A balanced approach
The philosophy behind the school curriculum is to provide a balanced programme which gives a thorough grounding in the core subjects while offering the children a broad spectrum of experience in Language, Art and Design, Music and Drama, and Sports.
We want our pupils to have a love of learning and a thirst for finding out new things.
Early years
Our academic standards and expectations are high, and our learning is centred around the enquiry based International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The IPC has 8 Personal Goals which underpin those qualities and learning dispositions we believe pupils will find essential in their future life. These are: adaptability, communication, co-operation, enquiry, morality, resilience, respect and thoughtfulness.
Those who join our Nursery and Reception classes benefit from broad and enriching experiences related to the world around them. Their busy ‘hands-on’ days are filled with learning activities, outings and visiting experts, together with the all-important opportunities for play and developing friendships. The foundations for literacy and numeracy are laid and creativity is encouraged.
Seniors and GCSE's
Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 have the opportunity to study the full range of subjects before making their GCSE option choices in Year 9.
All pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow a core curriculum comprising:
- Biology, Chemistry & Physics
- English Language & English Literature
- Mathematics
- PSHCE
- Games
There is also the opportunity to take a Learning Development option. This is a structured programme of study skills and core subject support for invited pupils who would benefit from concentrating on achieving their potential in a slightly smaller number of GCSEs.
Insight into Sixth Form
Sixth Form studies
Sixth Form curriculum is based on students studying three principal subjects to A-level. Students selecting Mathematics and Further Mathematics are encouraged to take two additional subjects and all students are encouraged to broaden their studies with an Extended Project (EPQ) or other academic enrichment activities.
A-level qualifications are a substantial academic commitment and students should expect to spend as much time working independently outside of lessons as they do in the classroom to achieve their potential.
The annual Sixth Form Opening Evening is an opportunity to speak with Heads of Department and subject teachers about the curriculum offered in the Sixth Form and your personal suitability for those courses. Tailored advice is available from our academic leadership team.
Learning development
Additional support is offered to pupils who experience difficulties in any aspect of their learning and to help build their confidence and self-esteem, and through appropriate support, enable them to realise their full potential.
Our team work closely with pupils, teacher, parents and external specialists to assess and support pupils both through the learning development option above and one-to-one and small group sessions either within the timetable or before or after school.
