Academic life

“What if….”

Our broad and flexible curriculum gives all the opportunity to excel. We provide an environment where that promotes lifelong independent thought, intellectual curiosity and love of learning.

Within our examined curriculum we provide stimulation, structure and support to encourage all pupils to excel academically. Success in public examinations is key to pupils’ futures and is the crucial educational aim. However, we believe that the journey is as important as the destination. Our approach to learning ensures that pupils develop a love of learning for its own sake, along with the metacognitive skills required for independent learning and educational success at university and the workplace.

Our academic curriculum is broad. With 30 subjects on offer, every pupil has the best opportunity to study subjects that motivate and excite them. Our subject specialist staff have imaginative approaches to teaching and learning to ensure they capture the imagination of every pupil, and inspire them to want to know more. We strive for continuous improvement, not instant perfection, and we pay close attention to how each pupil learns.

The Housemaster and Head of Key Stage system ensure that at least two adults have oversight of every pupil’s individual progress and are there to support and encourage.

Regular internal ‘progress tests’ enable close monitoring of every pupils’ progress. GCSE and A-level pupils sit internal examinations at least twice a year.

Prep (homework) is set to foster scholarship and encourage good study habits as pupils have to plan their free time to ensure it is completed.

As we are a boarding school, many teachers are onsite for extended periods and internal support can be offered by arrangement. In addition, we run ‘clinics’ – drop-in sessions where pupils receive extra help. Each subject offers at least one clinic per week. Pupils can drop in for 5 minutes or stay for the duration. Clinics are a key part of our aim to encourage all pupils to self-regulate by proactively seeking support when they need it.

We have a dedicated Learning Enhancement (LE) centre to help pupils who need support with study skills or have specific educational needs. Pupils can be referred to the LE centre at any time during their schooling.

Pupils explore their academic passions beyond the classroom through our vibrant Stretch and Challenge programme, where they can take the lead in introducing their academic discoveries to their peers.

Ms Anya Bensberg, Deputy Head (Academic)