Curriculum
We are proud of our wide-ranging and stimulating curriculum across the full range of academic subjects. There are also many opportunities to explore more deeply, and develop skills and interest through co-curricular activities, interdisciplinary projects, trips, speakers, and departmental clubs and societies.
Years 7 to 9
In Year 7, girls are introduced to all the major curriculum subjects and learning skills. They have timetabled lessons in English, Maths, French, all three sciences, Religious Studies, Latin, Geography, History, Art and Design, Music and Drama. In Year 8, there is a Design Technology carousel, the option of a second modern foreign language (German, Italian or Spanish) and taster sessions in Mandarin. Classical Greek is introduced to able Latinists in Year 9. It is often possible to offer extra lessons in other languages on request. I/GCSE subject choices are made in the Lent term of Year 9. I/GCSE work begins in Year 9 in some subjects.
GCSE & IGCSE
Double and Triple Science Awards
All girls have separate lessons in Physics, Chemistry and Biology throughout Years 10 and 11. About half of each cohort complete Double Award Science, which involves exams in all three subjects, leading to the award of two IGCSE grades. Those girls who choose to do so, and these are often the pupils who are already thinking about A Level sciences, take Triple Award Science, leading to the award of separate IGCSE grades in all three subjects. Girls who study Double Award Science are still able to continue with the study of individual sciences at A Level.
A Levels
Girls are advised to take four subjects in the Lower Sixth and continue with three in the Upper Sixth. Girls meet regularly with their tutor, and academic progress is reported to parents throughout the year. Sixth Form girls also follow our General Religious Studies programme, options from our Elective courses, a course on Sixth Form Perspectives that for many leads to an Extended Project Qualification, and our bespoke Skills for Life course on Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education.
