The GCSE Years
It is the firm policy of the School that a strong, balanced curriculum should be studied by all pupils. The following subjects, therefore, are compulsory: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Science. Breadth of study is achieved by the provision of a wide range of optional subjects. The majority of pupils choose four option subjects, but some pupils may consider choosing five. It is strongly recommended that pupils choose at least one Humanities subject and a Modern Foreign Language; a second Foreign Language, including Latin, is recommended to all good linguists.
The options currently offered are:
- Art and Design
- Business and Economics
- Classical Civilisation
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Computing
- Latin
- Music
- Religious Studies
- Science Extra
- Spanish
Complementary Curriculum
A recent initiative has seen the introduction of a complementary curriculum for Fifth Form (year 11) pupils. This exciting new course broadens and enriches academic programmes and encourages pupils to develop their own opinions, study independently, and investigate matters of significance to their lives. Central themes include: Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Global Issues and Independent Research.
The 20 week course is taught during the Autumn and Spring terms as a double period each week. Some of the topics are covered by speakers from outside the school.
Topics:
- Critical Thinking – Truth and belief
- Critical Thinking – Credibility of evidence
- Critical Thinking – The role of the media
- Critical Thinking – Rationality and why we think what we think
- Different ways of governance – political theory, democratic and electoral processes
- Nationalism – force for good or evil?
- The legacy of Empire – Britain in the world today, The EU and the Commonwealth
- The rule of law - the Magistracy and Police
- Human rights and the justice system
- The key global institutions – IMF, World Bank, WTO and UN – what do they do and who do they do it for?
- Cultural diversity, the immigration debate
- Political issue 1 - Afghanistan
- Political Issue 2- Israel-Palestine
- Political Issue 3 - The new Superpowers–Russia, China and the World
- Independent Study