About the Senior School

The Senior School

The Years Up to GCSE

In Years 7-9, the curriculum is broad and is subject to constant review as we anticipate and respond to changing educational needs. All pupils study all subjects and there is no element of choice till Year 9, when pupils begin a second modern language (European or Mandarin: they have a taste of the latter in Year 8). While the majority continue with Latin in Year 9, there is the chance either to add Greek or to replace Latin with Classical Civilisation. In certain subjects there are sets, or groups of sets, based on a pupil’s ability but with flexibility for movement whenever appropriate. Homework is set and a student can expect three 'preps' of thirty minutes each weekday evening (this in fact is the homework pattern till the completion of GCSEs).

The two-year GCSE courses begin in Year 10 (though pupils embark on the science syllabus in year 9). The core subjects, studied by all, are: English, English Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Language and science (taught by separate teachers of Physics, Chemistry and Biology). A decision is made in Year 10 as to whether a pupil takes all three sciences separately to GCSE or whether the double award is taken (the three subjects are still studied, though less material is covered and a pupil gains two GCSEs). A further three subjects are then chosen from: Art, Classical Civilisation, Design Technology, Drama (from 2012) Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Mandarin, Music, Religious Studies, Russian and Spanish. In addition to their GCSE subjects, pupils take Religious Education and Physical Education and have weekly Games afternoons. A few subjects require assessed coursework (now called controlled assessment) and all syllabuses lead to examinations at the end of Year 11: no GCSE modules are taken in Year 10.

The Sixth Form

When they enter Year 12 (Lower Sixth Form), pupils choose four subjects from the wide range of AS level courses (currently 24) 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 Year 11s and their parents before those choices are made.

In the Sixth Form, emphasis is placed on learning to work independently and on developing more advanced study skills. At this stage pupils 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 has two common rooms acting as social and recreational bases 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, in conjunction with the Head of Sixth Form and his team (one of whom concentrates on university 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 our Review of the Year.

Pastoral Care

Each pupil is placed on arrival in Year 9 in one of the twelve houses. The house is the social and pastoral group of about sixty pupils within which each will remain throughout their time at Highgate. Each housemaster, assisted by a team of 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.

Pupils in Year 7 and 8 are placed into a Form Group of around 20 – 22 pupils under the care of a Form Tutor. Form Tutors register pupils each day and are in charge of regular Form Group tutorials. Pupils are encouraged to take part in inter-form competitions and activities and to contribute to the weekly assembly programme. The pastoral care of the pupils and the work of the Form Tutors are overseen by the Assistant Head of Year 7 and 8, who is supported by a Head of Year 7 and a Head of Year 8. The pastoral teams in Year 7 & 8 aim to ensure that all pupils enjoy a successful transition from the world of primary education to the environment and opportunities of secondary school. Parents are welcome to contact the appropriate Head of Year at any time if they have any queries or concerns about their child.

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 the regular awarding of grades for academic effort and achievement. Tutors will review these with pupils, offering encouragement and, where necessary, strategies for improvement. Full reports are sent to parents at regular intervals as a formal record of their child's progress. All parents are encouraged to contact the Head of Year (in Year 7 and 8) or the Housemaster (in Years 9-13) at any time if they have any queries or concerns.

The School and the HSPA also organise a series of pastoral presentations and discussions each year, covering such areas as internet safety, substance abuse, managing the party scene and dealing with exam stress. See also Parents' Associations.