Curriculum

What do we mean by an exceptional learning environment?

The Croydon High curriculum is characterised by an emphasis on academic excellence, breadth and innovation, fostering creativity, exploration and enjoyment.

Creative teaching and learning opportunities abound; highly qualified and motivated staff explore ideas and introduce new techniques.

In Years 7-9, all pupils study the following subjects; English, biology, chemistry, physics, enterprise technology, history, geography, philosophy and ethics, music, drama, art, 3D design and physical education.

From early in Year 7 and throughout the School, all pupils are taught mathematics in ability sets.

Almost all pupils study two modern foreign languages from French, German and Spanish in Years 7-9 and Latin is also taught to all from Year 7.

Introducing ‘Disruptive Technologies’

In response to the opportunities presented by emerging technologies, we are excited to announce that from September 2018, we have offered Enterprise Technology as a new subject for Years 7-9.

This honours our commitment to ensuring that girls are real-world ready and prepared for the future.

This bespoke subject combines essential computing skills, such as programming, with skills needed in the workplace such as project management, teamwork, problem solving and – crucially – creativity.

Led by our Head of Enterprise Technology, Kevin Murphy, it promises to provide a unique learning experience. Find out more about this exciting curriculum development, have a look at some Enterprise Technology projects in action.

Educating mind, body and spirit

All pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4 (Years 7-10) follow a programme in Religious Education, Personal, Social, and Health Education with Citizenship and Physical Education.

Strands of Spiritual, Cultural, Moral and Social Education are also delivered through individual subjects and a collaborative approach between departments yields tremendous opportunities for enriched learning, ensuring delivery in this area is a significant strength at Croydon High.

One excellent example of this is our annual Holocaust Memorial Day, with history, geography, English and R.S. teachers working together to deliver intensely thought-provoking workshops and lessons on the theme of Holocaust.

Other significant opportunities include the Croydon High First Give charity project, in which our girls research and raise both awareness and funds for local charities, and our Amnesty Club who work hard to ensure the whole community is aware of and supports its numerous initiatives.

Sport and physical fitness play a key part in everyday life at Croydon High and our facilities allow us to offer extensive opportunities throughout the year. Having our own 25m pool on-site means that we can offer swimming as a curricular subject up to Year 9.

Excellent age-appropriate provision for Careers Education and Guidance, starts in Junior School with our Careers in the Classroom programme and continues in Senior School with conferences, masterclasses and regular networking breakfasts offered across the age groups alongside specific programmes for individual year groups such as the annual Take Your Daughter to Work Day in Year 9.

GCSE Curriculum

Girls are fully supported as they choose their options for GCSE during Year 9, with the majority opting to study up to 10 subjects.

These include core GCSE subjects of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Download the comprehensive GCSE course/study guide.

A Level Curriculum

Read further information regarding our A level programme.

Dedicated support for SEND

(Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and Learning Support

Croydon High School makes provision for students who have mild specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, AD(H)D, High functioning Autistic Spectrum condition, as well as physical conditions such as visual stress, hypermobility and Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome.

Our highly experienced Head of Learning Support, Helen Sharples, is always willing to meet with parents prior to their daughters joining the school, to discuss any specific concerns.

To arrange this, please contact our Admissions Team.

In the majority of cases, needs are met with appropriate differentiation within classroom teaching and extra support given by subject/classroom teachers and within the pastoral system.

Where extra support is needed, this is timetabled within the Learning Support Department or provision is made to accommodate specialist agencies such as Occupational or Speech and Language Therapists.