Our students’ first two years at SWPS are an important time in their educational journey, during which we want to capture their imaginations, ignite their love of learning, and equip them with skills that will be invaluable as they move up the School. We deliver a rich curriculum – which is stimulating, creative and innovative – so that our pupils experience a breadth of subjects and ideas as they find their passions.

We encourage SWPS students to think critically, to learn how to work both independently and collaboratively, and to be reflective about their progress and goals. Through interesting cross-curricular links, our students understand how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in one area to alternative contexts, and become more analytical learners in the process.

Subjects studied:

Underpinning the curriculum, the Co-Curricular Programme encourages pupils to ‘think bigger’, exploring different perspectives on a whole range of topics. Within the programme, pupils hear talks on themes ranging from philosophy and literature to equality, the environment and digital footprints, and have the chance to work on an extended project of their own design. They learn to evaluate information, to distill and communicate concepts, to problem solve and think creatively about how to present their work.

These experiences during Years 7 & 8 build a firm foundation from which our pupils move confidently into Year 9, ready to take the next steps in their education.

In Year 9, students study English, mathematics, three sciences (biology, chemistry and physics), two languages (from French, Spanish, German and ancient Greek), history, geography, classical civilisation including Latin, music, drama, art, design and technology, computer science, and religious studies.

Emphasis on a breadth of study to allow pupils to reach firm decisions about their academic interests when choosing their GCSE options. Another principal focus is to continue the development of their skills as learners. To that end, particular attention is given to problem solving, skills of analysis, developing an argument and essay writing.

As pupils prepare to move into Year 10, we help them to make choices about the GCSEs they will study. We encourage pupils to think about the subjects they will most enjoy and also offer practical advice about suitable combinations and how GCSE choices might influence future A level or higher education options.

Details of the GCSE courses are available in our GCSE options booklet.

Students study GCSE courses in English, mathematics and science (in which pupils will sit two or three GCSEs on the dual or triple award system). They then select another four subjects from the list of options, as described in the GCSE options booklet. Pupils will take one modern language.

The options available at SWPS are Art, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design and Technology including Textiles, Drama, Geography, History, Modern Languages (French, Spanish and German), Latin, Music, Physical Education and Religious Studies.

Students who are bi/trilingual will also often take an additional GCSE in their home/second language by studying it outside of school but taking the examinations in school in any year that is appropriate in relation to their attainment and progress.

GCSE OPTIONS

All SWPS students study nine GCSE subjects comprised of five core subjects and four options. Those choosing the Separate Science Option will only select a further three optional subjects.  During Year 9, students will be asked to choose the subjects they wish to study for their GCSEs; the examinations for these will be taken in Year 11.

SUBJECTS

Further Mathematics is also available as an additional GCSE for the top set students who are able to study for this additional qualification within their Mathematics lessons.

Students who are bi/trilingual will also often take an additional GCSE in their home/second language by studying it outside of school but taking the examinations in school in any year that is appropriate in relation to their attainment and progress.

A great deal of help is given to students in choosing their options and particular emphasis is put on this during the Year 9 information and parents’/guardians’ evenings.