The Royal High School was formed in 1998 with the successful merger of two very fine independent girls’ schools, both with histories going back to the middle of the 19th Century. Our magnificent Senior School building was formerly the Royal School, which originally educated exclusively the daughters of army officers. To this day we continue to welcome many students from services families, especially into our boarding community.
Just a short distance away our Junior School occupies the spacious grounds and buildings of the former Bath High School, one of the oldest member schools of the Girls’ Day School Trust. We are proud of our rich heritage and the Royal High School is now, with over 800 students, one of the largest members of the GDST.
The Junior School
What We Believe
We believe that children will best develop and mature within an environment that fosters mutual respect and the desire to think about others.
Our Mission Statement:
We aim to provide a caring environment in which each girl can grow in confidence, ready to forge ahead as an independent and enthusiastic learner. We want all pupils to fulfil their academic potential, thrive socially and spiritually, developing into well rounded, happy, responsible individuals.
The Curriculum
Based on the National Curriculum, our girls enjoy a wide range of subjects, achieving standards significantly above the national average. Naturally, we place importance on English and Mathematics and Science and pupils will take their national tests in these subjects at age 11. Science and Geography are taught in two year rolling programmes. In History the Infant pupils study topics, while the Juniors tackle British history in chronological order along with Ancient civilisations.
Weekly lessons include French, Music, Dance, Drama, PE, Games, Art/Design Technology and ICT, RE and PSHE (Personal, Health and Social Education). The Infants tend to work on projects or topics, adopting an integrated approach, while the Juniors work in more discrete units.
Specialists work throughout the Junior School to teach PE. Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 girls access additional sports facilities at the Senior School site. Skills in Gymnastics, netball, hockey, swimming, rounders, tennis and athletics are developed with many opportunities to take part in both inter-house and inter-school events.
A specialist teaches a class Dance lesson every week from Nursery to Year 6, with extra-curricular opportunities offered in Modern Dance and Ballet Clubs. Class Drama is taught weekly from Year 1 with Speech and Drama offered as an additional activity. The Arts Council of England awarded an “Artsmark Gold” to the Junior School in June 2006 for our commitment to providing quality Arts education (Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Art).
To enable us to meet the needs of all our learners, Mathematics is taught in ability sets from Year 3 onwards. Teaching assistants are assigned to work alongside the class teacher in the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. In addition a teaching assistant will provide 1:1 or small group support to those pupils needing additional help in acquiring reading, writing, spelling or numeracy skills in Years 3-6. Dyslexia Action provides specialist staff for those pupils who have a diagnosed learning difficulty and these lessons take place during the school day.
Above all, we know it is important to teach our pupils skills. You cannot teach everything to a child by the age of eleven but you can give the key skills and the enthusiasm to want to find out – a love of learning. The GDST schools are renowned for teaching the girls to THINK for themselves, a vital ingredient for the future. We are looking ahead to foster transferable skills:
- ability to analyse and think logically
- good communication skills, both electronically and face to face
- flexibility for a fast changing world
- self motivation – able to have initiative and be a self starter
- a strong work ethic with the right attitude
Our School Day
Buildings and Facilities
Extracurricular Activities
Pastoral Care
Open Days & Visits
Examination Results
Inspection Reports
Uniform
Our Nursery
Our Infants
Our Juniors
The Senior School
Our aim is to foster a dynamic and supportive community in which girls of academic ability are encouraged to pursue a wide range of intellectual, cultural and recreational interests, to strive for standards of excellence in fulfilling their potential, and to develop a sense of social and moral responsibility in preparation for the roles which they will play in the wider community of the 21st Century.
Curriculum
Years 7 to 9
Although not obliged by law to do so, Trust schools adhere to the core requirements of the National Curriculum as a minimum. The timetable is based on a 50 period fortnight. There are five one hour lessons each day. The allocations shown below indicate the number of lessons which are taught in each subject in a fortnight.
| |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
| English |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Design Technology |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Drama |
2 |
1 |
1 |
| Food Technology |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Modern Languages |
7 |
8 |
7 |
| Latin |
|
3 |
3 |
| History |
2 |
3 |
3 |
| Geography |
3 |
2 |
3 |
| ICT |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Religious Studies |
3 |
2 |
2 |
| Art |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Music |
2 |
1 |
1 |
| Physical Education |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
5 |
5 |
| Science |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| PSHE* |
1 |
1 |
1 |
* Personal, Social & Health Education
NOTES:
Modern Languages.In Year 7 pupils study French for the whole year and also German and Spanish for half a year each. In Year 8 pupils choose to study two of the three languages and these continue to the end of Year 9.
Mathematicsis taught in 5 divisions from Year 7.
In Years 8/9 pupils have the opportunity to choose Mandarin as an alternative to Latin.
Years 10 to 11 (GCSE)
The following table shows the number of one hour lessons per fortnight allocated to the core subjects taken by all pupils in Years 10 & 11:
| English Language & English Literature |
7 |
2 GCSE subjects |
| Mathematics |
6 |
1 GCSE subject |
| Science |
9 |
2 GCSE subjects |
| Modern Language |
5 |
1 GCSE subject |
| Physical Education |
2 |
|
| Personal, Social & Health Education |
1 |
|
In addition, pupils choose up to four GCSE subjects from the following options:
| Art |
French |
Music |
| Business Studies |
Geography |
Physical Education |
| Classical Civilisation |
German |
Religious Studies |
| Design Technology |
History |
Science (Triple Option) |
| Drama |
ICT |
Spanish |
| Food Technology |
Latin |
|
NOTES:
Pupils take up to 10 GCSE subjects in total, with 6 core subjects and 4 option choices.
Subjects from the options list are allocated 5 hours per fortnight.
Modern Languages: Pupils are offered a choice of French, German or Spanish in the core. They can select a second language from the options if they wish. Pupils studying two modern languages have the opportunity to take the GCSE examination in one of them at the end of Year 10, followed by a one year GCSE course in Italian in Year 11.
Science: All pupils follow the double award balanced science course in the core which is worth two GCSE subjects and covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics in equal proportions. By adding Science from the options, pupils may then take Biology, Chemistry and Physics as three separate subjects, worth three GCSEs.
The School Day
Buildings and Facilities
Extracurricular Activities
Supporting Students
Individual Needs
Open Days & Visits
Examination Results
Inspection Reports
Uniform
The Sixth Form College
Overview
A/AS level Courses
IB Diploma Options
It is our intention to give you the unique opportunity in the independent sector in Bath to choose your pathway to Higher Education and the world of work.
You can opt for the traditional A level structure. Most students take 4 subjects at AS level in Year 12, and continue with 3 subjects to A level in Year 13. A small number of students take one or more additional subjects at AS or A level.
We are also planning to offer students the alternative of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. We have already received confirmation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) that we have gained acceptance as a candidate school, and we are now seeking authorisation to introduce the Diploma programme from September 2008.
IB Diploma students study 6 academic subjects, at least 3 of which are taken at higher level and 3 at standard level. The IB Diploma also involves taking a course in Theory of Knowledge, demonstrating a commitment to creativity, action and service, and completing an individual research project. Whether or not you are an existing student or joining us from another school, our dedicated team of tutors will help you to decide which pathway is most appropriate to your individual strengths, interests and circumstances.
Both A levels and the IB Diploma prepare you equally well for higher education and have equal status in the eyes of British universities. You can also be assured that our emphasis on the extra curricular provision for all college students means that A level students do not miss out on the creativity, action and service that is integral to the IB Diploma.
Whatever your programme of study, you will be joining a community greatly enriched by the diversity of our provision.
Buildings and Facilities
Leadership
Activities
Supporting Students
Open Days & Visits
Examination Results
Inspection Reports
Admissions and Fees
If you are considering joining the Sixth Form College, your first step should be an informal visit to see our college facilities. You will also meet the Principal and Head of College, other members of staff, and be able to talk to some of our current Sixth Form students.
Please telephone the college direct to make an appointment, or attend one of our Open Days.
Following your first visit, we will arrange a formal interview with the Principal and Head of College. Entry is dependent on a minimum of six GCSE’s at A*-B grades (or equivalent qualifications) and candidates are expected to achieve grades A or B in subjects that they wish to study at either A Level or for the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Entrance Procedures
Fees
Scholarships / Bursaries
Application Form
Boarding
Boarding available to female students only.
As a sixth form boarder you will be joining Gloucester House which is designed to provide a pre-university experience. The rooms are a mix of single and twin study bedrooms and the atmosphere is both informal and supportive. You can easily keep in touch with family and friends (wifi is available in each room). You will have access to a range of common rooms, as well as kitchens where you’ll be able to prepare anything from an evening snack to a complete dinner party to entertain and impress your friends!
You’ll find that our flexible approach to boarding is particularly helpful during sixth form studies. Your circumstances may mean that full boarding is the best arrangement for you and your family but we are equally happy to accommodate weekly or ‘flexi’ boarders.
Gloucester House is run by an experienced Senior Housemistress and her assistant, supported by other resident house staff. They will offer you advice, care and encouragement through the triumphs and challenges that you will experience during your time at the college and they’ll work with your teachers and curriculum advisers to get the best for you. They’ll also join with you in creating the ‘fun’ of the boarding house, organising trips out into Bath or further afield and ‘in-house’ activities like ‘film and popcorn’ nights. | 
