Aims

The aim of the RGS curriculum is to offer a broad and balanced range of subjects and at the RGS we place considerable emphasis on the development of skills which will best equip our boys for success both at school and beyond.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum provides a breadth of education on which boys can build before they start their GCSE course.

Key Stage 4

Most boys study 10 full course GCSEs and one short course GCSE chosen from the wide range available. Our young men take these courses in their stride and this breadth is protection against premature specialisation, and provides them with a broad basis of knowledge and skills. We aim to create a flexible curriculum as we strive to meet the needs of all our young men.

Key Stage 5

With a sixth form of around 400 it permits us to offer a wide choice of different subjects at AS and A level, and many boys read a combination of arts and science subjects. In addition we offer a number of additional courses at this level, including numerous language GCSEs, to further broaden their educational experience.

Outline

An outline of the current curriculum is given below:

Key Stage 3

Year 7: English, Maths, French, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Latin, Art, IT, Technology, Drama, Music, PSHCE, RE, PE and Games.

Years 8 & 9: As Year 7, and pupils can continue with Latin or choose one of German, Spanish or Classical Civilisation.

Key Stage 4

Years 10 & 11 (GCSE): English Language, English Literature, Maths (and boys study Additional Maths), French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, RE (short course) and three chosen from Latin, German, Spanish, Classical Studies, History, Geography, Art, Information Technology, Drama, Design Technology, Greek. In addition all boys continue with PSHCE, PE and Games.

Key Stage 5

Years 12 & 13 (AS/A level): Students study 4 AS levels in Year 12 choosing one from each of 4 groups of subjects. In Year 13 they continue with all four subjects or take up a new area of study, for example another Language or General Studies, if they drop one of their four Year 12 subjects. The list which follows contains those courses currently on offer: English Literature, History, Business Studies, French, Physical Education, Maths, Further Maths, Additional Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Theatre Studies, Communication and Culture, Geography, Music, Economics, Design Technology, German, Spanish, Art & Design (Fine Art), Ancient History, Physics, Computing, English Language, Latin, History, Philosophy & Ethics (Religious Studies).

As an outstanding school producing excellent academic results we aim to create an environment where each boy can achieve his best. Such an environment is fostered by high quality teaching and learning and various support mechanisms; these include the school’s ‘recognition’ system, the use of pupil planners for the clear recording and monitoring of homework, a parents’ evening and a full report for each year group plus progress grades being sent home a further 3 times a year.

The school is about much more than academic study however and there are abundant opportunities to excel inside and outside the classroom, in sport, visual and performing arts and various other extra-curricular opportunities; all boys are encouraged to contribute and to achieve their best in whatever they do. If you would like further details about the curriculum at the RGS please contact the Deputy Headmaster (Teaching & Learning).