Senior Curriculum

In the first year of the senior school, we introduce girls to a broad and stimulating programme:  the curriculum comprises English, Mathematics, Science, IT, French, German, Geography, History, Religious Education, Art, Music, Design &Technology, PE, Games, Personal, Social and Health Education and Chapel.  Some girls have studied all of these subjects to a high level elsewhere; others are new to the study of some of them, such as French and Design & Technology.  Whatever a girl’s starting point, she will soon be enabled to make good progress.  Many girls further enrich their studies with extra-curricular Music and Speech & Drama lessons.  A full programme of sports practices and fixtures also enhances the Games programme.

Year 8 is similar but, from now on, throughout the school, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately by highly qualified specialist staff.

This arrangement continues in Year 9 when pupils are also introduced to Drama, although there are many opportunities prior to Year 9 for girls to perform in school plays and Musicals.

Key Stage IV: for girls aged 14 to 16 years

Most girls take nine and a half GCSE subjects, laying a firm foundation for the pursuit of any careers beyond school, with choices for Sixth Form study a particular focus in Year 11. The core curriculum covers English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Double Award Science, Religious Education (short course), Personal, Social and Health Education and Chapel.  Pupils choose four further subjects from Art, Art (Textiles), Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education (full course).

Sixth Form: for girls aged 16 to 18 years

The Sixth Form curriculum is tailored to meet individual girls’ requirements; programmes are chosen from Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Drama, English, French, German, History, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology (by video conference), Religious Studies and Travel and Tourism.  All subjects lead to examination at both AS and A2 levels.  All girls will be taught AS Critical Thinking or General Studies in Year 12 in addition to four subjects usually chosen.  Girls take part in leisure activities and games while following a programme of tutorial activities and they attend a weekly Chapel service.  Tutorial periods focus on study skills and careers advice: girls are very well equipped to make informed choices and to work well to reach Universities’ requirements.  Oxbridge applicants receive extra preparatory tutorials with Heads of Departments.

Please click on the submenu for specific subject information.