Academic Curriculum
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Pupils are encouraged to make the most of their academic abilities. Through discussion and guidance from their Tutors, they are set targets and given a clear understanding of our expectations. Progress is closely monitored and reported back to both Stoics and parents, through the reporting system and weekly one-to-one Tutor sessions.
Academic work is monitored on a whole School basis at least twice per term. Each subject is graded on a scale of A (high) to E (low) for the standard of the work during the previous three or four weeks. Effort is rewarded by a plus or a double plus, or, if inadequate, a minus or a double minus mark. The grades (TWOs) are sent to all parents by post or email together with a brief report from the Tutor. Our system provides a vital opportunity for a Tutor to talk about work with the pupils. It also allows staff to compare notes and to work out together how best to help any individual who may be experiencing difficulties.
All pupils are given an academic planner and calendar, to be kept with them throughout the academic day. Primarily the planners are for recording all prep at the time it is given. Pupils are asked to note down the due date for each of their preps and to cross off each assignment once it has been completed. Tutors check planners regularly and support and encourage their tutees in the organisation of their private study and in meeting all academic deadlines. In addition, the planner is a useful means of communication between a Teacher and a Tutor to make sure that any concerns, or indeed positive feedback, are passed on quickly.



Lower School 3rd Form
The full curriculum for the 3rd, 4th and 5th Forms, complete with notes on each subject, is published separately each year in the GCSE Courses Guide. Specific subject information can be found on individual academic pages presented here or the full publication is available on request from the Admissions Office or can be downloaded from here: GCSE Courses Guide 2008-2010> The Guide gives full details of the whole GCSE education provided at Stowe.
In their first year, pupils join the 3rd Form and study 17 or 18 subjects:

Before moving into the 4th Form, based on first year preparation and Tutors' guidance, pupils choose their GCSE subjects from various options, in addition to the core subjects of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Co-Ordinated Science (Dual Award). Options include:

ECDL is a well recognised modular course in ICT skills, leading to a formal qualification.
EAL (English as an Additional Language) is offered to our overseas students who need this qualification to gain entry to an English University.
Spam Ed refers to a non-examined course in Spiritual and Moral Education for one period a week.
Regligious Studies is either offered as a full GCSE course (4 lessons a week) or as a short course (2 lessons a week) studied together with the ECDL.
Pupils follow 8 to 10 subjects at GCSE. Work more challenging than conventional GCSE requirements is made available in classes where possible, and also through Societies such as Symposium and Debating.
Study Skills and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) are taught during tutor periods and at other times.
Many subjects offered tiered entry by papers of graded difficulty, targeting a restricted range of Grades. In these subjects, decisions about the tier level at which a candidate will be entered will be delayed for as long as possible to allow for academic improvement. We will ensure that Stoics are entered for the appropriate tier for them.

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Upper School at 6th Form
Full details of the Sixth Form curriculum are published separately each year in the Sixth Form Courses Guide. Specific subject information can be found on individual academic pages presented here or the full publication is available on request from the Admissions Office or can be downloaded from here: Sixth Form Courses Guide, 2008-2010 > The Guide gives full details of the 6th Form academic studies provision and careers guidance available at Stowe.
For GCE A level studies Stowe operates a '4 column system' where pupils choose one subject from each column, enabling them to study a minimum of 4 subjects at AS level in the Lower 6th. Experience has shown that a Grade B at GCSE is a realistic indicator for success in a subject at AS level. Subjects offered include:

In addition: Other courses such as ECDL (European Computing Driving Licence) may be offered to the Lower Sixth.
Entry qualification for the 6th Form is currently six GCSE passes (A to C) with four or more at Grade B or above. The minimum requirement for continuation to A2 in the Upper 6th is three AS pass grades (at grade E or above).

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