Curriculum Policy

Aims
One of the five primary aims of the school is to 'stimulate intellectual curiosity in all departments of learning and to enable pupils to fulfil their academic potential'. The curriculum is designed to assist this aim.

The curriculum is broad and pupils are encouraged to study a wide range of subjects. This avoids early over-specialisation but allows pupils to develop and pursue interests. We place considerable emphasis on acquiring good work habits: pupils learn self-discipline and the skills of independent study, so that they are equipped not only for public examinations, but also for the world beyond. The curriculum is designed to promote the intellectual, spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of our pupils and to equip them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

In keeping with the grammar school ethos, our curriculum includes subjects which are traditional, such as separate Sciences and Modern and Classical languages; however, we also offer a broader curriculum including subjects such as Business Studies, Sport Studies, and Food Technology. We do not follow the National Curriculum, but schemes of work in many departments encompass many of its features. All pupils receive instruction in Religious Education, Personal, Social and Health education (PSHE), and Careers.

There is no streaming, but pupils are setted for mathematics and sometimes for modern languages.

Structure
For a full list of the subjects on offer, please refer to the curriculum plan for the current year.
Pupils in the First and Second Forms follow a common curriculum designed to provide a broad and balanced knowledge base and the learning skills appropriate to high achieving students. Choice is limited to modern languages (French, German or Spanish), with a second modern language introduced in the Second Form. In addition to the full range of National Curriculum subjects, all pupils study Latin, Drama, Music, Art and Design Technology.

Most subjects are continued into the Third Form, but pupils make some choices from a limited range of options containing languages and creative subjects. This avoids the over-crowding of the curriculum in this year and helps to prepare pupils for choosing their GCSE subjects. Ancient Greek is available for those already proficient at Latin.

At GCSE, all students must take Mathematics*, English literature, English language, Sciences*, at least one modern language and at least one humanity; this programme is designed to ensure that breadth of study is continued. In addition to those subjects studied previously, Sport Studies, Philosophy and Ethics, and Classical Civilization are available as options. Most students sit ten GCSEs, with those opting for Ancient Greek taking eleven. Sciences can be studied either as three separate subjects, or the combined Dual Award; in either case, teaching is provided by subject specialists.

(*The International GCSE, known as IGCSE, is taken by students in Mathematics and Sciences in place of the GCSE. This is becoming common practice in many independent schools, as IGCSE involves less coursework and provides a better basis on which to study for A-level.)

The range of subjects available broadens even further in the Sixth Form to include Business Studies, Economics, Government and Politics, and Music Technology. The majority of students choose four subjects in the Lower Sixth which usually reduce to three in the Upper Sixth. In addition, most opt to sit General Studies to at least AS level, and Critical Thinking (AS) is also available. Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs) and STEP papers are available in some subjects. All students have the opportunity to undertake work experience after their AS exams at the end of the Lower Sixth.

Equal Opportunities
Entry to all programmes of study is based on academic suitability and appropriateness, regardless of sex, race, disability, religion or belief.

Disabilities: In accordance with statutory requirements, the school aims to make the curriculum accessible to all pupils as far as is reasonably practicable. The school has an Accessibility Plan which is available to parents on request.

Availability of courses
The curriculum and its delivery are under constant review and may change from year to year. We cannot guarantee the availability of courses or particular subjects in the future, as these will depend on demand and our ability to provide teaching of a sufficiently high standard.

Deployment of teaching staff
The school cannot guarantee that any particular teacher will, or will not, teach any particular pupil. The school timetable is designed for the benefit of the school as a whole and cannot be changed to satisfy individual requirements.

Policy Review
The curriculum is reviewed regularly by the Academic Policy Committee, which in turn reports to the Education Policy Committee of the Board of Governors.

Related documents
For a full list of the subjects on offer, please refer to the Curriculum Plan for the current year. There are separate policies on Sex Education, Learning Support, Assessment and homework.

Revised October 2006