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.
Lower School Curriculum
In the Lower School (Years 7 to 9), we strive to ensure that every pupil 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.
In Years 7-9 pupils study the following subjects:
| Mathematics | Design and Technology |
| English | Philosophy, Religion & Ethics (PRE) |
| Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 8) | Art |
| French | Music |
| Spanish, German or Italian (year 8 and 9) | Drama |
| Classics | Computing |
| History | PSHE |
| Geography | Physical Education |
Teaching and learning in the lower years ensure that our pupils enter the Upper School with the requisite self-belief, confidence and academic foundations to embark on their GCSE courses.
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.
In Years 10 and 11 girls study for nine or ten GCSEs or IGCSEs. It is compulsory to take:
In addition to the compulsory subjects, pupils choose four of the following, and we advise that they take at least one Modern Foreign Language and one Humanity:
- French; German; Italian; Spanish; Geography; History; Latin; Philosophy, Religion & Ethics; Art; Computer Science; Design Technology; Drama; Music and Physical Education.
*pupils in the top sets for Mathematics also have the option to take Level 2 Further Mathematics.
We do not have a ‘blocking system’ at GCSE or A Level. The timetable is constructed each year around the girls’ choices and we aim to meet everyone’s individual needs.
In addition to participating in co-curricular activities, our pupils have access to numerous subject lectures, academic symposiums, extension activities, stretch and challenge and enrichment opportunities, conferences, trips and workshops. As well as their examination subjects, girls are required to have lessons in Physical Education (Games) and PSHE, which includes Careers.
The Upper School curriculum not only prepares our pupils for the rigours of (I)GCSEs, but also provides our pupils with the crucial foundations required to ensure a smooth transition into the Sixth Form so that they can embark on their chosen A Level courses with confidence and an excellent academic grounding.