Senior School Curriculum

BCS teaches a broad and balanced curriculum throughout Key Stages 3 and 4; we currently offer 21 subjects at GCSE and 20 subjects in the sixth form for AS and A2.

In Year 7 our pupils have lessons in English; mathematics; science; French; geography; history; religious education; physical education; art; drama; food technology; music; information and communication technology; and design and technology. In addition they have a personal, social and health education (PSHE) lesson. The curriculum in Years 8 and 9 is similar, with the addition of Spanish.

In Year 9, students will choose their GCSE subjects. Most students take ten subjects although this is tailored individually, with some taking eight/nine and some even eleven. Most take English, English Literature, mathematics and usually one modern language. They then have the option of taking the three separate sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) or science and additional science. In addition, students choose up to three further subjects from geography; history; religious education; a second modern language; art and design; drama and theatre arts; home economics; music; design and technology; and PE. Qualifications in ICT are encouraged, as are those in speech and drama and instrumental music.

In Year 12 most students will study four subjects for AS levels and will be examined in these subjects before going on to study three of them to A2 level. A 3-year A-level course with a Foundation year is available to overseas boarding students. Drama is incorporated into English in Years 7 to 9, and is offered at GCSE and AS/A2 levels, and pupils may choose to have individual tuition. BCS students regularly achieve excellent results in LAMDA examinations (which now count towards UCAS points), arts festivals and public speaking competitions. The drama clubs put on productions each year, ranging from Shakespeare and Gilbert and Sullivan to modern musicals and comedies.  Recent musical tours include Paris, Prague and Barcelona.  These cross curricular trips provide students with an opportunity to discover the culture of other countries whilst performing in amazing venues. Important though academic qualifications are, school is also an essential training ground for life in the outside world. At BCS we discuss current affairs; personal values and morals; coping with peer pressures; and ‘hot topics’ such as relationships, racism, alcohol and drugs, to help ensure that your son or daughter will become a confident, responsible and tolerant adult. Students may also become involved with one of the community projects sponsored by the school, from fundraising for charity to assisting in social events for disabled children or entertaining elderly people from the local community.   

BCS pupils took part in the British Council creative writing scheme to creat Mini-sagas, stories told in exactly 50 words. This is one of the published prize-winners.