The school’s accelerated curriculum is an innovative and visionary approach to improving student performance at all levels and increasing the opportunities available to students studying in the VIth Form

Structure of the Programme
Within this programme, students complete their Key Stage 3 studies in two years rather than three and are entered for Key Stage 3 SATs in May of Year 8. They then embark on a full GCSE programme of study. This is of the normal two year duration for GCSE courses and all pupils are entered for GCSE examinations at the end of Year 10. Students then enter the VIth Form at the start of Year 11.

Rationale
There were a number of reasons for the school to embark on this initiative. Firstly, being a grammar school, students are extremely bright and did not need three years to complete Key Stage 3. Secondly, bright pupils can often become bored of education during Year 11. Our accelerated programme removes that year and the boredom. And finally, since the majority of the school’s students will go on to university, it is at A-Level where they need to achieve outstandingly competitive results. By providing an extra year at this Key Stage, the students are provided with the time to achieve more A-Level standard qualifications at a higher standard.

Outcomes
Summer 2007 will see our first ‘accelerated’ cohort sit GCSE examinations in all subjects. Two years of early SATs results have proved that the students can achieve excellent results a year earlier than normal and the school is very optimistic about this summer’s GCSE outcomes.

Views of Students, Parents and Staff
Before embarking on the programme the views of many different people were taken into account. It would be true to say that not everyone was initially convinced that this initiative would work. However, as students have progressed through the school, the staff, the parents, other interested onlookers and most importantly the students themselves have seen it to be a success. As we approach our first batch of early GCSE examinations this summer there is a tangible sense of optimism and even pride in what has been achieved.

Juliet Diaz

A successful post 16 open evening was held on Tuesday 17th January 2007. If you were unable to attend but would like further information please contact the school on (01634) 83008 to receive a prospectus and subject information. A tour of the school and an opportunity to discus possible options can be arrange with the school office.