Curriculum & Enrichment
Academic Curriculum
At RGS, we have developed a thoughtfully designed curriculum that is broad and balanced, inspiring all students to engage deeply with their learning. Our commitment is to provide an ambitious educational experience for all, including disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs, equipping them with essential knowledge and cultural capital for success in life.
Our curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced, allowing students to build vital knowledge, skills, and understanding for their future academic and career pursuits. We prioritise an engaging and inclusive environment where all students can thrive as independent learners, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. Effective assessments are integrated into our teaching practices to help students embed and apply their knowledge fluently in various contexts.
We emphasise the development of crucial ICT, numeracy, and literacy skills while also supporting students’ spiritual, moral, and social growth. Our curriculum promotes core British values such as democracy, individual liberty, and respect for diverse beliefs, instilling a strong sense of self-worth and encouraging independent thought and questioning of stereotypes. We provide comprehensive guidance on personal, social, and health issues, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to our formal curriculum, we offer a rich variety of co-curricular activities — including sports, music, clubs, and trips — to enhance classroom experiences and nurture essential skills. Religious Education elements are incorporated into school assemblies, respecting parental choices regarding participation. Our dedicated Careers education program supports students in exploring their futures, while most subjects are taught in mixed ability groups to foster collaboration.
We regularly review our curriculum offerings across all Key Stages through discussions with our Senior Team and the Governors’ Education Committee to ensure we meet our students' evolving needs.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9)
In Key Stage 3, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide students with a broad and varied educational experience. In Year 7, all students study a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Spanish, German, Latin, Classical Civilisation, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Computer Science, Art, Design & Technology, Cookery, Music, Physical Education, Games, and PSHCE. As students progress to Years 8 and 9, Drama is introduced, and while they continue with French, they have the option to study either Latin, Classical Civilisation, German, or Spanish for the remainder of their studies. Additionally, Year 9 features smaller class sizes, with students divided into eight teaching sets instead of the usual six forms. All subjects are taught by experienced specialists who are skilled in educating students across the full age range from 11 to 18.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 - 11)
In Key Stage 4, our curriculum continues to offer a broad and comprehensive education, with all students studying 10 GCSEs, unless the school decides there are significant extenuating circumstances. The 10 GCSEs are comprised of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, a modern foreign language, and either Geography or History. Additionally, students choose two further options from a diverse selection, which includes French, Spanish, German, History, Geography, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Music, Design Technology, Computing, Religious Studies, Latin, Classical Civilisation, and Physical Education. Higher attaining Mathematics students will also study for a Level 2 Further Mathematics qualification. Beyond the academic subjects, all students engage in modules covering Religious Education/Ethics, PSHCE, Careers, and Physical Education, along with Games. Every Thursday afternoon, they participate in TAA, an enriching program that offers opportunities to join the CCF, volunteer in social services, explore new sports, learn languages, or delve into Art and Music. The majority of our students achieve the English Baccalaureate, enabling them to access a broad range of further study areas and future careers. While we strive to accommodate subject requests, scheduling constraints may occasionally limit options. Beyond academics, a wide range of co-curricular and enrichment activities encourages students to develop transferable skills and enhance their 360 profile by exploring new interests and participating in regular activities.
Key Stage 5 (Years 12 - 13)
In Key Stage 5, the majority of students study three A Level subjects and at least one additional enrichment subject in Year 12. Students who qualify through their GCSE results, are able to study a fourth A Level should they wish, along with optional enrichment subjects. This structure ensures a wide array of choices and experiences, helping students to develop diverse transferable skills. Year 12 students participate in a Games program, a PSHCE/Lecture series, and support the school through various leadership and prefect duties and responsibilities. Year 13 students also engage in an extensive PSHCE/Lecture program and many will qualify for an optional AS Further Mathematics course. Both year groups within KS5 experience a huge range of Careers guidance including work placement opportunities and seminars led by industry professionals. The A Level subjects currently offered include Ancient History, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Economics, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Spanish, and Sport (BTEC).
Additionally, students can choose from a range of enrichment options, such as:
- EPQ
- Critical Thinking
- DoE Gold
- University Maths Admission Tests
- GCSE Italian
- Beginners Japanese
- CCF
- SLST
- AS French, German & Spanish
- Volunteering,
- Sports BTEC
- AS Further Maths (Year 13).
We strongly encourage all Sixth Formers to enhance their 360 Profile through a comprehensive program of co-curricular opportunities, including volunteering, mentoring and school leadership.
Sixth Form Curriculum details will be available in due course.
School Life
RGS has so much more to offer than just facilitating academic progression. Every student at RGS is encouraged to take part in activities outside the academic curriculum, each is an opportunity to develop an interest, excel with a particular talent and, above all, have fun.
Students are given the opportunity to develop and explore themselves as individuals, with a vast range of co-curricular activities always available to support them in their self-discovery. Clubs, societies, trips, competitive sport, an extensive musical programme and regular drama productions are just the beginning of how the School supports students in any interests they may have.