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Curriculum

Curriculum

RGS Worcester aims to offer a challenging and balanced education which will prepare its pupils for adult responsibility in the modern world.

With this in mind, we shall be keeping our curriculum continuously under review and endeavouring to incorporate new ideas and new developments without disregarding traditional values.

The Lower School at RGS Worcester (Years 7 & 8)

The Lower School encompasses girls and boys in Years 7 and 8, with pupils inevitably coming from a variety of schools.

Having allowed for this in our admission procedure, our aim in the Lower School is to establish a common standard and – under the umbrella of a broad curriculum – to concentrate on literacy, numeracy and instilling good work habits such as neat, tidy presentation and the ability to produce high-quality work at the first time of asking.

All pupils follow a common curriculum for the first two years which includes the following subjects:

English, Religious Studies, Mathematics, Drama, History, French, Geography, Biology, Art, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Physics, Music, Information Technology, Physical Education & Games.

In year 8, pupils choose a second language from German, Latin or Spanish or a non-language option (Classical Civilisation) which they continue until the end of Year 9.

Year 9 at RGS Worcester

In Year 9 French, English and Mathematics are setted across the year. History, Geography, Religious Studies, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are taught as form-based subjects. All pupils study subjects chosen from a list containing Art, Design Technology, Textiles, Drama, Electronics, IT and Music.  Information Technology is further developed through other academic subjects. During Year 9, pupils are invited to consider the subjects they will take to GCSE Level.

The option arrangements allow a wide choice provided that the final selection gives a balanced curriculum and can be reconciled along with the selections of all pupils in the age-group.

We attempt to satisfy the wishes of the vast majority and to keep all class sizes reasonable. The is plenty of opportunity for pupils and parents to discuss details with staff.

Middle School at RGS Worcester (Years 10 & 11)

The Curricular Scheme is as follows:

Core Subjects: English, English Literature, a Modern Language, Mathematics, Science (Mathematics may contain some Advanced Level work).
Optional Subjects: a balanced selection currently chosen from French, German, Spanish, Latin, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Music, Art & Design, Design Technology, Textiles, Drama.

Most pupils will study nine or ten subjects at GCSE Level; all pupils will also be involved in Physical Education, Games and PSHE lessons which include moral issues and careers/higher education advice.

Advice on A Level choices and the first steps on to the path to a career will be provided via individual interviews and analysis. There are well-equipped careers rooms with a wide range of information and material and pupils will be encouraged to make full use of these.

The Sixth Form at RGS Worcester

The curriculum is designed to provide a wide choice of AS and A Level subjects. Full details are available in the separate Sixth Form prospectus issued to all in Year 11 and to those contemplating joining us from other schools.

On qualifying for entry into the Sixth Form having achieved at least six A* - B grades at GCSE, students are expected to study four subjects to AS Level in Year 12, at least three of which will be taken on to a full A Level in Year 13.

Very able pupils are encouraged to set their sights on Oxford or Cambridge. With a Sixth Form of around 270, we can offer a wide range of opportunities and considerable flexibility.

The AS and A Level subjects currently available are shown below. Each student is invited to choose four subjects from our curriculum. The subjects are then blocked.

AS French Art & Design
Biology Business Studies
Chemistry Classical Civilisation
Design & Technology Drama
Economics English Literature
French Further Mathematics
Geography German
History ICT
Latin Mathematics
Music Physical Education
Physics Politics
Religious Studies
(Ethics & Philosophy)		 Spanish
Textiles  

Each year the option blockings are amended, where possible, to reflect the needs and preferences of the students involved. Early Registration by external candidates is recommended to enable their preferences to be considered.

Throughout the Sixth Form advice and guidance on career paths and Higher Education (the latter route being followed by over 95% of our Sixth Form leavers) will be provided.

Students are encouraged to research the first steps towards their chosen career with great care and they will be able to benefit from a well-stocked careers library, experienced advisers (located next to the new Sixth Form Centre) and outside speakers.