The Lower Fifth: The Right Start

Most of our pupils join St Edmund's Senior School at age 13 in the Lower Fifth Form (Year 9), although some come to us at age 14, or enter directly into the Sixth Form. For those joining us from the Junior School, the Senior School will already be a familiar place; not only do we share the same campus, but many of the lessons in the final two years of Junior School are taught by Senior School staff, using Senior School facilities. This familiarity helps make the transition between the schools a more relaxing, less daunting one.

The Lower Fifth is a time when pupils lay the foundations for their GCSE and A Level years ahead. Whilst we shadow Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum, and we adhere to the Curriculum's principles of balance and breadth of education, as an independent school we are not limited by the Curriculum, and can offer our pupils a wider range of subjects and experience. Also we have the flexibility to tailor our curriculum to meet the individual abilities and potential of each of our pupils. Each of our subject departments offers a study programme which stimulates, engages and enthuses our pupils, whilst helping prepare them for the GCSE years ahead.

Lower Fifth Form pupils study a wide range of subjects, and their curriculum covers: Art, English, French, Geography, History, Information Technology, Mathematics, Music, PE, Personal, Social and Health Education, Religious Studies, Science, and Technology. Pupils can also select optional subjects, choosing to study either Spanish or Drama, and substituting Latin for Technology. For more detailed information please download The Right Start 2008/9 (PDF).

Upon joining the Senior School, pupils become members of one of the School Houses: each House is a mixture of boys and girls, and boarders and day pupils, to ensure that it is representative of the school as a whole. The House is an extended family to the pupil, offering a sense of belonging. Our pupils are encouraged to show loyalty to their House - and, naturally, there is a healthy rivalry between the Houses. At the same time, our pupils also have broader loyalties and friendships across the School as a whole. The House system, we believe, provides opportunities for leadership for our older pupils, whilst in turn the younger pupils can find inspiration in their House leaders.

The curriculum is, of course, not the only element of life at St Edmund's. We expect and encourage our pupils to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, to ensure their development as well-rounded, mature individuals.