Stimulating the enquiring
mind

Our schemes of work are broadly based on the National Curriculum, but as an independent school we are free from its constraints. We have therefore developed our own extension material to stimulate the enquiring mind, to include the compulsory study of a modern foreign language, and to adopt a unique, skills-based approach in Year 7

The School provides an excellent curriculum that is well planned, wide-ranging and enriching, together with an outstanding variety of extra-curricular activities. It meets its aim of offering balanced education that is suitable for pupils of all ages, aptitudes and interests highly successfully.
Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2011

State-of the-art facilities

Our superb teaching facilities include a multi-media library, ICT and intranet resources, science and language laboratories, art and design studios, and areas for food technology

Emphasis on individual development

An emphasis on individual development includes a comprehensive assessment and reporting system with feedback on your child’s progress. Pupils are expected to take responsibility for their own academic potential by channelling their energies and managing their time effectively. In this they are supported and encouraged by our highly qualified and experienced staff.

Establishing skills

In Year 7 we aim to establish skills for academic study:

• reading in a sustained way to achieve understanding
• writing with precision to express meaning
• listening to one another and speaking eloquently
• developing practical skilfulness
• acquiring a range of social and study skills

The curriculum is designed so that all subjects contribute to developing these skills.

A broad academic experience

In Years 8 and 9 the curriculum aims to provide as broad an experience of academic study as possible before students start making their own choices. Pupils study maths, English, three sciences, geography, history, religious studies, two modern foreign languages, Latin, IT, art, design technology, food technology, music and PE.

A balanced range of subjects

In Years 10 and 11 we aim to provide a broad and balanced range of seven GCSE level subjects. Some are compulsory as a bedrock (English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science and Additional Science, a modern foreign language and Religious Studies), while three further optional GCSEs enable pupils to craft a curriculum that reflects their individual interests and strengths.

Science is taught in specialist subjects and examined at Science and Additional Science GCSE level. Religious Studies is an important and examined part of the curriculum. We consider it a highly relevant intellectual pursuit, and an invaluable vehicle for some PSCHE teaching.

In Years 12 and 13 the aim is to provide more flexibility and choice. Within the AS and A2 system we offer free choice of a wide range of academic subjects.