The Senior School incorporates Overdale (Years 7 & 8), Years 9, 10, and 11 and the Sixth Form.
Years 9-11
On
moving from Overdale, pupils remain in four House based forms. They are
mainly taught in teaching groups based on their choice of subjects, these
teaching groups are distinct from their form. This structure is maintained into
Years 10 & 11 as the two-year GCSE courses progress
In Year 9, pupils take a broad range of subjects across the curriculum but at the end of the year they are required to choose the subjects that they will go on to study at GCSE level. All pupils take English Language, Mathematics and Science (either as dual award or three separate subjects). A further four subjects are selected from a wide range available. In addition some students will take English Literature
For current information on GCSE courses click here. For information on individual subjects click on the relevant subject link from: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Technology, English, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Maths, Music, Physics, RS, Science, Spanish,
Sixth Form
The vast majority of pupils proceed into the Sixth Form and thence to Higher Education. 'A' Level work introduces a greater degree of intellectual rigour and formal knowledge as well as the necessity for more private study and investigation. They are joined at this stage by girls and boys who transfer from other schools post-GCSE.
All students study four AS levels in the Lower Sixth, chosen from a range of over 20 subjects. In the Upper Sixth, students go on to take A2 courses in either three or four subjects. When choices are made, the School endeavours to accommodate all sensible combinations and thus there is no preconceived blocking system. Combinations across the Arts-Science divide are also encouraged. In addition to their academic subjects Sixth Form students can also undertake AS levels in Critical Thinking and General Studies
Careers Advice
Careers advice and preparation for Higher Education is recognised as being of enormous importance and a member of staff has specific responsibility for External Liaison. Part of this work is incorporated within the curriculum but pupils are also offered the possibility of at least a week's outside work experience after GCSE examinations and again at the end of the Lower Sixth year.
Grade Assessments
The system of half termly
grades and regular reports to parents by way of Work Record Cards continues
through from Overdale.
Pastoral Care
There is a Head of Year supported by a team of Tutors for pastoral care. The system is enhanced through the House structure. Students stay within the same House for the time they are in the School. Morning Chapel services and assemblies alternate with extended form periods to allow for more contact between Tutors and their groups.
House System
Throughout the School, there is a house system in which the vertical groupings allow pupils of different ages to work together.
Prefects
Students in the last year undertake an important number of disciplinary and administrative functions and the system of Prefects has been maintained and developed to include greater involvement in the pastoral care of younger pupils. Those in such positions of responsibility in the Sixth Form can be recognised by the distinctive gowns they wear.
