Lifelong learning and creativity
The commitment to lifelong learning and creativity continues into our Senior department. Once again, our small class sizes and dedicated teaching staff mean that pupils have individualised learning that ensures they reach their full potential. Whether that is through learning support for pupils with recognised difficulties such as dyslexia or encouraging our most able to shine through our TOPS programme – St. Dominic’s Senior School is all about the experience of the whole child. In Years 7 to 9, pupils study a broad and balanced curriculum: English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, R.E., French, Spanish, Art, D.T., P.E., Music, Drama and ICT.
In Years 6 and 7 the pupils take part in a two year cycle of skills days, where they are taken off timetable and spend a day experiencing a particular skill such as problem solving. Alongside this runs a revision and study skills programme which begins in Year 6 and is developed right the way through to Year 13 to help pupils manage the demands of both internal and external examinations.
In Year 10 pupils begin their journey towards GCSE qualifications and the school is rightly proud of its results at this level. The core curriculum comprises: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science and a MFL (French or Spanish). Our pupils are also encouraged to opt for a Humanities subject (Geography, History or RE) as part of their core curriculum. In addition to the core curriculum, we offer our pupils the opportunity to study the following subjects at GCSE level: PE, Computing, Food Preparation & Nutrition & Drama.