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Inspection report 2010
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Curriculum
The Lower School curriculum is a varied and stimulating introduction to secondary school study. The emphasis is on challenge and enjoyment, and a major goal is to develop effective study skills which will form a basis for continued progress throughout the school.
A major change for many pupils starting their secondary school career at The Upper is that almost every subject is taught by specialist teachers in dedicated rooms and laboratories. Their timetable is filled with lessons with teachers who are passionate about their subjects.
The form group is the most important unit in the Lower School, and most lessons such as English, History, Geography, RS, Music and the three sciences are taught in form groups of about 24.
Most lessons last 40 minutes, with double lessons for practical subjects such as Art, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Design & Technology, and some triple lessons in Games. The school operates on a 10 day timetable, but it is surprising how quickly this comes to seem normal!
Pupils gradually build up to receiving up to 1 to 1½ hours of homework each weeknight – a varied diet which might include following up themes learnt in class, preparing for tests, and independent research projects.
‘Global Studies’ is a distinctive feature of the Lower School curriculum, which reflects our aim to prepare our pupils for an increasingly international future. All pupils study Japanese, Russian and Portuguese language and culture. They also have the opportunity to study Mandarin in an after school club.
Setting in Maths and Latin is introduced in Year 8. All Year 7 pupils study French, in teaching groups which reflect each pupil’s prior experience, and then take an additional modern language in the following year.
Pupils have timetabled lessons for PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education) and PE, and have two Games sessions per week.
