About the Senior School

The Years Up to GCSE (See also the section on transition on the Senior School 11+ Admissions page) At present, when joining the Senior School at age 13+ students enter Year 8. From September 2008 the Senior School will start from Year 7 (age 11+). The curriculum is broad and is subject to constant review as we anticipate and respond to changing educational needs. At present, in addition to the usual range of subjects, Art, Music, and Technology are taken by all. Before starting at the Senior School pupils choose a second modern language and whether to study Latin or Classical Civilisation. In the main subjects there are sets, or groups of sets, based on student’s ability but with flexibility for movement whenever appropriate. During this year the effects of differing educational backgrounds will become less marked and students will develop an appropriate pattern of work, both in the classroom and out of school. Homework is set and a student can expect three 'preps' of about thirty minutes each weekday evening.
The two-year GCSE courses begin in Year 10. The core subjects, studied by all, are: English, English Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Language and Co-ordinated Sciences (taught by separate teachers of Physics, Chemistry and Biology). A further three subjects are then chosen from: Art, Classical Civilisation, Design Technology, Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Music, Russian and Spanish. In addition to their GCSE subjects, students take Religious Education and Physical Education. Many subjects require assessed coursework and most syllabuses lead to examinations at the end of Year 11. The teaching staff are experienced and well-qualified subject specialists and the teacher/pupil ratio is about 1:10. Class sizes are generally in the low twenties up to GCSE, although for some subjects they will be much smaller; in the Sixth Form classes of six to fourteen are usual. Educational resources include a new Art, Design and Technology Centre, a networked computer centre, a large modern lending library, satellite receiving equipment and a fully equipped audio-visual centre. The use of all these is guided by trained professionals and they complement the facilities available in the academic departments, which have their own specialist teaching rooms, equipment and, where appropriate, technicians, computers and libraries. Fieldwork and visits to galleries, museums, exhibitions and lectures are an integral part of the academic programme.
The Sixth Form When they enter the Lower Sixth Form (Year 12), the great majority of pupils choose four subjects from the wide range of AS level courses on offer. The options available are under regular review in order to reflect the needs of a changing world. Prospective Sixth formers are assisted in selecting the best programme of A level study according to their known ability and future plans. A booklet listing the options available and containing details of the courses is published each year and given to Fifth formers and their parents before those choices are made.
A feature of the Sixth Form is the fortnightly presentation by a distinguished visitor: leading men and women in politics, the arts and academic or public life come to Highgate and address the Sixth Form. Emphasis is placed on learning to work independently and to develop more advanced study skills. At this stage a students will for the first time have a number of private reading periods when they are expected to work in a reading room or library. The Sixth Form common room acts as a social and recreational base for senior pupils. Each Sixth Former's tutor and housemaster exercise supervision over their general academic progress and they advise on and monitor higher education applications.
Review of the Year Every July the Senior School publishes the Review of the Year. The Review, distributed at Prizegiving, highlights the past year's achievements and most memorable moments, and provides information on examination results. View Review of the Year.
The House System Each student is placed on arrival in one of the twelve houses. The house is the social and pastoral group of about fifty people within which each will remain throughout their time at Highgate. House meetings are held daily and each housemaster, assisted by three tutors, is responsible for monitoring the progress and welfare of the members of his or her house and for liaison with parents. A distinctive feature of our day houses is that they are largely based on particular areas of North London. Thus those in a house will find others whom they will see as they travel to school, or at weekends, or near whom they live. This establishes a basis for friendship and gives each house its own identity. Many houses hold their own social, musical or sporting functions involving parents, and at school the houses compete at games, music and debating.
Parents Education is a shared venture, and we wish to establish a partnership with parents. We endeavour to maintain clear communication between school and home. To this end, each year-group has an annual parents' meeting at which all the teaching staff are present. Day-to-day contact is through the housemaster, who keeps in close touch with his pupils and their parents. Academic progress is also monitored by a system of regular internal reports and meetings; if it is judged necessary, a student may for a time be required to obtain a daily report from those who teach him. Full reports are sent to parents at the end of each term. See also Parents' Associations.