Senior School

Senior School Curriculum

At Exeter School we continue to develop the academic, personal and physical potential of each pupil in the school and we believe in the development of the whole pupil. The school’s academic and pastoral teams operate side by side to monitor, guide and support pupils and to ensure that parents are well informed. We believe that happy, healthy pupils make the best academic progress.

Exeter School takes a 7 – 18 view in planning the academic curriculum. The large number of additional opportunities for academic enrichment is of great value and participation is encouraged and enjoyed by many of our pupils.

The development of study skills, independent thought and personal reflection is a key factor in making excellent academic progress and is embedded in all that we do.
Pupils enjoy academic success in GCSEs, A Levels, BTEC and university admissions as a result of high levels of application together with support from dedicated and professional teachers. We enjoy a well-stocked library that provides an exciting modern resource centre to support pupils both in their academic work and in their extra-curricular activities and interests. Dedicated ICT rooms are available to pupils with additional computers in the library, sixth form study room, design technology suite, music, and art departments.

Outline of the senior school curriculum

Third, Fourth and Lower Fifth (Years 7, 8 and 9)

In addition to laying down core academic foundations at Key Stage 3, pupils experience a broad variety of subjects to excite and challenge them. Prior to taking GCSE options, pupils with a diverse range of educational backgrounds and abilities will sample the full range of subjects including English, mathematics, French, German and Spanish, physics, chemistry, biology, electronics, computer science, history, geography, Latin, art, design technology, drama, religious studies, music, physical education and games.

Middle Fifth and Upper Fifth (Years 10 and 11)

The process of choosing GCSE options starts before Christmas in Lower Fifth (Year 9) and every effort is made to ensure that parents and pupils are given clear and individual advice.

Compulsory Core Curriculum Subjects

These are included to ensure that pupils are educated in a broad range of key academic skills, which will help prepare them for A Levels, an apprenticeship or employment and beyond.

These include:

• English – this leads to two GCSEs: English language and English literature.

• Mathematics.

• Modern foreign language – one subject must be picked from French, German or Spanish.

• Science – biology, chemistry and physics are taught separately, leading to two or three GCSEs.

Optional Subjects

Pupils choose three optional subjects at GCSE, one from each column. At least one humanities subject must be chosen and a second modern foreign language of French or Spanish may also be chosen as one of these options.

Typical Course Options

Column A

Column B

Column C

Classical Civilisation Art Art
Drama Computer Science Computer Science
Geography Design Technology Design Technology
History Drama Geography
Latin Geography History
Music History Music
French Spanish Religious Studies

Come along to our whole school open morning on Friday 24 January 9-10.45am to hear from the Head, have a pupil-led tour around classes in action and have your questions answered by our friendly admissions team.

Register your place here