Year 7
When pupils enter the school in Year 7, they join a Form Group. They have a Form Tutor who keeps a watchful eye on their academic and social development under the leadership of the Head of Year. Each form is carefully composed after close consultation with Primary School teachers to reflect the full range of ability, provide a balance of girls and boys and offer pupils, if possible, the opportunity to remain with some friends from their previous school.
All pupils study:
- Mathematics
- English (which usually includes Drama)
- Science
- French
- Technology
- Physical Education and Games
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies (unless parent/guardians wish otherwise)
- Art
- Music
- Information Technology
- Personal, Social and Health Education/Citizenship
They are taught these subjects in 'mixed ability' Form Groups - the exception being Maths (where some ability setting takes place), P.E./Games (where boys and girls are usually taught separately) and Technology (where they work in smaller groups of about twenty).
Year 8
The curriculum in Year 8 is the same as for Year 7 except that in addition all pupils study Expressive Arts and some will study German. They are placed in sets for English, French, Mathematics and Science, with pupils of similar ability in that subject, but continue all their other subjects in mixed ability groups.
Year 9
In this year, pupils continue the Year 8 curriculum but are now placed in setted groups for all their subjects.
The Personal and Social Education Programme now includes Careers guidance and assists pupils in making subject choices for Years 10 and 11.
Years 10 and 11
In these two years pupils take courses leading to GCSE and other examinations. They all study a core curriculum which consists of: -
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology
- IT
- RE
- PE
- Personal, Social and Health Education/Citizenship
In addition they choose to study 3 "optional subjects" or 1 optional subject and a vocational subject.
Optional Subjects currently on offer are: -
- Art
- Expressive Arts
- Business Studies
- French
- German
- History
- IT
- Geography
- Music
- PE
- Spanish/Literacy
Vocational Subjects currently on offer are:
- Child Care
- Construction
- Diploma in Digital Application (DiDA)
6th Form (Years 12 and 13)
The Sixth Form is for pupils who wish to return to school and continue their education after completing Year 11. Though many of our Sixth Formers proceed into Higher Education, a growing number use the Sixth Form to improve their basic qualifications, extend their interests and investigate their own aptitudes and abilities further before committing themselves to a particular vocational path. Sixth Form pupils are expected to have full timetables, aimed largely at public examinations, and to work seriously while on the school roll. This often means 15-20 hours per week of study out of school plus an average of 4 hours Private Study per week in school. All Sixth Form pupils have certain privileges and with these go certain responsibilities.
Subjects available in the Sixth Form depend upon demand, timetable constraints, staff and accommodation resources.
Currently, Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS) and A2 courses are offered in a wide variety of subjects and Vocational A levels are offered in Art & Design and Information Technology. Students are expected to study 4 AS subjects in year 12 or 2 AS subjects and 1 Vocational A level. Successful completion of these courses leads to a choice of 3 or 4 A2 level subjects being studied in year 13.
All A level students are entered for the AS and A2 examinations in General Studies. In addition they undertake community service.
A full explanation of all Post-16 courses is available in the current Sixth Form Prospectus.
Entry qualification for A level courses is 5 GCSEs at C grade or above although it is recommended that pupils gain a grade B or above in the subjects that they wish to study.
Sixth Formers choose their courses after discussion with the Director of Sixth Form Studies. While every effort is made to meet individual wishes, the school reserves the right to ensure that Sixth Formers are on suitable courses which will enable them to progress smoothly to Higher Education or employment.
Our Sixth Form is outstandingly successful. The results at 'A' level are amongst the very best in the country. In addition, we have built up valuable contacts with providers in Higher Education and our students are welcomed on to degree courses throughout Great Britain. |