Upper School comprises Lower Seniors, Upper Seniors and Sixth Form.
Core Curriculum
English, Mathematics, Science and ICT (Information Communications Technology) are the core subjects and are therefore allocated significantly more time in the academic week until they move into Upper Seniors, where they study their chosen GCSE subjects.
English
We believe that all students should be familiar with classic literature and will come to appreciate the vast wealth of knowledge, history, imagination and excitement to be found therein. To this end, Upper School students continue with their personal reading programme started in the Lower School. Further attention is given to traditional grammar as well as to other aspects of English Language and Literature such as comprehension, poetry reading, plays and creative writing. Cross-curricula links are maintained with Drama, Music and Art, giving the subject greater breadth and application in the student's own experience.
Mathematics
We currently use the Kent Maths Project (KMP), devised by Kent County Council, in the Upper School. The scheme is flexible and allows pupils to proceed at their own maximum pace. Pupils' progress is monitored continuously with frequent and rigorous testing. The emphasis is on the students acquiring an understanding of the subject and its applications to real life, rather than rote learning, but at the same time they are encouraged to see the subject as one of fascination and fun. The Maths curriculum is in a process of continual refinement and development, so as to meet the changing demands of the National Curriculum.
In the key sciences - Physics, Chemistry and Biology - the emphasis is initially on providing students with a working knowledge of the scientific basics and skills which can be used to aid their survival and enhance their general quality of life - for example, understanding basic nutrition (contributes to personal health) or being able to change a fuse in a domestic circuit. Once the fundamentals are understood, more complex issues are introduced with each issue taken to full understanding for a full grasp of and competence in these basic sciences.
ICT
Now considered an essential in modern society, we concentrate first on the basics of ICT then, as these are mastered, gradually move on to more in-depth knowledge and skills.
Juniors learn touchtyping and basic computer controls. In Lower Seniors, students learn to use a wide range of common software packages and applications. Upper Seniors learn advanced ICT skills and expert use of software packages, systems analysis and documentation. Topics include word processing, desktop publishing, graphics, data logging and control, modelling and simulations, web site design, databases and spreadsheets. ICT students are also taught the social, moral and ethical implications of ICT on the wider world.
