Girls enter the Senior School at the age of
11, from our own Junior School and other local schools, both independent
and maintained. Admission at 11 is by Entrance Examinations in
Mathematics, Science, English and Verbal Reasoning, together with
an interview with the Headmistress.
Girls are also admitted at other ages where
vacancies occur, subject to examination, interview and reports.
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The ratio of teachers
to pupils is generous and the class sizes are kept small
to retain the friendliness of atmosphere, so important in
our school and to ensure individual attention. As girls
move through the Senior School, we expect them to show increasing
initiative in areas affecting their routine and work. Year
10 and 11 pupils will take on responsibilities to ensure
the smooth running of the school and may well have positions
in our school Bank, as well as becoming
House Captains and School Prefects. |
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The National Curriculum provides a framework
for our teaching. Our curriculum is designed to provide breadth
and balance, whilst enabling each girl to develop her particular
interests and talents and is constantly reviewed to keep apace
of educational developments and modern teaching techniques.
In the first three years in the
Senior School girls follow a broad curriculum
which includes:
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| Art and Design |
Mathematics |
| Science |
English Language and Literature |
| Geography |
Music |
| French |
Religious Studies |
| PSHE |
Physical Education |
| History |
Design and Technology - Textiles |
| ICT |
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In addition, Year 8 take up a second language,
either German or Spanish, and in Year 9 pupils move from
Coordinated Science to the three Separate Sciences - Physics,
Chemistry and Biology. Pupils
have easy access to our PCs and laptops and are expected
to use their ICT skills to enhance their work across the
curriculum.
During the first three
years, the girls have most of their lessons in form groups,
but they are placed in ability sets from Year 7, in Mathematics
and English. |
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At
the end of Year 9, after consultation with staff, parents and
our Careers Advisor, girls choose the GCSE options they will add
to the core subjects of Mathematics, English, English Literature,
a Modern Language and Science. They are also recommended to follow
a Humanities subject. Girls may choose up to 10 GCSEs, selecting
a combination of subjects which will prove interesting and stimulating,
whilst still allowing them to contribute fully to activities both
within and outside school. |
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Our record at GCSE is impressive and our
results are such, that Wykeham House girls are welcomed into our
local Sixth Form colleges and often win scholarships to the Sixth
Form of Independent schools, where they are recognised as responsible,
well-motivated and organised young women.
Timetabled careers lessons
occur in the Senior School, where speakers are invited to give up to date
information on possible courses and careers for the future. There
is a careers section in our library which is well supplied and
other information and guidance is available through the local
careers service.
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In Year 10 and 11 further advice is given, together with interview
practice and training.
Each year, a Sixth Form evening is organised
in school, to give our girls the opportunity to talk to representatives
from local Sixth Form colleges and Independent schools.
All girls in Year 10 are given the opportunity to participate in work experience
organised by an external provider, in conjunction with the school and local employers.
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