Upper School

    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 Section 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 being Northern Ireland, Berlin and Krak-ow, and an action and inspiration-packed journey to Kenya.