All girls study the following curriculum subjects and are taught in mixed ability form groups of about thirty girls.
Core Subjects:
English, Mathematics, Science
Foundation Subjects:
Art & Design (Graphics and Textiles), Drama, Geography, History, Computer Science,
Modern Languages: French, German and Spanish
Music, Physical Education
Other Subjects:
PSHE, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, Healthy Living, including food technology
The subjects included will be as listed above. In addition, girls are taught Latin by a specialist teacher.
Core Subjects:
English, Mathematics, Science
Foundation Subjects:
Art & Design (Graphics and Textiles), Drama, Geography, History, Computer Science,
Modern Languages: French, German and Spanish (a choice of 2)
Music, Physical Education
Other Subjects:
PSHE; Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, Latin.
The curriculum continues as in Year 8. Mathematics is taught in sets according to ability.
During Year 9 parents and girls are involved in discussions about the curriculum and options available to girls for GCSE examinations.
Core Subjects:
English, Mathematics, Science
Foundation Subjects:
Art & Design (Graphics and Textiles), Drama, Geography, History, Computer Science,
Modern Languages: French, German and Spanish*
Music, Physical Education
Other Subjects:
Classical Studies; PSHE; Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, Latin*
*a choice of two subjects across MFL and Latin
Year 9 Options (853kb)
Key Stage 4
All pupils follow ten GCSE courses of which a number are compulsory elements of the curriculum.
In Year 10 and Year 11 it is compulsory for girls to study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and all three sciences. In addition all students opt for a Humanity subject (History or Geography) and a modern foreign language.
Other subjects are then be chosen by the girls with a free choice from: Fine Art, Classical Civilisation, Drama, French, Geography, German, Graphics, History, Computer Science, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, Spanish. GCSE option subjects will have 2 hours of teaching in Y10 and 3 hours in Y11.
In addition to their GCSE subjects, girls also follow core PRE, PE and PSHE.
The majority of girls study 3 A levels and an Extended Project Qualification. Some girls take Further Maths as a fourth option and a few opt for 4 A levels if this fits their academic aspirations.
| Faculty | A-level subjects offered |
|---|
| Creative Arts | Fine Art, Graphics; Music |
| English | English Literature; English Language; Theatre Studies |
| Humanities | Business Studies; Economics; Geography; History; Politics; Philosophy, Religion & Ethics; Latin; Classical Civilisation |
| Mathematics | Mathematics, Further Maths. Computer Science |
| Modern Foreign Languages | French; German; Spanish |
| Physical Education | Sport & Physical Education; Psychology |
| Science | Biology; Chemistry; Physics |
Year 12 students also embark on an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which they continue into Year 13. This is an opportunity to research and present on a topic of their choosing. Students also select options from a rich and diverse co-curricular program and participate in compulsory PE – choosing from a range of exciting options. Year 12 also undertake volunteering during part of the year.
The school has no denominational religious affiliations.
Philosophy, Religion & Ethics is included in the timetable; all girls in KS3 and 4 are expected to attend these lessons or conferences unless parents exercise their rights under the Education Acts 1944 and 1988 and withdraw their daughter.
In KS3 and 4 we follow the Buckinghamshire Education Authority agreed syllabus which includes Christianity; world religions; aspects of human existence; the meaning of belief; the place of religion in modern society; personal and social issues and the moral implications of a religious attitude to life.
Our comprehensive and responsive PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) curriculum focuses on the following three areas throughout Years 7-13 and this builds on knowledge, understanding and skills year on year:
- Relationship Sex Health Education (a statutory component regularly updated within government guidelines) A guide to what is covered for parents can be found here and a copy of our RSE policy can be found here . Some aspects of RSE are also delivered through the PRE and Science curriculum including the structure and function of the human reproductive system.
- Health and Wellbeing
- Living in the Wider World (this works closely with our school careers programme and government Gatsby requirements)
We will continue to ensure that we are providing the best for all our students by continually evaluating the quality and content of our curriculum to ensure that it is age appropriate, relevant and supports the needs of our school community.
Personal Development and Cultural Capital:
- Health and Wellbeing - Year 7 – Transition from Primary School Year 8 – Risky Choices Year 9 – Safer World Year 10 – Exploring Influence Year 11 – Independence
- Living in the Wider World - Year 7 – Careers Developing Skills Year 8 – My Personal Brand Year 9 – My Options – Career Pathways Year 10 – Work Experience Year 11 – Next Steps into Year 12
Our PSHE curriculum will enable all students to be bold and provide knowledge, skills, and support beyond the academic curriculum, building for the future. There are collaborative activities in PSHE, students work together and listen to each other's voices during activities.
- Resilience, confidence, and independence
- Keeping physically and mentally healthy
- Preparing for future success in next steps and a life in modern Britain – by equipping students to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society.
- SMSC (social moral spiritual and cultural)/ Developing understanding of fundamental British values; developing understanding and appreciation of diversity; celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law e.g., Year7 Individual Rights module.
GCSE and A level examinations are taken in the summer of Year 11 and Year 13 respectively.
