Academic Curriculum
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.
Each pupil is awarded an attainment grade by all their subject teachers (A – E scale) which is based on one or more formal summative assessments marked according to examination board assessment criteria. In addition pupils are graded according to their overall quality of work (1 – 4 scale) as well as for their work ethic and engagement (also a 1 – 4 scale). The grades are sent to parents by 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.
Senior Tutor: Mrs Sally Akam
Lower School Third Form
The full curriculum for the Third, Fourth and Fifth 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 2013-15. The Guide gives full details of the whole GCSE education provided at Stowe.
In their first year, pupils join the Third Form and study 17 or 18 subjects:
| English |
Mathematics |
Biology |
| Chemistry |
Physics |
French |
| Classics |
History |
Geography |
| Religious Studies |
Art |
Design & Technology |
| Drama |
Music |
ICT |
| PE |
Visual Education |
Spanish or German |
| PSHE |
or Extra Science |
Before moving into the Fourth 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:
| Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
| Greek |
History |
French |
| Geography |
Religious Studies | Latin |
| Art | German |
|
| Drama |
Design |
Spanish |
| Music |
Sport Science |
|
| EAL | ECDL & Religious Studies (short course) |
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.
Religious 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 XX Group and Debating.
Many subjects offered tiered entry by papers of graded difficulty, targeting a restricted range of Grades. In these subjects, decisions about the tier level (Higher or Foundation) 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.
Upper School at Sixth 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 2013-15 The Guide gives full details of the Sixth 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 Sixth. Experience has shown that a Grade B at GCSE is a realistic indicator for success in a subject at AS Level. Subjects offered include:
|
Art |
Economics | Mathematics (& Further Maths) |
|
Biology |
English | Modern Languages |
|
Business Studies |
Geography | Music |
|
Chemistry |
History | Physics |
|
Design & Technology |
History of Art | Politics |
|
Drama & Theatre Studies |
Latin | Religious Studies |
|
|
Sport Science |
In addition: Other courses such as ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) may be offered to the Lower Sixth.
Entry qualification for the Sixth 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 Sixth is three AS pass grades (at grade E or above).