Royal Hospital School, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK

LOWER SCHOOL (YEARS 7,8 & 9)

On joining the School at Year 7, pupils of this junior boarding school are placed in one of four parallel forms although all pupils are set for mathematics based on performance in the entrance examination. After the first term, mathematics sets are adjusted as necessary, while English and science are set as required by the learning requirements of the cohort. The Lower School curriculum broadly follows the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9).

In Years 7 and 8, the subjects studied are English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry and physics). All pupils of this junior boarding school study one modern foreign language (selected from French, German and Spanish), while Year 7 pupils will study classical civilisation before starting Latin in Year 8. In addition, they study three humanities (geography, history and religious studies) and four creative arts (art, design technology, drama and music). In Year 9 (Pre-GCSE Foundation Year of Key Stage 3), the core subjects studied are English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry and physics) and three humanities (geography, history and religious studies). In addition, all pupils  of this junior boarding school study two creative arts (chosen from art, design technology, drama and music). The vast majority of pupils take a modern foreign language (from a choice of French, German, Spanish and Spanish ab initio), although a few pupils will receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons or learning support instead. Pupils also take one from the following: a second modern foreign language, Latin, classical civilisation, computing or targeted support in literacy and numeracy. All Lower School pupils also follow our bespoke Compass programme, which aims to provide them with the skills, enthusiasm and curiosity to become better

MIDDLE SCHOOL (YEARS 10 & 11)

The Middle School Key Stage 4 courses are in line with national priorities in education and pupils take nine GCSEs. In Year 10, pupils of this boarding school in Suffolk take the following core subjects: English (most study language and literature as separate GCSEs), mathematics, one language (chosen from French, German, Latin and Spanish) and science. Pupils can choose to take the separate sciences or the double award. Three additional GCSE subjects are chosen from geography, history, religious studies, classical civilisation, a second language, media studies, art, music, drama, design technology, PE (academic) and business. If pupils select separate sciences, then one of their three optional subjects will be the third science. Pupils of this top independent boarding school are encouraged to consider at least one humanity from classical civilisation, geography, history and religious studies and one creative subject from art, design technology, music and drama. A small number of pupils will receive targeted support in literacy and numeracy instead of a modern foreign language. All Year 10 and 11 pupils have one PE lesson and two games sessions each week, one of which is on a Saturday afternoon.

CURRICULUM THE SCHOOL SIXTH FORM (YEARS 12 & 13) In the Sixth Form Boarding School, pupils study three A Level subjects or two A Levels and a BTEC Level 3 (the direct equivalent of an A Level). The school currently offers A Levels in art, biology, business, chemistry, classical civilisation, drama, design technology, economics, English language, English literature, film studies, French, further mathematics, geography, German, history, Latin, mathematics, music, music technology, physics, politics, psychology, religious studies, Spanish and textiles. The BTEC Level 3 offered is in sport. These three core subjects are supplemented with an elective academic subject which could be: further mathematics A Level; a Level 3 extended project qualification (EPQ); a Level 3 certificate in higher sports leadership; an IELTS qualification; a GCSE in astronomy; a BTEC Level 2 first award in information and creative technology; or a BTEC Level 2 first award in performing arts. To enrich the curriculum further, RHS+ provides a carousel of lessons in Year 12 which covers: careers advice; digital effectiveness and online safety; coping with stress; mindfulness; financial management; and cooking on a budget. RHSXtra is a series of talks and seminars provided by staff and outside experts on topics that aim to broaden horizons and inspire curiosity. In addition, Elevate Education run sessions and workshops to help prepare pupils for public examinations.