13+ Curriculum

Fourth Form

In Year 9, pupils develop the skills necessary for their GCSE courses which are studied during Years 10 and 11. The Curriculum is necessarily broad and enriching to allow pupils to gain the basis they will need for future study. All pupils study English and English Literature (with a particular emphasis on personal reading), Mathematics, Science (as the three separate sciences), French, Spanish, Mandarin, Art, Design Technology, Information Technology, Geography, History, Religion and Philosophy and Music. Pupils have the opportunity to continue with Latin or to take it up as a new Language. Physical Education, PSHE, and an Expressive Arts course including Dance, Drama, Photography and Graphics also form part of the curriculum.

Before Christmas in Year 9, pupils are asked to make their provisional GCSE choices for the following 2 years.  By this stage, they will have had a taste of all of the subjects available to them, and be aware of the subject combinations that will dovetail best in future study at A level.

Fifth Form

At GCSE, each pupil will study English Language, English Literature, Maths and all three Sciences. The majority of pupils then select a further four options from the full range of subjects. We encourage all pupils to study both a Humanity (History, Geography, RS) and a Language, but this is not compulsory, and they are free to choose the combination of subjects which best suits their interests and aptitudes, to maximise their chances of a successful and enjoyable two years of study.

By the end of their GCSE course each pupil will not only have a secure understanding of their subjects, but will also have had an opportunity to explore their particular interests in greater depth, and will be well prepared for the intellectual demands of the A level course.