Curriculum Overview Years 7 - 9

We aim to offer to all students entering the senior school as broad and balanced a curriculum as possible, which is to say one which achieves a balance both within the academic curriculum and with regard to creativity and sport. Our aim is to ensure that students embark on their GCSE courses in year 10 equipped with the tools in place that will ensure they attain their potential, without undue stress.

In years 7-9 students  will receive a thorough grounding in most of the subjects available at GCSE. Our syllabus fulfils and extends the national curriculum since in addition to meeting its requirements our students will also study Classical History in year 7 and Global Civilisation in years 8 and 9( general interest subjects, not examined); they will also have the opportunity to study an additional foreign language as Spanish/ German is timetabled in years 8 - 9.

We seek to identify individual strengths and potential, so that appropriate targets can be set, and weaknesses to ensure these are addressed. A strong emphasis is placed on the ongoing development of sound work habits and organisational skills. By the conclusion of year 9 students will have received a thorough general education in most of the subjects that will be available to them at GCSE level. All students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Our Performing Arts programme encourages students to become involved in drama, music and dance.

Curriculum Years 7-9

All year 7 to 9 students follow a common curriculum comprising the following subjects:-

Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies and ICT. At the end of Year 7 pupils take up Spanish or German for the next two years.

There is no setting in year 7 but setting is used in mathematics in year 8 and applied further in year 9 in respect of Sciences and Languages. Teaching and learning are monitored and evaluated through regular reporting. Students' progress is recorded through the school grading and assessment procedures which also include individual targets in each subject and which are reported to parents on a regular basis.

Students are tested following completion of topics to ensure a thorough understanding. Examinations are held every June to ensure students explore and establish effective revision and examination techniques.