THIS IS CURIOSITY
THIS IS CLC

Our Curriculum

For students who are inquisitive and excited about the world around them, College is one of the best schools in the world in which to ask their questions.

Our teachers have a deep enthusiasm for their subjects and are committed to providing high-quality teaching that develops intellectually curious, self-motivated, enthusiastic young women with an enduring love of learning. Under the direction of the Vice Principal Academic, Heads of Divisions, and Departmental Heads, much care is devoted to optimising the planning and resourcing of our academic programmes and facilities. Regular, constructive feedback between teacher and pupil is at the heart of our success in allowing each girl to realise her true potential.

Teaching staff delight in engaging with the girls, fostering curiosity and creating a challenging and stimulating classroom environment. They comprise over 90 full-time staff (approximately two-thirds women, one-third men), with around 55 part-time teachers and another 50 peripatetic music and drama teachers.

The Divisions

A benefit of being a large school is we can offer many subject areas, allowing a wide choice and enabling a personalised timetable. Students discuss options and alternatives with their tutors, who work closely with them in helping them make the right choices.

Across our three Divisions (LC, UC and SFC), pupils are encouraged to take an active part in lessons through challenging, debating and developing their point of view.

Lower College (LC)

Our Lower College (Years 7-9) curriculum provides exceptional breadth, building foundations for GCSE courses, many of which commence in LC3 (Year 9). We encourage everyone to pursue a modern, broad and varied curriculum with advice given at every stage to ensure that even from an early age aspirations for Higher Education are supported.

Upper College (UC)

In Upper College (Years 10 and 11), most pupils take 10 GCSE subjects, including Mathematics, English Language and Literature, and can also undertake a Higher Project Qualification. They have a free choice of options but are encouraged to maintain a varied curriculum.

Sixth Form College (SFC)

In the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13), students have the option to study either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or A Levels.

Those studying the IB must choose six subjects from distinct curriculum areas, three at Higher and three at Standard level. They also study a core programme comprised of three elements: Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service.

Those following the A Level route can take up to four subjects as a linear course, over two years. Students taking three A Levels may opt to study Mathematics and Further Mathematics or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Students can also begin studying a new language through the IB language ab initio certificate. Examinations in all A Level subjects are taken at the end of the second year.

We offer tremendous possibilities with regard to subject combinations and there are plenty of opportunities to discuss new subjects and choices at each stage. Unlike many schools, we do not have predetermined options blocks. Instead, with guidance, students choose a subject combination to suit their needs and aspirations from which the timetable is then constructed.