Moving through the Middle School

The Middle School covers Years 10 and 11, the years in which boys prepare for and take their GCSE examinations. In National Curriculum terms it coincides with Key Stage Four.
As in the Lower School, the curriculum studied is broad and balanced, but with more scope for individual choice of subjects. Each student will take English, Mathematics, Science, French, Design & Technology and Information Technology and will take options drawn from Geography, History, Religious Studies, Art, Drama, Music, Business Studies, Information Technology, Physical Education, German and Latin. He will also take courses, but not examinations, in Moral and Social Studies, Personal, Social and Health Education and Physical Education.

There are two elements to some GCSE qualifications:
1. An examination set by the independent examining board;
2. Coursework. This is work which is not done under examination conditions, but which will carry a percentage of marks towards the final grade.
These qualifications are the key to the Sixth Form, to university entrance and ultimately to the widest possible career opportunities. It is a time when the parent-pupil-school partnership is at its most vital.

Students can approach the Head of Middle School at any time to discuss problems which may be causing concern. Staff are always available to talk to parents, too, so that any difficulties can be tackled quickly and effectively.

The main ways of reporting a student's progress to parents are written reports and parents' evenings. Year 10 reports are sent home twice in the year. The November interim report provides a summary of progress over the first term of GCSE courses and the May full report is issued after the Year 10 examinations. Year 11 reports are sent home in January after the Mock GCSE examinations. Parents' evenings are held in November and May for Year 10 and in February for Year 11. On these occasions, students are welcome to attend with their parents.

Sometimes parents will be contacted by the school if there is particular concern about a student's work or welfare. Conversely, if parents are concerned about their son's work they should not hesitate to contact the school immediately so that a meeting can be arranged at which the problem can be discussed.

The Head of Middle school, like all the Heads of Key Stages, monitors pupil progress and identifies those who can benefit from special attention, either because they are having difficulties accessing the curriculum or because they are specially gifted.

More information about these important years is contained in the Middle School information section of the School's Student Planner.