The Curriculum

The Curriculum

The aim of the school is to offer a wide and exciting academic education and our extensive curriculum aims to develop intellectual curiosity and a thirst for learning, encouraging girls to think independently and put their knowledge to good use in the real world. Communication of ideas and fluent expression in English and other languages are taught, along with mathematical concepts and the confident use of information technology. Girls make the most of this balanced programme of creative and scientific subjects by learning, with the guidance of their teachers, a disciplined approach to private study. The school is selective, but not narrowly so, taking into account interest and diversity of strengths.

Years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3)

The Lower School curriculum is designed to incorporate the best aspects of the Key Stage 3 (KS3) National Curriculum and Common Entrance (CE). We provide a greater variety of subjects to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum.

In Year 7, all girls are taught in form groups. They study three modern languages (French, German and Spanish), classical civilisation, a curriculum enrichment programme (CEP), as well as traditional subjects (English, maths, science, history, geography, religious studies), information and design technologies, and creative and performing arts.

In Years 8 and 9, girls choose two of the three modern languages and are introduced to Latin. Girls are taught in different groups depending on the subject. We believe that some subjects are better learnt in setted ability groups and some subjects are better learnt in broadly mixed-ability classes.

School examinations are held at the end of each academic year.

Years 10 and 11 (GCSE)

Students in Years 10 and 11 are usually aged 14 to 16 and follow the two-year GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) course or International IGCSE courses with public examinations at the end of Year 11. Double Award science students take one GCSE at the end of Year 10.

All students work towards examinations in English language, English literature, mathematics, religious studies and science. All girls take physics, chemistry and biology either as three separate GCSE subjects or as the Double Award examination. In addition, most girls are also required to take a modern language. Each girl selects four or five option subjects from a list which includes:

• Art
• Business 
• Classical Civilisation
• Computer Science
• Dance
• Drama
• EAL
• Food Preparation and Nutrition
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Latin
• Music
• Physical Education
• Spanish 
• Textiles Design

Sixth Form (A-Level)

A-Levels offer the chance to study chosen subjects in depth and are the passport to higher education. During the two year course, students develop a more independent approach to learning. An exciting programme of conferences, lectures and visits features for all subjects. One afternoon per week is set aside for Sport and Wellbeing, and there are a number of different activities from which to choose.

Extensive careers advice is provided in the Sixth Form with interview workshops, visits to careers fairs and university open days. Comprehensive information is provided on higher education courses, universities and application procedures.

All A-Level students participate in an Enrichment Studies Programme, designed to develop key skills which will be useful in all walks of life. They participate in the University of Liverpool's Curriculum Enrichment Programme,  the Community Sports Leaders' Award, join the School Newspaper Editorial Team, write an extended essay, undertake an extended project or take the Leith's Basic Certificate in Food and Wine. Students can also take the Guildhall School of Speech and Drama Speaking Skills Examinations. Outside visits are arranged to universities, conferences, museums and political institutions.

A Summary of the Curriculum in Years 7 - 11

Core Curriculum	English Language & Literature
	Mathematics
Science & ICT	Science
	Physics
	Chemistry
	Biology
	Information Communication Technology
	Business & Communication Studies
Humanities	Religious Studies
	Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship (PSHCE)
	Geography
	History
	Classical Civilisation
	Economics
Additional Languages	German
	Spanish
	Latin
	French
Arts & Technology	Art & Design
	Drama
	Information Communication Technology
	Business & Communication Studies
	Film Studies
	Music
	Textiles Technology
	Food Technology
Physical Education	Physical Education (GCSE)
	Hockey, Netball & Swimming
	Tennis, Athletics & Rounders
	Gymnastics
	Badminton & Trampoline
	Dance
	Aerobics
	Basketball
	Volleyball

Key:                   Compulsory

                          Optional

Click here for further information about the Sixth Form and higher education.