Our first language curriculum is the same as that used in English schools. It encourages pupils to explore the wealth of the English language and develop their expressive and analytical skills Pupils regularly engage with a wide range of age appropriate literature of all genres.
A dedicated English as a second language department provides support for pupils who are learning the language. Our aim is that all pupils progress into the first language programme during their time in Middle School.
Pupils in St. George’s study German as either a first or second language.
Our first language curriculum is the same as that used in German schools. It encourages pupils to develop their communicative and analytical skills, as well as focussing on accurate and precise use of the language. Pupils have the opportunity to explore a wide range of age appropriate literature.
A range of differentiated classes ensure that learners of all levels are supported in learning German as a first, second or foreign language.
The mathematics curriculum builds on the foundations secured in primary school and aims to develop fluency in key mathematical concepts.
Pupils are encouraged to think and reason mathematically, and apply their skills to solve increasingly sophisticated problems.
The curriculum embraces a wide range of fields, including number, algebra, ratio, geometry, statistics and probability. Pupils are expected to develop both their mental mathematical skills, as well as their ability to use technology to solve mathematical Problems.
Science lessons encompass Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which are taught in rotating topics throughout Middle School.
The Science curriculum fosters a sense of excitement in discovering the principles that underlie the natural world. Pupils explore phenomena through experimentation and enquiry, developing their conceptual knowledge, as well as their understanding of scientific methods. They are encouraged to work scientifically, and engage with a diverse range of topics, from the complex nature of living things, to the structure of the universe.
Pupils learn French or Spanish as a third language in Middle School.
Learning a foreign language opens the door to other cultures and deepens pupils’ understanding of the world. Pupils learn to manipulate key grammatical structures and broaden their vocabulary, allowing them to communicate their ideas on a range of topics relevant to young people.
Both spoken and written skills are promoted, with the aim of building a solid basis for further language learning.
Our History curriculum gives our pupils an awareness of key events that mark our past and which have shaped our present.
Focussing on Europe, pupils develop an overview of the past stretching from the Middle Ages to the present day. They are encourages to make connections, contrast ideas and analyse cause and effect.
Over the course of Middle School, pupils learn to critically engage with evidence from the past and structure their ideas in increasingly sophisticated ways.
In Geography lessons, pupils explore the human and physical features of their local environment and the wider world.
Pupils study a wide range of diverse topics, which allow them to identify the Earth’s key features and understand the processes that have shaped these. They are encouraged to interpret data from a range of sources and use them to draw conclusions about the complex systems that make up our world.
Music allows our pupils to explore their creativity and talent as musicians.
Throughout the Middle School curriculum, our pupils are given varied opportunities to create music and perform, developing self-confidence and a sense of achievement. They are able to explore music in its many forms, listening to and reviewing music from a range of historical periods and styles, and use these experiences to develop their own ideas in Music.
In computing, our pupils learn how computer systems work and how to implement this knowledge in programming.
Throughout Middle School, pupils develop an understanding of programming languages and logic, as well as how hardware and software interact in computer systems. They undertake projects to apply their understanding and learn how to evaluate the success of an outcome.
Pupils also learn how to use computers safely and to become confident and responsible users of information Technology.
The art curriculum allows our pupils to express themselves creatively in a diverse range of ways.
In Middle School, pupils have the opportunity to work with varied media, and develop techniques which enable them to express their ideas both imaginatively and precisely. By investigating art from different periods, cultures and movements, they discover the wealth of different artistic styles and begin to incorporate these into their own work.
Design and Technology allows pupils to combine their creativity with technical knowledge and skills. In Middle School, pupils learn about the design process, identifying design needs and researching solutions. They develop their own designs and realise these using resistant materials. Pupils develop their practical skills, learning to use a range of hand tools and techniques to shape, join and finish materials such as wood, metal and plastic. They also develop their skills in digital design, and use technological solutions such as 3D printers and laser cutters to support the development of their designs.
Physical education lessons allow our pupils to become confident in their movement and maintain their health and fitness.
By participating in a range of competitive, individual and team sports, pupils experience varied opportunities to perform and excel. Focus on technique encourages our pupils to become more effective in their performance and they also learn how to coach and support others in their development.
Personal, Social and Health Education allows our pupils to explore a wide range of topics that are relevant to young people today.
Our curriculum fosters pupils’ interest in current issues and enables them to develop an understanding of their roles and responsibilities. It encourages sage and responsible behaviour, and allows pupils the opportunity to explore questions that affect them directly, from tackling bullying to developing effective study skills.