ACADEMIC LIFE
Our curriculum is broad and allows girls to experience 15 subjects from Year 7, plus academic extension activities and co-curricular clubs.
Academic scholarships are awarded in Senior School to pupils joining in Year 7 of exceptional academic talent and ability and their progress is closely monitored to ensure that they continue to achieve their full potential both within the curriculum and via the broad range of enrichment opportunities, to which all the girls have access.
In both of the sections of Senior School, Lower (Years 7-9) and Upper (Years 10 & 11), we offer a choice of subjects which ignite the love of learning, providing a powerful and diverse combination of traditional academic subjects, coupled with enrichment activities and the flexibility to cater for the individual.
Throughout their time at Sydenham High School, every pupil has access to rich educational experiences. Continuity and progression through the school enables our pupils to flourish in the Sixth Form, taking on further challenges such as the Extended Project Qualification, tailor-made enrichment courses and our bespoke professional skills programme.
These opportunities contribute to our leavers being ready to embrace an increasingly competitive global society with self-belief and confidence.
Teachers across the school have good knowledge of their subjects and can address the differing learning requirements of pupils, both within the curriculum and outside of the classroom. The positive relationship between staff and pupils helps to promote successful learning.
ISI, 2024
Lower School Curriculum
In the Lower School (Years 7 to 9), we strive to ensure that every girl learns to love learning, in an environment where she is challenged and inspired.
Our rich and diverse curriculum not only prepares pupils academically for the Upper School, and their GCSE courses, but also enables them to develop personal skills and attributes. We offer an array of subject extension activities, stretch and challenge and enrichment opportunities, conferences, trips and workshops which reinforce teaching and learning and bring subjects to life. These exceptional learning opportunities introduce pupils to many new experiences and enrich their education.
At all levels we aim to offer a broad and balanced curriculum.
Upper School Curriculum
In the Upper School (Years 10 and 11) we not only prepare our pupils academically for their GCSE examinations, but we also continue to develop their personal skills and encourage them to be active learners who think for themselves.
We want our pupils to become independent and inquisitive learners as they progress through the school so that they develop specialist subject knowledge, an enquiring and discriminating mind and continue their desire for learning, especially in preparation for their A Level studies. Our pupils are curious and able to think critically and spontaneously, questioning the world around them and we want them to have the knowledge, skills and habits of mind to succeed and thrive both in their academic studies and in their future lives.
Academic Elevation
Academic rigour here goes beyond the classroom, with girls participating in numerous extension projects and events, whether they are an Academic Scholar or simply have a curious mind!
Girls in Years 7-9 participate in independent research projects, such as our bespoke Socrates Programme, now in its eighth year, which forms part of The Elevate Curriculum – a brand new element of which launched in September 2025 for Year 10 & 12.
Our #700STEMChallenge national writing competition is heading into it’s ninth year and show no signs of slowing in popularity!
