Academic progress

Senior School

What does academic progress mean to us?

Our curriculum embeds not only the knowledge that our students need to succeed but, crucially, the skills. We place importance on problem solving and creative thinking alongside subject-specific skills. GCSE results are strong across all subjects and meet or exceed independent measures of attainment nationally.

Technology is embedded in our curriculum, with the school providing each student with their own iPad or Chromebook (depending on year group), helping ensure lessons are well-structured and tailored for every student to make good progress.

The introduction of devices including iPads has transformed learning in all phases of the school, so that students routinely and competently use them for research, storing notes, making presentations and for computer-aided design and manufacture. Staff are upskilled in their use of appropriate technology to ensure efficient delivery of the curriculum. Students’ learning is supported well by subject departments which use technology as a repository for resources and as a means of setting, marking and reviewing independent learning.

SEND students are supported in lessons and in small groups to develop key skills to enable them to become independent learners.

An ACTIVE approach

Our education is about more than exams; we want students to think about how they learn, be curious about what they are learning, and contribute to our community in what they do. That is why we are focusing on our ACTIVE approach to learning, where students are:

A: Adaptable

C: Community-minded

T: Technologically mature

I: Independent

V: Visionary

E: Eager to learn

The ACTIVE model aims to foster a metacognitive understanding from the students to promote and maximise their learning strategies. Staff are confident in the ACTIVE model and how it can be integrated into their subjects.

Personalised learning

At Key Stage 3 our students have the opportunity to try French, German and Spanish as well as Latin and Classics alongside their other subjects.

At GCSE, most students take 9 subjects which includes a core of science, mathematics and English. Beyond this core we build our timetable around the student’s choices.

At Sixth Form, most students take three A levels and an EPQ. In the Extended Project Qualification, which is similar to a university dissertation, students follow their own area of interest, posing and answering a question with support from a staff mentor.

“I love how Norwich High and the GDST empower their students, thereby creating fearless young women who are not afraid to tackle any subject, especially those that are often male dominated or considered to be.”

Senior School Parent

Academic stretch

We encourage students to move well-beyond the curriculum. Our extensive programme of academic clubs seeks to support and nurture their growth. Students have plentiful opportunities to take part in academic competitions from the science olympiads, school STEM award, to maths challenges and the Annandale Reading Prize.

The subject area programme of study reflects cultural diversity, focusing on a range of global issues, places and influences.

With a commitment to ensuring students are real-world-ready, careers activities and talks ensure access to a wide range of employer and career pathways.

Subject Overviews

Senior School subject overviews

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Beyond the classroom

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