Academic curriculum

The examined curriculum

Year by Year

Year 9 is the first year of Senior School at Gordonstoun and it is designed to give students a strong foundation and the opportunity to discover a wide range of subjects. It is the perfect time for students to make new friends and to settle into school life. It is also a time for developing effective learning and study habits. Each student is assessed soon after we welcome them to Gordonstoun to ensure we tailor an academic programme that challenges, develops and nurtures their individual needs.

Students in Years 10 and 11 typically study 9 subjects at GCSE, including compulsory and optional subjects. GCSEs offered include Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature, French, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, Art, Computing, Design, Drama, Dance, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Business Studies.

Years 12 and 13 comprise the Sixth Form at Gordonstoun and are dedicated to the study of A levels. Most students choose three subjects, however pupils looking for a challenge (and we do love a challenge here at Gordonstoun!) might also take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), or an additional A Level, for example in Further Maths. A Level courses are offered in Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Photography, Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Media Studies, German, French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Music, Physics and Sociology. We also offer a BTEC in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Sport and Uniformed Protective Services.

Academic progress is shared with parents twice each term and parents are invited to a consultation once a term. However, additional appointments can be made at any time to discuss a student’s progress. Students are also tracked and closely monitored by teaching staff and tutors to ensure they benefit from the best guidance and encouragement possible.

Stretch and challenge

Our curriculum, which is unique and unrivalled in breadth, has been designed to stretch, challenge and nurture every student at Gordonstoun. Our pastoral and curriculum teams closely monitor the academic needs of each student on an on-going basis and work is tailored to maximise each child’s ability.

In the Senior School students meet with their tutor every week to make sure they are pushing themselves to their full potential. Our motto ‘Plus est en vous’ means ‘There is more in you' and we have high expectations of every student. Subject-specific weekly ‘clinics’ provide the opportunity for students to excel in areas of particular interest. A wide range of events are organised by our Scholarship and Enrichment co-ordinator - including national academic competitions - and trips are run throughout the year to develop each student’s ability and enrich both their confidence and desire to learn more. On top of all this the debating, dialogue and current affairs societies specialise in taking students’ learning beyond the curriculum and broadening their horizons in terms of the academic world around them.

We are here for every student

Additional support is always available for any student who needs it, whenever they want it. Our dedicated Learning Support Department is there for both parents and children alike. Parents and guardians are asked to tell us during the admissions process if a student would benefit from additional support.

Help with English

Life at Gordonstoun is a richer experience thanks to the students who travel here from around the world. So, we go to every effort to make them feel welcome and have a comprehensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) department. Support is provided for any student who needs it and helps develop their language skills for both academic study and cheering on their teammates at sports matches.

Interested in more information about our Senior School?

• Email us: enquiries@gordonstoun.org.uk
• Phone us: 44 (0)1343 837829