Senior School Curriculum

We provide a challenging and up-to-date curriculum:

• We adhere to core National Curriculum requirements as a minimum
• Separate sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science/Geology and Physics
• Classical subjects and three modern languages offered: French, German and Spanish
• Ongoing assessments and end-of-year examinations in Years 7 to 10
• Business Studies, Sports Studies, Geology, Theatre Studies, Psychology and Sociology are usually offered

We offer a wide choice of subjects at GCSE and AS/A-level.

• For details of the GCSE subjects we offer, please see the latest edition of our GCSE Choices Booklet
• For details of the subjects we offer at AS/A-level, please see our section on the Sixth Form Curriculum.

Support for Learning

At Sheffield High School we aim to give each individual pupil the support she may need in order to achieve her full potential. In some cases this support may require a modification of classroom practice and assessment of work, adjustment to the curriculum or special arrangements for examinations. Support may be arranged on a one to one basis or in small groups.

Dyslexia Support

Approximately 5% of our pupils have been diagnosed as having varying degrees of dyslexic difficulties. Pupils have a basic screening in Year 7 and Year 9 and appropriate referrals are then made. Most of these specific needs can be met by classroom teachers who are given advice by the SENCO on how to meet the needs of individual pupils. One to one help is available, either from a visiting specialist dyslexia teacher for which there is an additional charge, or from a specialist teacher in the school who may also teach small groups.

Language Support

Specialist EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is arranged for students who have recently arrived from abroad and who we feel would benefit from support in English on a one to one basis or in small groups. Formal tuition towards EAL qualifications is also offered if required. There is no additional charge for EAL support.

Additional tuition in modern languages is offered for girls joining the school at Key Stage 3 who may have had a different experience of languages in their previous school.

Clinics

Most subjects offer lunchtime clinics providing one-to-one help for pupils who need support in a specific area or who may have missed work through absence.

GCSE Support

One-to-one or small group support is given by a specialist teacher/teaching assistant to pupils who, for a variety of reasons, are not following the usual GCSE load of 9 subjects.

Gifted and Talented

Pupils who have particularly high MidYIS scores or have been highlighted as being particularly gifted or talented in specific subject areas are extended in class, through extra-curricular clubs and activities and through attending courses organised by universities and influential organisations. Occasionally pupils are entered early for GCSEs in specific areas if a department feels this is in the pupil’s best interests.