Curriculum

Curriculum for Years 7 & 8

Students in Years 7 & 8 follow the Ryde Global programme based on the core values of the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate which is enriched by a diverse and exciting academic curriculum including the following subjects: 

• Art
• Design & Technology
• Drama
• English
• Geography
• History
• ICT & Computing
• Languages including French, Spanish, German, Mandarin and Latin
• Mathematics
• Music
• Personal Development (based on the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues framework) 
• Physical Education and Games
• Philsosophy, Religion and Ethics
• Science 

In addition to these subjects all students take part in timetabled enrichment through the CAS programme and weekly Ryde Global lessons, which includes learning about Neuroscience, Environmentalism, Cultural intelligence, both independent and collaborative project learning and a range of outdoor adventure activities including sailing and watersports. 

Curriculum for Year 9

Whilst pupils continue to develop skills, character and knowledge through the study of a wide range of subjects, they begin to make some choices that enable them to further explore their specific interests in even greater depth.

In the Spring term of Year 9 pupils are asked to choose their GCSE subject options following careful consultation with their tutor, teachers and parents. 

Personal Development as well as participation in Games and Physical Education remains an integral part of the timetable to ensure that the pupils have a sensible and sustainable balance between their studies and physical and mental well-being.

Curriculum for Lower and Upper Sixth Forms (Years 12 and 13)

The Sixth Form years at Ryde School form an important transition between the more formal, directed learning of GCSE and the more liberal and individual experience of a university education. It is a time for growing maturity and independence but within the guided framework of the School. All the Sixth Form pupils are expected to take on more responsibility for their own progress and personal organisation and the opportunities for study, leadership and extracurricular activities also increase.

Pupils follow one of three possible academic routes: A Levels plus enrichment, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the International Baccalaureate Careers Programme. Pupils have a free choice of the route that best fits their future career plans and are encouraged to access the advice and support available. 

In addition to lessons, the curriculum includes dedicated time with tutors for pastoral and academic support, opportunities for sport, well-being and community service.

Regular feedback on academic progress is an important link between home and School. Form Tutors carefully monitor their tutees progress and help them to reflect and set targets for the future.

GRADE CARDS

Grade cards are issued on average every four weeks and inform parents of their child's attitude to learning in their studies as well as their level of achievement. The regularity of this feedback  provides an accurate tracking mechanism indicating levels of both application and resulting achievement.

Each term, additional feedback will be provided in the form of a Parents’ Evening or written comments from the Form Tutor. These comments not only celebrate high points of achievement but also provide targets and advice to ensure pupils have the opportunity to review and improve their learning..

Prior to pupils departing for study leave in Year 11 a final set of effort and attainment grades is provided. Upper Sixth pupils receive final mock exam Tutor and Teacher comment cards at the end of the mock exams. The grades at this stage are the culmination of our consistent monitoring and should reflect what each pupil is capable of achieving in their final exams. Effort grades will reflect a pupil’s application and attitude towards revision both in and out of class. In addition to grades the Teaching Staff provide a personal summary of the pupil’s time at Ryde School as well as offering final words of advice before pupils embark on the last stage of their exam preparation.

EXAM CARDS

Internal exams are taken by the Lower Sixth in January, with mock exams for Years 11 and Upper Sixth in February. In addition, there are internal exams for Lower Sixth and Years 7 to 10 in the Summer Term. In the week following these exams, the School issues an Exam Card which includes individual performance together with information relative to the class performance.

FULL REPORT 

Each year every child in Years 7 to Upper Sixth is issued with a full report, which contains greater detail on a pupil’s progress across the school year from their teachers with additional reflections from not only the Form Tutor, Head of Year and Head Master but also the pupil themselves.