ACADEMIC LIFE

Middle School - Years 9, 10 and 11

At the end of Year 8 the forms are carefully mixed up to create new groups of a similar size to the Lower School forms.  The new form tutor normally remains with the form for the three years of the Middle School.  Year 9 pupils continue to be taught in form groups with the exception of Mathematics and French, which are taught in ability groups.  A second Modern Language - a choice of either German or Spanish - is added to the subjects studied.  In the spring term of Year 9, pupils select their GCSE choices. 

In Years 10 and 11, students study a minimum of 9 GCSE courses, a mixture of core and optional subjects.  Classes are generally smaller than in the Lower School.  The Core includes English and English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, a Modern Language and a World Perspectives course (led by the History, Geography, Religious Studies, Classics and Economics Departments).  In addition to the core, optional subjects are chosen from French, German, Spanish, Latin, Greek, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Drama, Design Technology,  Art and Music.  Most subjects will follow the International GCSE course, which offers a better preparation for A Level.  Students in the top sets in Mathematics will also take IGCSE early and do a course in Additional Mathematics in Year 11.  Those in the top French sets also take their exam early, and then do a course to extend their language skills. 

In the Middle School, Tutorial time is a key point of contact, with the PHSE curriculum continuing, and a weekly afternoon Games session at Wood Lane. Year 10 pupils have their own Games afternoon, whilst Year 11 pupils join the Sixth Form for Wednesday afternoon Games and compete for places in the senior teams. Clubs, activities, sports practices and music rehearsals are all part of life in the Middle School, with new activities and clubs available for Middle School pupils. 

Field trips and visits continue to take place, including a joint English and History trip to Ypres - reading a Wilfred Owen poem at Tyne Cot cemetery is a moving and memorable experience.  Lectures and talks by visiting speakers further enhance the Middle School curriculum.