The curriculum covering the first three years gives the essential and thorough grounding needed for later study.  Pupils follow traditional courses in a broad mix of subject disciplines.  They are set by ability for English, mathematics, science (taught separately as physics, chemistry and biology).

The provision of Modern European languages has been reviewed, and as of September 2021, pupils will follow one European modern language, (either French or Spanish), based upon a combination of each pupil’s preference, and teacher judgement of the most appropriate course for a pupil to follow. All pupils are taught Chinese in the 1^st Form and are then set in the 2^nd and 3^rd Form to either continue with Chinese or, additional periods of consolidation lessons in maths, English and their given European language.

The remainder of subjects are taught in mixed ability groups, which were previously alphabetically selected, however, as of September 2021, these are based upon the European language option. 

All pupils take part in the Enrichment Programme, PE and games.

SUBJECT	1st Form	2nd Form	3rd Form
Mathematics	5	4/5	5/6
English	5	4/5	5/6
Science	6	6	6
French/Spanish	3	4/5	4/5
Chinese	2	3/0	3/0
History (inc Classics)	3	3	3
Geography	3	3	2
RE	2	2	3
ICT	2	2	2
Design Technology	2	2	2
Art	2	2	2
Enrichment Programme	1	1	1
Music/Drama	3	3	2
PE	2	2	2
Games	4	4	3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is an Augustinian Focus week in the first term of the 1^st Form in which all subject areas address issues of an Augustinian nature related to their discipline.

GCSE Curriculum

The broad curriculum of the early years in the Senior School narrows somewhat for the two years of study leading to the GCSE examinations at the end of 5^th Form. 

As a general rule, pupils moving into the 4^th Form are required to have good prospects of achieving a meaningful grade in a minimum of 5 GCSEs including Mathematics, English and Science (Learning Support will be taken by pupils for any non-GCSE allocated lessons).  Following the end of year examinations in the 2^nd Form, parents of any pupils at risk of not meeting this minimum standard will be contacted and the pupils’ progress will be discussed and monitored closely thereafter.

Mathematics, English, History, Geography, ICT, French, Spanish and Science follow the IGCSE specifications.  IGCSE specifications are increasingly being used by independent schools to maintain a good standard of academic rigour, ensure consistency in assessment and to provide an effective foundation for A’ Level studies.

The curriculum is designed to provide flexibility in the choice of subjects and, at the same time, a balance to continued studies.  The standard programme of study sees pupils taking courses leading to examination entries in 9 subjects. The curriculum for the 4^th and 5^th Form is divided into a compulsory core which is common to all pupils and the options where there is a wide element of choice.  The enrichment programme covering personal, social and health education is delivered by a dedicated member of staff and all pupils take part in PE and Games.

Core Subjects

All pupils follow courses in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science which are arranged in sets by ability.

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately in science lessons. It is anticipated that pupils are normally entered for the Dual Award Science (leading to 2 Science GCSEs). However, after the mock exams in the 5^th Form, pupils will be advised whether they should enter single award (leading to 1 Science GCSE) or, possibly, triple award (leading to 3 separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

Option Subjects

3^rd Form pupils will be asked to make a choice of four subjects in order of preference from the list of eleven option subjects.  Following this selection, the option blocks will be constructed.  We do not operate a ‘fixed block’ system, but a ‘best fit’ arrangement, where we try to match our pupils’ preferred choices in the design of the blocks necessary for timetabling. We cannot, therefore, guarantee that all pupils will secure their first 4 choices

The option subjects are: Art and Design, Chinese, Classical Civilisation, ICT, Design Technology, Drama and Theatre Studies, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish.

Pupils will be fully supported in their choice of options through a series of option talks delivered by the departments.  Final option decisions will be made after parents have had the opportunity to speak with subject teachers at the Parents’ Evening.  As important decisions have to be made, parents and pupils are also encouraged to seek advice, where required, from Heads of Department, Tutors or Miss Quinn, Head of Lower School, as to the suitability of the courses being considered.  Parents are also invited to contact Mr Tiffen, Head of Middle School and Mr Harte, Deputy Head (Academic), if there are matters they wish to discuss prior to making final decisions.

If any option does not attract significant numbers then there is a possibility that the option may not be viable and will, therefore, not run.