Academic

At The Royal School, pupils are helped to identify their preferred learning styles in Year 7. Every lesson is planned to take account of the variety of needs in the class: learning styles, abilities and tastes are all considered. This focus on individual needs enables differing pupils to succeed. Our high expectations lead to high achievement both in terms of GCSE and A Level results. 

Years 7 – 9 (Ages 11 – 14)  

The Royal School curriculum comprises Art, Combined Sciences, Computing, Design and Technology, Drama, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, PE, PSHE/RSE (Personal, Social and Health Education/Relationships and Sex Education) and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. Classes are small and a range of teaching strategies is employed to ensure that all pupils are in a position to access the curriculum. Techniques include whole class teaching, one-to-one instruction, group discussion and role play, project work, field trips, multimedia and internet research. Assessment is via written tests, presentations, practical study and ongoing review.  

Years 10 – 11 (Ages 14 – 16)  

All pupils study the following ‘core’ GCSE subjects:  

  • English Language  

  • English Literature  

  • Mathematics  

  • Combined Science or Biology/Chemistry/Physics  

In addition, pupils choose four options from the list below. 

  • Art (Fine Art)
  • Art (Photography)
  • Art (Textiles)
  • Computer Science
  • Design Technology: Product Design
  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Music
  • PE
  • Spanish

NOTE: If English is not a pupil's first language, then one of the options taken will be iGCSE English as a Second Language.

GCSE subjects will be graded on a 9 (high) to 1 (low) scale, with grade 4 being a 'standard pass' and grade 5 being a 'strong pass'.

Have a look at our GCSE Options Booklet for September 2024

High Achievers Programme

All pupils at The Royal School thrive through an academically ambitious  curriculum dedicated to ensuring each individual strives to achieve their very best. Powerful enrichment opportunities both in and beyond the classroom enable our highest achievers, across all disciplines, to explore their strengths and talents to a deeper level. Being future ready signifies something different for each student as they embark upon their Royal School journey.  Relationships are paramount here at The Royal School: through our knowledge of the students  we make sure that we offer a robust scholarship programme that recognises each pupil and in turn enables them to flourish. 

We achieve this by: 

  • Ensuring our curriculum is rigorous, diverse and designed with mastery in mind to ensure pupils are able to meet their full potential, without limits. 

  • Identifying and monitoring pupils who show high ability and potential in a particular subject or discipline and provide them with added opportunities to explore further into the curriculum and beyond.  No matter what a child’s talents or interests, these will be identified, valued and nurtured. For example, aspiring scientists attend annual TeenTech events, budding writers take part in a variety of national writing competitions and those with a talent for music take part in The Annual National Service for Seafarers in St. Paul’s Cathedral and Evensong in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

  • Providing inclusive co- and extra-curricular programmes that are exciting and diverse and enable pupils to explore their own interests. Although more traditional extra-curricular activities are available such as sports teams, debating and choir, we also have far more unique ways for students to develop their talents such as Greenpower Race Car Club and Adventure Club. All pupils are encouraged to take part as we see these experiences as an integral part of life at The Royal.

  • Offering excellent careers advice and strong, well-established links with universities that enable them to understand their options and aim high.  

  • Having a tutor programme that prioritises pupils’ emotional and social well-being, but also develops their curiosity and critical thinking. Current affairs, weekly quizzes and research projects ensure pupils are up-to-date with topical issues and help them to build the skills and attributes to prepare them for life and work in the 21st century.