Welcome to our Senior School

A Typical Day

A broad and balanced curriculum provides our Senior School pupils with the perfect foundation for their first three years. Sciences are taught separately and a choice of two from three modern languages together with Latin support the core subjects. Once pupils reach Fourth Year (Year 10) they make their 10 subject choices for GCSE including Maths, English Language and English Literature and games/rowing and seven further choices with at least one modern language and at least two sciences  from:

*Additional subject for advanced mathematicians only

Our teaching is lively and challenging and we have passionate and committed teachers who are skilled at stimulating and stretching minds.

In small groups of no more than 13 or 14 pupils, the tutors really get to know their pupils. The focus in Removes (Year 7) is on supporting the transition of pupils into the Senior School. They then become members of Houses in Shells (Year 8) and remain with the same tutor for the rest of their time at King’s. This gives a strong rapport; encouraging, guiding and supporting them as they grow up.

In the classroom the emphasis is on discussion, debate, research and critical thinking. Pupils are encouraged to challenge accepted notions. Questioning and thinking are very much part of life here. Tablet computers are used widely in most subjects.

The library opens at 8.00am and the first clubs of the day start from 7.45am but the school day starts at 9.00am with registration and then is divided into five lessons of 55 minutes with a morning break of 20 minutes and a tutor period of 25 minutes. Tutor period is used for assemblies on some days which might be spiritual, business or year group assemblies. Lunch is 65 minutes, giving pupils ample time to join one of the 130 plus clubs and activities, many of which are at lunchtime. From trying a new sport such as archery or getting involved in a debate or discussion such as History’s Past Masters to learning a new language such as Russian or joining one of the 25 music ensembles, there is a club or activity for everyone. The day finishes at 3.50pm but clubs and activities continue for at least another hour and the library remains open until 5.30pm.

All our students get involved and make the most of the opportunities on offer every day here at King’s, they thrive on being busy and love learning.

Clubs and Activities

There’s a constant air of busy excitement in and around the School, with a huge range of activities happening at lunchtimes and after school, enthusiastically organised and embraced  by pupils and teachers alike. Over 130 clubs and activities provide exciting and interesting options for each pupil to chose from in the Seniors.

Most clubs and activities are open for anyone to dip into and see if they like what’s going on. Some are team based, some provide a platform for individual expression and many lead to performances , presentations and displays which are enjoyed and embraced by the whole school.

All our clubs add to the fun and vitality of school life and are an important part of developing well rounded and fulfilled young people. Not just by stimulating new interests, but also by socialising, sharing and problem solving together.

From tackling a philosophical problem to getting stuck into a sporting challenge, a chess game or a craft competition, there’s always plenty to get involved with here at King’s.

Our Enrichment Programme

Our Enrichment Programme enriches and enlivens the curriculum for all our Senior School students, broadening their experience and setting it in the wider context of the world outside school and home.

Our Seniors regularly explore areas outside of the traditional academic core subjects. Over their time here, each student will have explored all four aspects of the programme: academic, creative, skills and community. Our aim is to nurture and develop some of the qualities which will help our young people throughout their careers and lives.

As well as broadening horizons and adding to a well-rounded education, Enrichment gives our Seniors the extra knowledge and ability that can make all the difference to their success.

The programme also encourages teamwork and a community spirit, bringing extra colour and vitality to the curriculum. Above all, it enriches their lives.

Our Enrichment Options offered include:

The library is open from 8:00am until 5:30pm every school day and all students are welcome to come and use the library for homework or quiet reading outside of lesson times.