Forging future citizens: our curriculum
It’s a privilege for us to teach girls as they move from childhood to young adulthood and start to contemplate their future. The task of cultivating enlightened, responsible citizens of the 21st century is one we take seriously. It starts with our curriculum.
With life beyond South Hampstead on the horizon, we follow a curriculum that equips each girl with the means to develop her intellectual abilities as well as her personal and social values. Students are able to explore a deep and expansive body of knowledge, and to discover their strengths and interests via a broad, balanced range of academic, cultural and aesthetic subjects.
Among the mix of subjects in Years 7, 8 and 9 are Critical Thinking, Design & Technology, Drama, Philosophy & Religion, Latin and either French, German, Mandarin or Spanish. In Years 10 and 11, students begin preparation for GCSEs in earnest. Core subjects are supplemented by one language and one humanity. Girls then choose an additional two or three options from Ancient Greek, Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Latin, a second language, Music, Philosophy & Religion and Physical Education. All pupils have Launchpad or Perspectives sessions (Personal, Social, Health Education and Economic) and Physical Education; older pupils also have designated time for private study.
The school day begins with registration and form time at 8.30am; numerous clubs run from 7.45am. There is a long lunch break (75 minutes) to ensure pupils have the opportunity to enjoy a nutritious meal, socialise with friends and participate in some of the myriad of clubs and activities on offer. Lessons end at 4pm (3.40pm on Fridays); some clubs and sports fixtures also take place after school. The library is open until 6pm.
This school is a dynamo!