About the Seniors
The Senior School is academically orientated, so providing a basis for further education at 16+, and all our pupils go on to the local Sixth Form Colleges or the Sixth Forms of other independent schools. After their sixth form studies, most of our past pupils have gone on to various universities and colleges including Oxford and Cambridge. Past alumni include engineers, doctors, teachers, architects, lawyers, academics, bank managers, journalists and an international ballet dancer! Many have set up small businesses with great success.
Objectives
We encourage good habits of sustained work through learning, creativity and independent thinking. The staff give careful consideration to all new ideas and teaching methods, and try to equip the pupils to cope in today's fast-changing and competitive world without losing respect for traditional, religious, ethical and family values.
Equal Opportunities
Whilst we cherish our standards of academic excellence for the brightest pupils, we also provide most carefully for those children of more modest ability. For the staff there is as much satisfaction in getting a child with average capabilities through eight exams as there is in seeing a bright pupil achieve ten or eleven excellent grades. In exceptional cases, where a bright child has a specific need, for example, mild dyslexia, we have a member of staff with an RSA qualification who is able to offer extra-curricular help.
Subjects and Learning
The following subjects are studied to GCSE level: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, Media Studies, Film Making and Religious Education. Music and PE are also taught, but not generally as examination subjects. Personal and Social Development seminars are held when appropriate.
Pupils study a full range of subjects up to the end of Year 9 and then, following consultation with teachers and parents, are allowed to make their choices for the more specialised study necessary for their GCSEs. We are almost always able to offer Year 10 and 11 pupils their preferred choice of subjects - they do not have to make a limited decision between subjects, as is the practice in most schools. Small classes of no more than 16 pupils allow the children to receive considerable individual tuition and practical experience in the use of equipment. This is reflected in our success at GCSE level where we always achieve 100% GCSE pass rate with the vast majority of pupils getting A-C grades.
Careers Opportunities
The pupils are encouraged to make full use of our Careers Room where there is up to date information on options available at 16+ and a wide reference section that gives them an insight into career opportunities. They can also check a career match by reference to the Kudos computer programme. Our Head of Careers liaises closely with the Cambridge Careers Guidance Department and a Careers Officer visits Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils and attends the parents evening.
Sports and Activities
The full sporting programme provided at the Junior School is further developed and varied within the Senior School curriculum by the inclusion of Squash, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Tag-Rugby and the use of the Fitness Suite.
Equal Opportunities
Visits to Cambridge's wealth of museums, University departments, and art galleries are made to enhance the pupils' academic studies. Pupils participate in residential trips allied to their course work. Educational visits are made to London and other parts of the country when it is felt that these would benefit the pupils' study of a subject.
Musical and drama performances are produced in the school hall for parents to enjoy.
Many extra curricular activities are available to pupils of all ages.