On entering the Upper School pupils make the subject choices for their two-year GCSE course. Most pupils choose nine subjects of which Mathematics, English and one Foreign Language are compulsory, unless there are special circumstances. This ensures a broad base of study, enabling quality learning of a range of skills and knowledge.

That being said, teaching staff are acutely aware of the importance of maintaining a flexible balance between prescribed workloads and the pupils’ capability to manage them. Consistently excellent GCSE results suggest that maintaining a flexible approach to pupils’ individual needs and ability can ultimately produce results of which everyone can be proud.

A comprehensive careers advice service complements the GCSE course, in order that pupils and parents may make informed decisions about Sixth Form and Higher Education courses, as well as employment opportunities. An extensive Personal, Social and Health Education programme is overseen by the Head of Year and introduces pupils to a number of key issues they will face in modern life.

In addition to consultation on subject choices, pupils are encouraged to pursue their choice of physical education and games. They are also exposed to a wide range of extra-curricular activities, be they theatre and art excursions close to home or cultural trips further afield. Recent examples include visits to Northern Ireland, Berlin and Krakow, and an action and inspiration-packed journey to Kenya.

The Middle School prepares and encourages pupils to aim for high academic achievements. In these critical years they are grouped by ability in some subjects, enabling them to progress at the most appropriate pace. Daily prep is set and closely monitored by form tutors and subject teachers.

Intellectual curiosity and good study habits are cultivated. Pupils also learn about themselves and their relations with others, and about the areas in which they can make a contribution in later life.

Class sizes are small and the teacher:pupil ratio is generous, permitting every individual to find the opportunity to excel. A broad curriculum of compulsory subjects is followed, including English, Mathematics and French, supplemented by Science subjects, History, Geography, Art, Music and Spanish. Technical subjects (including Information and Communication Technology and Design Technology), Religious Education and Physical Education are also available, plus a Personal, Social and Health Education programme.

Above all, pupils at Oswestry School will discover how to take responsibility for themselves and others in the knowledge that they have been set the right standards and goals.