On this page you will find an overview of the curriculum in the
Lower School (Years 9 to 11) and Upper School (Year 12 and 13).
Fifth Form (Year 9)
This year group is divided into mixed-ability forms, and all subjects are taught in form groups except French, Classics and Mathematics, which are taught in sets. All pupils follow a common curriculum as detailed below; the number of periods per week (40 minutes each) are given in brackets in the list below - click on the subject to view the department profile.
- Mathematics (4)
- English (3)
- French (3)
- Classics (4)
Two periods each of Latin and Greek
- History (2)
- Geography (2)
- Theology and Philosophy (2)
- RSHE (1)
Taught in small groups of 11 pupils
- Art (1½)
- Music (1½)
- Drama (1)
- Science (7)
Two periods per week for each of Biology, Chemistry, Physics; one for Extension Science
- Electronics (2)
Taught in a carousel with Product Design
- Product Design (2)
Taught in a carousel with Electronics
- PE (2)
Double period alternating fortnightly with CompSci
- Computer Science (2)
Double period alternating fortnightly with PE
Lower Shell (Year 10)
This year group is divided into new forms: English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in these forms; RSHE classes are taught in smaller House groups; the remaining subjects are taught in sets. The curriculum comprises seven compulsory subjects (the number of periods per week are given in brackets below) and five option subjects (three periods per week for each). Click on the subject to view the department profile.
Compulsory Subjects
- Mathematics (4)
- English (4)
- French (4)
- Biology (3)
- Chemistry (3)
- Physics (3)
- RSHE (1)
Taught in small groups of 8-10 pupils
Option subjects
L One of German, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish or Russian may be studied. Each counts as a double choice, i.e. 6 periods per week.
P It is expected that pupils will include one practical subject.
Upper Shell (Year 11)
This year group studies nine subjects each for four periods per week and one RSHE class each week, taught in small House groups. There are no forms. There are four compulsory subjects and a choice of six option subjects. Click on the subject to view the department profile.
Compulsory subjects
- Mathematics
- English Lang & Lit
Two separate GCSEs, but taught in one block
- French
- RSHE
Taught in small groups of 8-10 pupils
Option subjects
S Pupils must study at least two of the three sciences.
P As in Year 10, it is expected that pupils will include one practical subject.
Sixth Form and Remove (Years 12 and 13)
All pupils are expected to study four subjects in the Sixth Form (Year 12), occupying 7 periods per week each, and at least three in the Remove (Year 13), occupying 8 periods per week each. The A Level subjects are arranged by blocks: in selecting their specialist subjects, pupils choose four subjects, one in each block. Click on the subject to view the department profile.
Subjects A-Z
RSHE & Wellbeing, Options and Cultural Perspectives
In addition, pupils in the Sixth Form and Remove (Years 12 and 13) take one period per week of RSHE & Wellbeing. In the Sixth Form only, pupils take three out of four available periods per week of different Options and Cultural Perspectives (CP): these courses run for about nine weeks at a time, after which new allocations are made; at the end of each Option or CP, there is an opportunity to complete a written response to the courses followed.
- Electronics AS may be studied across the four Option periods;
- The Physics and Computer Science departments run the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), as well as other departments e.g. Economics, depending on demand and staff timetables.
- Additional Modern Languages may also be taken in the Options block.
Beyond the Classroom
To enhance the formal elements of study we have a wide variety of co-curricular activities on offer for all year groups, allowing our pupils not only to enjoy and to develop their existing interests and passions, but also to discover new ideas, perspectives and skills which will broaden their horizons.
"At Westminster we’re actively encouraged to go beyond the syllabus: to do our own research, to ask questions, to read around the subject. It helps us to achieve high grades, but the real result is that I feel empowered."