Academic Curriculum

Academic Excellence

Sixthform

Our curriculum is unique and unrivalled in breadth and is designed to stretch, challenge and nurture every student studying for A levels.

In addition to academic subjects, students attend a weekly lecture, and International and Spiritual Citizenship lessons where they explore their beliefs, their responsibilities as human beings, and their role as international citizens in our world.

On track to success

As befits our motto ‘Plus est en vous’, which means ‘there is more in you’, we have high expectations of every student and work hard to maximise their ability.

As they progress through school, we use data tracking and regular analysis to monitor academic progress, ensuring every individual reaches their full potential.

Students meet their tutor weekly to make sure they’re pushing themselves. Weekly clinics help them excel in areas of particular interest. And a wide range of trips, events and competitions further develop each student’s ability and confidence.

“All young people need the opportunity of proving themselves to themselves and education must provide such opportunities.”

- Kurt Hahn

Year 12 & 13
Students in Years 12 and 13 follow the English examination system offering BTECS and A levels. Most students choose three subjects, however pupils looking for a challenge might also take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), or an additional A Level, for example in Further Maths. A Level courses are offered in Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Photography, Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Media Studies, German, French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Music, Physics and Sociology. BTEC courses include Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Sport and Uniformed Protective Services. Academic progress is shared with parents through regular reporting and Parent-Teacher meetings at key points throughout the year. Student attainment is also closely monitored by teaching staff and tutors, with early intervention when unexpected results are recorded.

Year 12 & 13

Students in Years 12 and 13 follow the English examination system offering BTECS and A levels. Most students choose three subjects, however pupils looking for a challenge might also take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), or an additional A Level, for example in Further Maths.

A Level courses are offered in Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Photography, Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Media Studies, German, French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Music, Physics and Sociology.

BTEC courses include Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Sport and Uniformed Protective Services.

Academic progress is shared with parents through regular reporting and Parent-Teacher meetings at key points throughout the year. Student attainment is also closely monitored by teaching staff and tutors, with early intervention when unexpected results are recorded.

enrichment and extension
A wide range of events are organised by our Scholarship and Enrichment co-ordinator - including national academic competitions - and trips are run throughout the year to develop each student’s ability and enrich both their confidence and desire to learn more. On top of all this the debating, robotics, dialogue and current affairs societies specialise in taking students’ learning beyond the curriculum and broadening their horizons in terms of the academic world around them.

enrichment and extension

A wide range of events are organised by our Scholarship and Enrichment co-ordinator - including national academic competitions - and trips are run throughout the year to develop each student’s ability and enrich both their confidence and desire to learn more.

On top of all this the debating, robotics, dialogue and current affairs societies specialise in taking students’ learning beyond the curriculum and broadening their horizons in terms of the academic world around them.

learning support & english as an additional language
Life at Gordonstoun is a rich experience thanks to the diverse mix of students who come here. So we make every effort to ensure they feel welcome. Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) department helps them develop their language skills. Plus, for students who need it, additional support is available.

learning support & english as an additional language

Life at Gordonstoun is a rich experience thanks to the diverse mix of students who come here. So we make every effort to ensure they feel welcome.

Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) department helps them develop their language skills. Plus, for students who need it, additional support is available.

The Queen Elizabeth II Rooms

Beyond Gordonstoun

Our Higher Education Team is a student's point of contact for higher education and careers advice. Students receive one-to-one support from the team throughout their time at Sixth Form as well as attending lectures from a number of universities and organisations, open days, and careers fairs to help students explore the pathways available to them beyond school. The Higher Education Team are there to support students on their journey, be it to higher education, apprenticeships, a HND/C at college, the armed forces, gap years opportunities, or the world of work.

“Staff have a relentless drive to ensure that each young person achieves their full potential.”

“Teachers make well-judged use of a range of assessment information to inform highly personalised learning programmes for children and young people.”