| Education
The Curriculum
The breadth of the curriculum is one of the strengths of the school.
It is constantly scrutinised and adjustments and additions are made
where we feel they are required to meet the particular needs of
the pupils and the demands of the national curriculum.
The curriculum for Years 7, 8 and 9
From the ages of 11–13 all the pupils follow a common curriculum.
We build on the excellent work achieved in the primary schools and
aim to ensure that pupils will;
• Acquire excellent numeracy and scientific skills and become
familiar with all the IT skills.
• Become fluent and articulate in their own language, able
to write creatively, speak coherently and read accurately with enjoyment.
• To study foreign languages, and develop spoken fluency and
an understanding of other cultures.
• To develop an understanding of world affairs through the
study of History and Geography.
• To develop creative skills, in Drama and Music, and build
self-confidence through team work and performance.
• To build on practical skills through the Art, Design and
Home Economics programmes.
• To understand the history of Christian Religion, to understand
other religions and different ways of life.
• To experience as wide as possible a programme of PE, Sport
and personal fitness.
From the age of 14 pupils choose, in consultation with parents,
Staff and careers advisors, the subjects they will study for GCSE.
Out of the Classroom
Extra curricular activities in the Senior School are numerous. Pupils
can participate in exchange trips to France and Germany when they
are able to hone their language skills. Ski-ing trips are arranged
in the Spring term. Many other outside visits are arranged to support
particular elements of the curriculum, to museums, galleries, theatre
performances, science lectures and field trips. Outwardbound and
adventure challenges are also offered.
There is a wide, and ever-changing, number of activities offered
after school each day. These vary with the seasons and with what
pupils want to pursue. They include Rugby and Football coaching,
Tennis, Hockey, Badminton, Swimming, Judo, Computer studies, Art,
Golf, Chess and participation in the ever-growing rock band!
We encourage the pupils to consider their future. Careers guidance
is given from Year 9 onwards, and pupils in Year 11 are encouraged
to participate in work experience – organised through school
and with local employers – in order to discover what ‘real
life’ is like.
Scholarships
Scholarships are held in February for entry into the Senior School
the following September. Scholarships and bursaries, with a reduction
in the fees for the child’s entire career at the school, are
awarded each year. The scholarship assessment includes a report
from the present school and written papers on scholarship day.
Bursaries are offered in Art, Music, Drama and Sport, and children
are invited to bring in work and perform in the appropriate department
on Bursary Day. Details may be obtained from the School Secretary
on request. The Scholarship Day is planned to be as creative and
friendly as possible, giving candidates the chance to experience
a working day at Grittleton House School.
|
