The curriculum takes our students beyond the requirements of public examinations, inspiring a shared love of intellectual adventure.
Naomi Edwards, Co-Principal and Head of Senior School
The curriculum takes our students beyond the requirements of public examinations, inspiring a shared love of intellectual adventure. It is academically challenging with students encouraged to ask questions and explore far beyond the syllabus to discover their own interests, working with teachers who are experts in their fields.
Alongside the core curriculum, non-examined general studies courses encourage students to develop their academic interests, prompting cross-curricular connections and wide-ranging discussion that prepares them well for A level studies. This includes a general studies programme for Years 10 and 11 and our unique SPGS Programme for the Senior School where students choose from a wide list of electives, take part in entrepreneurial projects with our partners and undertake service in the community. In addition, senior students follow our SPGS leadership programme, designed to prepare them for life beyond school.
The Senior School curriculum follows these stages of the British National Curriculum:
• Key Stage 3 (Ages 11-14)
• IGCSE (Ages 15-16)
• A Level (Ages 17-18)
Students are encouraged to study a broad range of subjects and discover new disciplines. Creative technologies and creative arts are an important element of the curriculum. This approach provides a solid foundation on which students can build as they progress through the school.
The IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14–16-year-olds. At this level students study seven core subjects, for example English, Mathematics, the Sciences, and choose two to four additional subjects such as computing, design or art. Selection of these optional studies enables students to focus on areas where they have particular strengths and interests.
Most students will choose four subjects in their first year, selecting from a wide range of options, then focus on three subjects through to the A Level examinations, globally recognised at all leading universities.
