Senior School
By the time pupils reach the equivalent of Primary 7, they move into our Transition year where all the teaching is undertaken by subject specialists, preparing them for the demands of the senior school curriculum. Transition offers a unique introduction to Senior School giving boys and girls greater responsibility but tempering this with support and familiarity. Pupils move away from the traditional classroom environment of the Junior School and move around the school campus using all the specialist facilities of the senior school, particularly in Science where they follow a fully integrated combined science programme.
In Transition pupils are assigned to a Tutor Group which is within their House. This is a vertical system and pupils stay in the same Tutor Group throughout their time in the Senior School, allowing key relationships to be formed: firstly, the Tutee with their Tutor, secondly the Tutee with his or her peers who will be drawn from throughout the Senior School and thirdly, Tutor and parents, where the Tutor forms the first point of information both on academic progress and on general well-being. Tutor Groups are small, usually with a maximum of fourteen pupils, and so Tutors get to know their Tutees and their parents very well, forming an ongoing relationship and dialogue that supports pupils throughout their career in the Senior School.
The aim of the curriculum in Senior 1 and 2 is to build upon the experience of Transition in providing a broad-based academic education which will help inform each pupil of his or her strengths before selecting the optional subjects they may wish to take to external examination level. Classes are small and pupils enjoy close personal attention from their teachers giving support, challenge and encouragement as necessary. Expectations remain high both in terms of effort and application; constantly ‘raising the bar’ in order that each individual continues to fulfil his or her potential.
Examination years…
The senior curriculum is continued in Senior 3 and 4 and is based on the study of eight subjects at either Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 level. Pupils are encouraged to keep their courses as broad as possible and this is supported with a flexible approach to timetabling.
English and Mathematics are compulsory and pupils will also normally study two foreign languages, one science and at least one social science subject, choosing the other subjects from a wide range of options selected to provide the best possible preparation for Higher courses in Senior 5 and 6.
The normal pattern is that pupils will study five Highers in Senior 5. However, our timetabling is sufficiently flexible as to allow a combination of subjects at levels that allow the majority of pupils to build on that achieved at the end of Senior 4. Pupils can opt to take further Higher courses in Senior 6 either to supplement or enhance their existing qualifications, whilst also choosing Advanced Higher Courses, involving extensive, in-depth study, which is ideal for those wishing to progress to university.
To ensure that all pupils in Senior 3 to Senior 6 have a rounded education a number of non-certificated courses will also be studied covering IT applications, Expressive Arts and Personal, Social and Health Education. Progress and attainment are regularly assessed and discussed at meetings pupils have with their Tutors. Feedback is given to parents through formal reports and parents’ evenings, but can also be sought at any time by contacting their child’s Tutor. Careers guidance is given at strategic points by specially trained staff and at all times we seek to work in partnership with parents for the benefit of each boy and girl supporting them in reaching their individual goals.
