Durham School Academic Curriculum
At Durham School we try to offer a curriculum which is broad and balanced and which can cater for the requirements and needs of all the individual pupils in our care.
Years 7 - 9
The principal aim is to lay the foundations for further study and to keep open as many doors as possible. Pupils study Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Music, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Art, Design and Technology and Physical Education. In the modern world the study of languages is of vital importance. Therefore all pupils study French and in Year 9 the better linguists have the opportunity to start German or Spanish too. Some pupils study Latin in Years 7 - 9, while those who do not spend more time on their other subjects. In short we aim to deliver to our youngest pupils a curriculum with opportunities to develop creative, imaginative, aesthetic and scientific learning.
Years 10 -11 (GCSE)
All pupils take English Language, English Literature, French, Mathematics and Dual Award Science, in which the three components (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are studied and examined separately, leading to two GCSEs in Science. All pupils Study IT and follow the GCSE Short Course in Religious Studies.
Pupils then choose three from a list of optional subjects. These are arranged into three groups and one subject is chosen from each group. Some subjects appear in more than one group and the groups are so constructed as to enable most common combinations of subjects to be studied. The optional subjects currently available are: Art and Design, Design and Technology (Graphic Products), Classical Civilisation, Drama, Geography, German, History, IT, Latin, Music, PE and Spanish.
Years 12 -13 (AS and A2-Levels)
Year 12 pupils are able to choose up to five Advanced Subsidiary level subjects (AS), although most of our pupils choose four.
In Year 13 pupils normally choose three of their AS subjects to continue to A2 level. They also have the opportunity to take General Studies at AS level in January and A2 in June. Alternatively, those applying to the best universities and/or for the most popular courses can take an AS in Critical Thinking (which is much more demanding than General Studies).
The subjects currently available for AS and A2 are:
- Ancient History
- Art
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- Economics
- English Language and Literature
- English Literature
- French
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- German
- History
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Theatre Studies
It is planned to introduce Spanish as an AS option from September 2008.
These subjects are placed in subject blocks and most pupils choose one from each of 4 blocks. Every effort is made to accommodate all our pupils' desired options, whether existing pupils or pupils joining our Sixth Form from another school.
next event
Year 12 anti-bullying talk
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Best ever GCSE grades
94.8% of pupils gained 5 or more A* to C grades at GCSE
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Testimonials
"Our son was awarded an academic and a music scholarship. He joined in Year 7 in September 2006 and, after only two weeks, we noticed that his confidence and spirits were lifted. The staff and pupils made him feel very welcome."
Mrs Judith Dawson