CURRICULUM
Introducing our curriculum
A Portsmouth High School education gives girls intellectual skills that go beyond each academic discipline so that they can use their knowledge in new situations, see connections, and problem-solve independently. It supports them individually, and keeps their personal development and wellbeing firmly at the forefront of all they do. This is what creates the scaffold that they can build their future dreams on.
Pupils’ attainment and progress from their starting points are excellent.
ISI Report 2023
YEARS 7-9
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1 —INTRODUCTION
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2 —SCIENCE
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3 —LANGUAGES
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4 —CROSS CURRICULAR LEARNING
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5 —CREATIVE ARTS
INTRODUCTION
At this stage, the curriculum is based largely around subject specialisms, maintaining the collaborative enquiry-based approach developed in the prep school.
INTRODUCTION
SCIENCE
The emphasis in science is on thinking like a scientist, before learning the benefits that a more specialist disciplinary focus provides. We cover all three natural sciences, and from Year 9, biology, chemistry and physics are taught separately as IGCSE courses commence.
SCIENCE
LANGUAGES
Girls entering Year 7 have the choice of Spanish or French as their chosen foreign language. They may continue with Latin as their second language.
LANGUAGES
CROSS CURRICULAR LEARNING
We are committed to cross-curricular learning in literacy, communication and literacy. ICT and thinking skills are taught discretely at first, but become increasingly embedded across the curriculum. Computer science is taught as a distinct strand.
CROSS CURRICULAR LEARNING
CREATIVE ARTS
The creative arts and sport are fundamental in every child’s development. We therefore have a tailored and enhanced PSHEE (personal, social, health and economic education) programme which encourages girls to develop emotional resilience and mindfulness.
CREATIVE ARTS
YEARS 10 TO 11
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1 —A personalised programme
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2 —The GCSE offer
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3 —Life Skills
A personalised programme
At this stage, pupils build a personalised programme that creates the right balance and breadth for them. This will be created on a firm academic base, with IGCSE choices where appropriate, to ensure that the right foundations are in place for A Levels and beyond.
A personalised programme
The GCSE offer
The standard offer is nine or ten (I)GCSE subjects which must include mathematics, English language, English literature, a modern language, science(s) plus three further options. These options include Spanish, French, computer science, music, drama, Latin, RS, geography, history, classics, art and PE.
The GCSE offer
Life Skills
Whole-year lectures cover life skills and personal and professional development, which incorporates PSHEE. PE is on the timetable for all pupils in Years 10 and 11.
Life Skills
