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Inspection report 2010
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Curriculum
The Middle School curriculum is broad and diverse, enjoyable and fast in pace. There is support and challenge for all students, and the Middle School is a time in which students take increasing responsibility for their own study and progress. Students have the opportunity to choose optional subjects to go alongside the compulsory GCSE subjects listed below, firstly in Year 9, and then for GCSE in Years 10 and 11.
In Year 9, pupils chose three of the following to study alongside the core curriculum: French, Spanish (beginners or continuers), German, Japanese, Latin, Classical Civilisation, Greek, Art, Music and Drama. Maths and French are setted in Year 9, to allow flexible progression and ensure appropriate challenge for all.
In Year 10, all students study the six core subjects shown in the table below. They choose a further four optional subjects, to include at least one modern foreign language.
Year 10 and Year 11 pupils can also opt to study for the Higher Project Qualification. This is a research project on any topic of the pupil’s choice – worth half a GCSE in examination terms, but with its real value in nurturing intellectual ambition and excitement.
The majority of subjects now follow an IGCSE curriculum, rather than the conventional GCSE syllabus. IGCSE is the international form of the GCSE, and in some subjects is a more stimulating and rigorous preparation for academic A-level study. The two types of qualifications are graded in the same way, and are viewed in identical terms for university entrance. In Design and Technology, pupils study for an AS level instead of following the GCSE curriculum.
English is taught in sets from Year 10, and the three sciences are taught in sets in Year 11. The top two Maths sets take their IGCSE a year early, and go on to study Additional Mathematics.
A generous PE and Games provision equips all students with core sporting skills, as well as training top-class sports teams. Outdoor Pursuits is an enjoyable and high-quality addition to the timetable in Year 10.
Pupils join our Enrichment Programme in Year 11, opting for one of the range of options within Community Service, our RAF section or the Perse Exploration Society.
The table below shows the main elements of the timetable for students in Years 10 and 11.
| Compulsory GCSE subjects | Optional GCSE subjects | Non-examined subjects |
| Maths | French | Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) |
| English Language | Spanish | Physical Education |
| English Literature | German | Philosophy and Religious Studies |
| Biology | Japanese | Games |
| Chemistry | Latin | Outdoor Pursuits (Year 10) |
| Physics | Greek | Enrichment Programme (Year 11) |
| Classical Civilisation | ||
| History | ||
| Geography | ||
| Religious Studies | ||
| Music | ||
| Art | ||
| Drama | ||
| Technology (AS level) |
