Girls entering the school aged eleven are placed in one of four equal ability forms. This is organised with the help of information from
their primary schools. The school operates a ten day timetable, with each day consisting of four seventy minute periods.
Key Stage 3: In Years 7 to 9, all students follow courses in: Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, French, Geography, History, ICT,
Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Education, Design and Technology. The Tutor Programme covers most
of the requirements for Citizenship, Personal, Social, Health and Sex and Relationships Education. In Year 8 girls can chose an
additional language from a choice of German, Italian, Latin and Spanish.
Key Stage 4: Almost all of our students study ten full GCSEs. The core curriculum consists of English, Mathematics, Science,
French, Technology and Religious Education. All students study both English Language and Literature; either History or Geography;
about a third study separate sciences. In addition, students choose two optional subjects (one if taking separate sciences) from
History/Geography, German/Italian/Latin/Spanish, Art, Music and Religious Studies. Students are encouraged to ensure that their
combination of core and option subjects provides a broad and balanced education. Whilst every effort is made to enable students to
take the course of their choice, this is not always possible if the subject is oversubscribed or the choice is unrealistic.
In addition to the GCSE subjects, all girls follow a Physical Education course while Careers Education and Guidance, Citizenship,
Personal, Social, Health and Sex Education are part of a vigorous Tutor Programme which includes a number of days off the normal
timetable to explore these issues. Year 11 starts with a week of work experience for all girls.
Part way through Year 11, students are advised on the subjects offered at A Level. They attend an information evening with their
parents in order that informed decisions can be made in consultation with teaching staff. Extensive support is available to ensure that
choices are made which are realistic and appropriate for likely career pathways.
The Sixth Form: The school has an outstandingly successful and expanding Sixth Form, offering excellent academic opportunities.
We are part of The Link Partnership which includes four other schools Devonport High School for Boys, St Boniface’s College, Notre
Dame School and Eggbuckland Community College. The partnership enables us to provide a comprehensive range of subjects. Some
sixth formers will find themselves taking one of their subjects at one of the other schools in the partnership. Transport between schools
during the day is arranged free of charge.
Students take one of the following AS programmes: 4 subjects + General Studies OR 3 subjects + General Studies. The General
Studies course provides opportunities for community work as well as a challenging series of lessons exploring a wide range of issue
from the arts, science, technology, linguistics, economics, politics, and social studies. For each programme three subjects should be
continued to A Level. There are over thirty subjects to choose from across The Link Partnership. Every effort is made to enable the
preferred choice of courses requested by students to be timetabled. All Sixth Formers are expected to choose between PE or
Mentoring as an activity to which they devote at least an hour each week. There is also a comprehensive programme of careers advice. |