Our study programmes have a broad focus which give students time to decide which academic pathway they would like to follow and enjoy a huge range of engaging lessons rather than narrow their choices too early.
Grades 9 and 10
Grade 9 and 10 students start embarking on studies that lead to the IB diploma chosen by the majority of our young people, but that also prepare them to sit five IGCSEs at the end of Grade 10 if they wish to.
IGCSEs are a globally recognised qualification taken at age 16 and are broadly equivalent to UK GCSEs and Nat 5s in Scotland, but with an international dimension.
Everyone follows the IB curriculum at this stage of the school, with studies at this stage covering:
- Mathematics
- Language and literature in English
- Language acquisition (French or Spanish)
- Integrated science, global perspectives – which combines history, geography, modern studies and religious education
- Arts – media studies, music or visual arts
- Design – product design, computer science or STEM
- Physical and health education
Grades 11 and 12
The majority of our students opt to take the IB diploma in their final two years with us. Students can also choose to take additional, individual IB courses which also count towards UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) tariff points.
However, other options include the US High School Diploma – formally recognised by the Middle States Association, with students receiving an accredited US High School Diploma.
Those who do chose the IB diploma programme study six subjects, three at standard level and three at higher level over two years.
They also complete three additional requirements as part of the IB Core, which consists of The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a 4,000-word extended essay and at least 150 hours of creativity, activity and service (CAS).
All Grade 11 and 12 students study from the following subject groups:
- Mathematics – analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations
- Language and literature – English
- Language acquisition – French or Spanish
- Sciences – biology, chemistry, physics, environmental systems and societies and computer science
- Individuals and societies – history, economics, environmental systems and societies
- The Arts – visual arts