Senior
Curriculum

Combining the traditional with the progressive

We provide a broad, balanced and flexible curriculum, which takes account of government National Curriculum requirements but goes beyond. In a blend of traditional and progressive, we teach Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences from Year 7, and Latin throughout the school – while also offering Learning to Learn in Year 7, and Dance and Physical Education at GCSE. 

Key Stage 3 – Years 7, 8 and 9
In Year 7, the first year of Key Stage 3, all pupils study a common course: English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, two modern foreign languages (from a choice of French, Spanish or German), Latin, Geography, History, Religious Studies, ICT, Art and Design, Design and Technology (Textiles), Food and Nutrition, Music, Drama, Physical Education (including swimming), Personal Social Health and Economic Education (PSHEE), and Cognito.

Subject departments set regular assessment tasks throughout the academic year. School exams, in the majority of subjects, take place in the middle of the Summer Term. You receive the results in two interim reports and one full academic and pastoral report during each academic year. Your child’s form tutor monitors her progress, along with her Head of Year and the subject Heads of Department. 

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11
At Key Stage 4, pupils study a combination of compulsory and optional subjects for their GCSE exams. The compulsory subjects are: English Language and English Literature; Maths; Biology, Chemistry and Physics (most pupils study all three sciences, but can opt for just two); at least one modern foreign language (from a choice of French, Spanish or German); Physical Education. They also follow a tutorial programme of PSHEE and General Religious Studies, which are not examined.

Most pupils take ten exam subjects in total at GCSE. If they take Biology, Chemistry and Physics, they need to choose three optional subjects. If they take only two sciences, they need to choose four optional subjects.

Some pupils can take an additional subject outside the timetable if agreed with teachers during the options process. These subjects include Classical Greek, Further Maths, Mandarin and Italian.

Explore our GCSE Options Booklet 

Find out about our Sixth Form Curriculum