‘Very good relations between staff and pupils are based on mutual respect and allow pupils to feel confident and to express their ideas and opinions openly. Teachers know their pupils well and provide sensitive assistance and support’ (ISI Report)
The curriculum is at the heart of our school and we aim to offer variety and challenge that will engender a life long love of learning whilst equipping girls with the knowledge and skills that they require as they move to higher education and employment.
As an independent school we are not obliged to follow the National Curriculum though our schemes of work are designed to incorporate the main features and strengths within it. Our flexible timetable allows us to extend our curriculum further to address the ability and aspirations of our pupils in other ways: we develop our own extension activities, offer additional subjects and can ensure that a very broad curriculum is followed to GCSE, thus ensuring that all options are kept open as long as possible.
Girls are taught in small classes by highly qualified and experienced staff who know each individual so that tasks can be tailored accordingly. Work within lessons is supported by a carefully constructed prep timetable and a detailed reporting system which allows for further discussion between teacher and pupil. Whilst it is true that there is more to education than the passing of examinations, they are an integral and necessary part of a modern society, and all girls are encouraged to strive for academic excellence; the school is proud of its many academic achievements and pupils regularly gain one of the top five marks nationally in public examinations.
Preparation for university and beyond is not only about amassing examination certificates, however, and universities are looking increasingly at the extra skills and experiences that applicants can offer. We provide many activities to supplement and enhance work in the classroom, and participation is monitored carefully to ensure that all girls strike a suitable balance in these two vital areas. A special feature of our key stage four curriculum is our enrichment programme which all girls follow.