Upper School
For Years 7 to 11 Curriculum Overviews
Upper School Expectations
(Years 7-11) and GCSE Revision Guidance As the oldest pupils in the school, Upper School students are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility and independence in all aspects of school life. We have high expectations of our Upper School pupils and expect them to be organised, prepared and ready to learn every day. Equipment Expectations All pupils are expected to bring the correct equipment to school each day. This includes essential items such as: • Pens and pencils • Ruler • Rubber • Scientific calculator • Exercise books/folders • Any subject-specific equipment requested by teachers If a pupil does not have the correct equipment, they will receive a warning. If they fail to bring the correct equipment again the following day, they will be kept in at break time, if it happens a third time, parents will be informed. It is not the school’s responsibility to provide pupils with their equipment on a daily basis. As young adults preparing for the outside world, pupils must learn to take responsibility for their own belongings, organisation and readiness for learning. Developing these habits now is an important part of preparing for further education, employment and adult life. ⸻ GCSE Revision Guidance Success at GCSE requires consistent effort, independent study and effective revision habits. Pupils must understand that achieving strong grades comes from the work they put in themselves. There are many excellent revision resources available online, including: • BBC Bitesize — a free website with subject knowledge, quizzes and revision activities • CGP Revision Guides and Workbooks — affordable and highly recommended revision resources which parents/carers can purchase independently Effective revision strategies include: • Completing practice papers and exam questions • Making concise revision notes • Creating flashcards and mind maps • Highlighting and learning key vocabulary • Using retrieval practice regularly • Revising little and often rather than cramming Teachers will provide guidance, resources and support throughout the GCSE courses. However, pupils must take ownership of their learning and revision. We cannot force pupils to revise or complete independent study — ultimately, it is their responsibility to put in the effort required to achieve their potential.
Upper School Expectations
(Years 7-11) and GCSE Revision Guidance As the oldest pupils in the school, Upper School students are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility and independence in all aspects of school life. We have high expectations of our Upper School pupils and expect them to be organised, prepared and ready to learn every day. Equipment Expectations All pupils are expected to bring the correct equipment to school each day. This includes essential items such as: • Pens and pencils • Ruler • Rubber • Scientific calculator • Exercise books/folders • Any subject-specific equipment requested by teachers If a pupil does not have the correct equipment, they will receive a warning. If they fail to bring the correct equipment again the following day, they will be kept in at break time, if it happens a third time, parents will be informed. It is not the school’s responsibility to provide pupils with their equipment on a daily basis. As young adults preparing for the outside world, pupils must learn to take responsibility for their own belongings, organisation and readiness for learning. Developing these habits now is an important part of preparing for further education, employment and adult life. ⸻ GCSE Revision Guidance Success at GCSE requires consistent effort, independent study and effective revision habits. Pupils must understand that achieving strong grades comes from the work they put in themselves. There are many excellent revision resources available online, including: • BBC Bitesize — a free website with subject knowledge, quizzes and revision activities • CGP Revision Guides and Workbooks — affordable and highly recommended revision resources which parents/carers can purchase independently Effective revision strategies include: • Completing practice papers and exam questions • Making concise revision notes • Creating flashcards and mind maps • Highlighting and learning key vocabulary • Using retrieval practice regularly • Revising little and often rather than cramming Teachers will provide guidance, resources and support throughout the GCSE courses. However, pupils must take ownership of their learning and revision. We cannot force pupils to revise or complete independent study — ultimately, it is their responsibility to put in the effort required to achieve their potential.
