Excellence in the classroom is what teaching and learning looks like on a normal day at Blue Coat. The learning habits of our pupils, and the development of their curiosity, knowledge and creativity are all considered to be essential elements of our academic curriculum.

We believe that challenge lies at the heart of effective learning. Without challenge, our pupils will not have the opportunity to develop their curiosity and then convert that curiosity to understanding. Educational research shows that high levels of challenge raise standards and deepen learning. Whilst we seek to stretch and challenge all our pupils, our Learning Support department ensures that those with specific learning needs are supported and given the confidence to succeed.

Our educational philosophy is reflected in the way that the School’s curriculum is designed. In Years 7 and 8, pupils enjoy flexibility in core subjects such as drama in English classes, the practical applications of probability in Maths and experimentation in the Sciences. The study of the creative arts, languages, humanities, Religious Studies and Physical Education further stimulate a wide range of learning experiences aimed at development of the person, as well as the ability to think ethically, logically and creatively.

…a wide range of learning experiences aimed at development of the person, as well as the ability to think ethically, logically and creatively

With the foundations for learning in place and interests sparked, pupils in Year 9, 10 and 11 are able to take on a suite of challenging GCSE options including IGCSEs. Religious Studies is a compulsory GCSE that is completed in Year 10 and allows pupils to explore difficult questions in a modern context. There is also a wide range of optional subjects, with pupils selecting three from History, Geography, Geology, Computer Science, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Latin, Design Technology, Music and an additional Modern Foreign Language.

At A Level, pupils choose from a range of 26 subjects, including subjects most will not have studied before, such as Economics, Government and Politics, Drama and Theatre and Psychology. The Extended Project Qualification option is an exciting opportunity to complete a piece of self-directed research and to understand a way of producing academic work that is much valued in Higher Education.

The curriculum’s aim is to provide all pupils with opportunities: opportunities to learn, opportunities to discover interests that will last a life time, and opportunities to develop as people who will thrive in the world.