Secondary Education for Year 7 (11+) from September 2005

In Year 9 (2007), English, Maths, Science, ICT and French remain firmly embedded in the curriculum, though the allocation to Science might expand to allow time for the sub-divisions of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. During Year 9, option choices are made for GCSE courses.

Years 10 & 11: GCSEs
Beyond the core curriculum, the range of choices of GCSEs will depend largely on the number of children in the Year Group and their talents and strengths, but languages and performing/creative arts will remain strongly represented. In some areas of the curriculum, such as Maths, ICT and some languages, many young people are ready to take GCSEs early, and this will be encouraged where appropriate. In other areas, such as English, research shows that the quality of results is strongly affected by natural maturity. In principle, the School will encourage bright children to get ahead; expectations will be high.

Years 12 & 13: Sixth Form
The school has every intention of moving straight on into A-Level teaching, not least because this prospect will enable us to attract the finest staff in the early stages. Our students are likely to take 4 (or 5) AS levels in their Lower Sixth year and 3 (or 4) A2 levels in their Upper Sixth.

Staff
During the last three years, as opportunities have arisen, the Headmaster has been increasing the secondary experience within the teaching staff. A substantial number of staff have experience across the secondary years which they look forward to exercising once more. As the numbers of pupils and classes increase, further staff will be appointed to take over the key roles in teaching from Year 9. The Headmaster has the opportunity to seek out some talented and experienced staff who wish to be involved in innovative work right through to A-Level.

Year Group Size
In the early stages we would expect to continue with two parallel classes, but when the demand is there, the plans allow for an expansion to three classes in the secondary age groups. Class sizes will remain small, with a maximum of twenty pupils in each class.