Curriculum

The Surbiton High School curriculum is designed to meet the overall school aim of bringing out the best in everyone: to discover the best in everyone, to expect the best in everyone, and to support everyone to achieve their personal best.

Surbiton High School is committed to providing opportunities for all pupils to learn and make progress in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative education. The curriculum provision also enables pupils to acquire and develop skills in speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy

In addition, we provide a PSHE programme which gives pupils experience in spiritual, moral, social and cultural education and Career Guidance appropriate to the age and ability of its pupils.

The curriculum is planned to be appropriate to the age, gender, ethnicity and aptitude of its pupils;

Our specific curriculum aims are:-

• to provide a variety of learning experiences that are broad, balanced, challenging and enriching
• to nurture intellectual curiosity, creativity and independent thinking
• to create opportunities for leadership and challenge
• to foster a lifelong love of learning
• to encourage hard work and commitment
• to develop the skills of speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy
• to ensure continuity and progression
• to develop spiritual, moral, social and cultural values
• to prepare pupils for their subsequent education and the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of adult life

 

Curriculum Structure

There are 5 teaching periods per day of 65 minutes each, with the exception of Friday when Period 5 is a period of Enrichment for 45 minutes. There are class changeover times in between lessons to enable teachers and students to move from one lesson to another. We operate a weekly timetable with the use of a Week A and Week B timetable where lessons are taught in alternate weeks.

The Year 7 curriculum

There are 3 teaching periods per week of the core subjects of English, Maths and Science; both English Language and English Literature are taught in English lessons and Science is taught as Combined Science. Pupils are given a taste of the Modern Foreign Languages of French, German and Spanish, as well as Latin, having 1 period per week of each. 1 period per week is given to History, Geography, RS, Art, Music, Design Technology and ICT. Drama is taught for one period per fortnight. 2.5 periods per week are given to PE; this includes one double period each week and one single period per fortnight. One period per week is given to Form Period/PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and one period per week to Enrichment.

The Year 8 curriculum

There are 3 teaching periods per week of the core subjects of English, Maths and Science; both English Language and English Literature are taught in English lessons and Science is taught as separate Sciences. Pupils make a choice to study either 3 or 2 Languages choosing from French, German, Spanish or Latin; 1.5 periods per week are given to each language. The majority of girls will study 3 languages; a minority will study 2 languages and follow a Learning Support programme (OPAL) instead of a third language. 1 period per week is given to History, Geography, RS, Art, Music, Design Technology and ICT. Drama is taught for one period per week. 2 periods per week are given to PE; this is taught as a double lesson. 0.5 of a period per week is given to Form Period/PSHE (taught as one period fortnightly) and one period per week to Enrichment.

The Year 9 curriculum follows the same pattern as Year 8. In January of this year the process of choosing GCSE options is started.

The curriculum in Years 10 and 11

In Years 10 and 11 English Language and Literature are taught in 4 periods per week; Maths is taught in 3 periods per week and pupils choose between Separate Sciences, taught in 6 periods per week, or Core and Additional Science, taught in 4.5 periods per week.

Option subjects are given 2 periods per week; these include Art and Design, Design Technology (Graphics, Resistant Materials, and Textiles), Drama, French, German, Greek, History, ICT, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish. Pupils must study a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE.

Pupils choosing Separate Sciences will study 4 option subjects. Pupils choosing Core and Additional Science will study 4 or 5 option subjects according to ability and aptitude. Pupils who study 4 option subjects will have timetabled Learning Support sessions and /or Private Study sessions.

One period per week is given to Physical Education, Religious Studies (short course), and Enrichment. 0.5 of a period is given to Form Period/PSHE (taught as one period fortnightly).