Curriculum is designed to help all pupils fulfil their individual academic potential and exploit their talents to the full, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. The school aims to blend the strength of a traditional core with the opportunity for innovation and creativity. Leading-edge facilities in technology and science allow pupils to be at the forefront of change, whilst the creative arts offer excellent opportunities for self-expression.
The Senior School is divided into three sections; Lower School (First to Third Years), Middle School (Fourth and Fifth Years) and Sixth Form, each with its own distinctive curriculum.
Lower School
Pupils in the Lower School follow a full, varied and exciting curriculum, which serves as an excellent foundation for the choices to be made at GCSE.
The following subjects are studied by pupils in the Lower School:
English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Spanish/German, Geography, History, Religion Philosophy and Ethics, Art, Drama, Music, Design & Technology, Computing, PE & Games (including swimming in the First Year) Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) and Latin.
Middle School
A GCSE Options Evening, for pupils and parents, is held in the Spring Term of the Third Year and this is complemented by a tutorial and careers programme for pupils, to help them make their GCSE choices.
All study a core of English, English Literature (a small minority do not take this subject), Mathematics and Science (taught separately as Biology, Chemistry and Physics by specialist teachers).
Four more are then chosen from the optional subjects of: Art & Design (Fine Art or Photography), Business Studies, Computer Science, Design & Technology (either Product Design or Design Engineering), Drama & Theatre Arts, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish.
All pupils also participate in Games, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and PSHE.
Sixth Form
Pupils are advised to choose subjects in which they have obtained a grade 6 or above at GCSE, but equally important for study at this level are commitment and self-discipline.
Subjects available are: Art & Design (Fine Art or Photography), Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design & Technology (Design Engineering or Product Design), Drama & Theatre Studies, Economics,, English Language, English Literature, French, German, Geography, Government & Politics, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish.
BTEC programmes are also available in Business and Sport.
Applications are welcome from pupils at other schools. A Sixth Form Open Evening is held in the Autumn Term each year for our own pupils and those considering entry from elsewhere. This gives prospective Sixth Form pupils the opportunity to discuss with heads of departments, and current pupils, the content and nature of the courses on offer.
In the Lower Sixth the majority of pupils study three subjects, in addition to an activity afternoon, the opportunity to become NCOs in the CCF and a programme of Enrichment courses including undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) intended to broaden the outlook and study skills of our pupils.
All departments offer additional preparation for Oxbridge candidates.