Curriculum

YEARS 7, 8 AND 9

The common curriculum includes: Religious Studies, English, Science, Mathematics, French, Spanish, Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art & Design, Physical Education, Dance, and Personal, Social and Health Education. In Year 7 girls are taught in mixed-ability classes of 30 for History, Geography, French, Spanish and English and in mixed ability groups of 22 or 23 for all other subjects with the exception of Mathematics and Science. These two subjects are taught in ability groups. From Year 8 English and Mathematics are taught in ability groups. Sex Education is included in Science and in Personal, Social & Health Education.

YEARS 10 AND 11

Girls in Years 10 and 11 take examination courses leading to the GCSE. Core subjects are Religious Education, Science, English, Mathematics, ICT (half GCSE), Physical Education (not examined) and Personal, Social & Health Education (not examined). Three other subjects are studied from: French, Spanish, History, ICT (full GCSE), Art & Design, Geography, Physical Education (GCSE), Music and Technology. Decisions on these additional subjects are made after consultation between pupils, parents and staff. In Year 10 all girls spend one week on Work Experience. A programme of Personal, Social & Health Education is taught through form tutors, with outside agencies being brought in to educate about specific topics.

SIXTH FORM

The school has its own well-established Sixth Form and provides a wide range of A Level courses. At present we offer 24 subjects at A level, with four AS Levels in Year 12. Girls drop one of these four and take three A2 examinations in Year 13. The Sixth Form is under the overall guidance of the Head of Sixth Form who is responsible for individual timetables, welfare, discipline and University and College entrance applications. Further information on the sixth form curriculum can be found in the sixth form prospectus.