In the Lower School (Years 7 to 9)
When boys arrive at the school in Year 7 they are placed in mixed ability forms and for a term they are taught like this for all subjects. Towards the end of the term their aptitude for each subject is assessed and after the Christmas holidays they are placed (wherever possible) into sets by departments. The core curriculum subjects: English, Maths and Science are set by the end of the first term. The setting system is reviewed on a regular basis and adjustments are made periodically where necessary. The form groups themselves remain the same throughout the Lower School.
Subject |
Periods (Per fortnight) |
|
|
English |
5 |
Mathematics |
6 |
Science |
5 |
Religious Education |
4 |
Geography |
4 |
History |
4 |
French |
4 |
Art |
2 |
Music |
2 |
Design & Technology |
3 |
P.E. |
4 |
Information Technology |
2 |
Library |
1 |
Tutor Time/PHSE |
4 |
Year 8
The boys are placed into sets in all subjects in Year 8 according to their attainment in Year 7. Strong linguists study both French and German in 7 periods per fortnight. The remaining boys study French as their foreign language. Science receives 5 periods per fortnight and both Maths and English receive 6 periods for fortnight. IT receives 1 period with other aspects taught through other subjects. The time devoted to Library skills disappears now that these have been established.
Year 9
These are broadly the same as those in Year 8. Art and IT are taught in mixed ability classes. English has 6 periods per fortnight, Maths has 5 periods per fortnight and Science has 6 periods per fortnight. IT receives 2 periods per fortnight. During Year 9, boys and parents are helped to make choices between the optional subjects which the boys will begin to study for GCSEs the following year.
In the Upper School (Years 10 and 11)
Subject |
Periods (Per fortnight) |
|
|
English |
8 |
Mathematics |
6 |
Science |
8 or 4* |
Religious Education |
4 |
Information and Communication Technology |
8 or 4 |
Boys must study three other subjects from the following list:
French: German: History: Geography: Art: Music: Business Studies: Media Studies: P.E. (G.C.S.E.): Statistics: Design & Technology (Resistant Materials and Electronics): Graphics: Law: CiDA (Certificate in Digital Applications): DiDa (Diploma in Digital Applications).
In addition, all boys in the Upper School have two periods of games each week.
*Science – Boys who are good at Science study the ‘Double Science’ course worth two G.C.S.Es and taking eight periods per fortnight. Boys who find Science more difficult are encouraged to opt for a ‘Single Science’ course worth one G.C.S.E. and taking four periods per fortnight.
This year the boys taking the Single Science will also be taking the CiDA or DiDA course in IT. This course will take up two or three of their option subjects. Each year a small number of boys who need extra help with their learning are advised to take one less G.C.S.E. course and spend extra time concentrating on their other subjects.