Academic Curriculum

Although a small school, St Margaret’s prides itself on being well resourced.  We have small classes in bright rooms where pupils gain the individual attention and support of excellent teachers.  The Junior School offers a balanced curriculum, but one which also allows able girls to be stretched to their potential.  The Senior school introduces a range of new subjects and later allows the girls to select particular options for their GCSE.

The use of ICT to support teaching and learning is well established within the School, with pupils having access to a fully equipped networked computer suite, a bank of lap tops and several interactive white boards which are used to enhance curriculum delivery.

From Reception through to GCSE, St Margaret’s aims to set an excellent foundation for pupils so that they will continue to succeed as they progress to their Sixth Form Colleges and later in life.

Throughout Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 all pupils follow programmes, at levels suited to their ages, in the following subjects:

• Mathematics
• English and English Literature
• Science
• History
• Geography
• French
• Art
• Music
• Drama
• PHSE/RE
• PE and Games
• ICT

In Year 8 the girls begin the study of Spanish.
In Year 9 the girls may continue the study of Spanish or begin the study of Classical Civilisation.

At Key Stage 4 the pupils choose 3 or 4 optional subjects to add to the core of:

• English and English Literature (2 separate GCSE subjects) (5x40 minutes per week)
• Mathematics (this subject is taught in 2 ability groups-one for the Intermediate tier of the GCSE course and one for the Higher tier) (5x40 minutes per week)
• Science (Dual Award) – Physics, Chemistry and Biology are taught as three separate subjects, but the GCSE award is a dual one) (9x40 minutes per week)
• A modern foreign language (normally French)

The pupils may choose from the following options:

• Art (4 x 40 minutes per week)
• Drama (4 x 40 minutes per week)
• History   
• Classical Civilisation
• Geography       
• Music           
• Spanish (4 x 40 minutes per week)

The pupils may also prepare for the European Computer Driving Licence (an ICT qualification) in addition to the above subjects.

The girls also have 1 hour per week at the local sports centre where they alternate between a variety of activities such as trampolining, fitness, climbing, volleyball and badminton.

Throughout Key Stages 3 and 4 the pupils follow a personal development programme, which includes the following:

• Physical education
• sex and relationship education
• careers education including a week of work experience
• alcohol and drugs education
• citizenship
• the Duke of Edinburgh Award (optional)