Senior School pupils follow the National Curriculum to GCSE level but the work and expectations are always tailored to the needs of the individual. Pupils enjoy a supportive and productive learning environment where the highest standards of work and effort are expected.
The small study groups and high staff – pupil ratios ensure our pupils reach far beyond their estimated potential. All pupils have a Journal in which their homework is recorded and this is checked by their form teacher. In each term a written report or a parents evening is held to report on your child’s progress.
The teaching facilities at Oakhill combine the best of the traditional and the modern. The Science and Design and Technology Sports and IT facilities have all been recently developed and the pupils have access to a broad range of curriculum subjects.
Key Stage Three
Pupils in their earlier years are taught in their form groups and follow an academic programme which includes the following subjects: R.E., English, Mathematics, Science, French, Spanish, History, Geography, I.T., D.T., Art, Music, Drama, PE and PSHE.
Key Stage Four
Pupils begin working towards their GCSEs in Year Ten; usually working towards ten qualifications. Six of these are obtained from the following Core Subjects: English Language, English Literature, Core and Additional Science (2 GCSEs), Mathematics and Religious Education. We also ask all pupils to take a language for GCSE from one of the option blocks. Pupils then opt for a further four GCSE subjects from the following options: Art, Business Studies, Design Technology (Graphic Products), Drama, French, Spanish, Latin, Geography, History, Information & Communication Technology, Music, Physical Education and Triple Science.
High-achieving pupils are often offered the opportunity to take on the challenge of extra qualifications by for example, taking GCSE Mathematics in Year Ten and going on to study GCSE Statistics in Year Eleven.
In addition, all pupils take part in a weekly games lesson and receive targeted careers advice which gives them every assistance in making important decisions on their continuing education beyond GCSE.
Additional Needs
We recognise that some children may have additional needs and we are fortunate to have the support of an experienced and highly regarded Special Needs Department who support the class teachers and teaching assistants. Pupils who need extra support receive one-to-one teaching with individual learning programmes and/or in – class support.
The needs of our able, talented and gifted pupils are specifically catered for through tailoring the curriculum to their particular needs and in addition we have a designated member of staff who runs a programme of activities aimed at extending the range of opportunities for these pupils.