Senior Level
Academic Success
The Park School has a reputation for academic success and while it retains the Christian tradition on which it was founded, it welcomes pupils from all denominations and faiths. The school provides day and boarding education for girls and boys from Year 7 to Year 13.
It is possible to enter the school in any of the Senior years; academic scholarships are awarded by examination at age 11+, 13+ and 16+. Scholarships are also available in Art drama and Music. Bursaries may be awarded for children of parents in full-time Christian work and special fees apply for children of service families.
Curriculum
Subjects studies in the Senior Department cover a wide range of option choices available at GCSE and 'A' level. Details about what each department offers are contained below. In Years 7 - 9 the National Curriculum is taught and assessed during Key Stage 3. In Year 10 pupils will study up to 9 subjects, a few pupils may follow a more individual suite of subjects, and this will lead to their GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. Accelerated pupils may take some of their GCSE examinations at the end of Year 10. On entering the Sixth Form most students will take 5 AS courses. All Year 10 pupils are offered one week's work experience placement.We are keen to ensure that pupils are educated beyond any limitations of the National Curriculum and that they undertake a wide range of educational experiences aimed at enriching and extending their abilities and understanding.
The curriculum consists of all activities within the school and so comprises more than the formal programme of lessons. It also includes modes of learning, teaching styles, assessment, extra curricular activities and all those features which contribute to The Park's ethos, such as quality of relationships, concern for equality of opportunity and the values exemplified by the school's organisation and management.
Every pupil is in the care of a Form Tutor who is responsible for keeping a record of progress and for providing pastoral support. There are two Parents' Evenings each academic year, and teachers write full reports on each pupil at the end of the Winter and Summer Terms. The school day begins at 0830 with registration followed by assembly; there are seven 50 minute periods in the day. The normal school day ends at 1555, however, there are a number of voluntary activities after school, and pupils may remain to begin their homework in a supervised room.
The school offers careers advice, and we work closely with the Somerset Careers Service. An adviser makes regular visits to the school and provides an individual interview for each student in Years 11 and 13.
The Aim of the Curriculum
The overall aim of the school curriculum is to maximise a pupil's potential throughout his/her developing years. Success is best achieved through encouragement. The teaching is based on Christian principles, where students are valued as individuals who show a degree of self-discipline and a commitment to each other. This, we believe, can be realised through the following objectives:- The curriculum must promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all students at the school and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
- A pupil is entitled to receive a broad and balanced curriculum which secures the opportunity for every child to develop skills, knowledge and understanding across a wide range of subjects and activities.
- Equip students with a range of transferable key skills to support learning across the curriculum
- Develop the values, skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for students to enter into effective personal and social relationships in a multicultural society
- Meet the educational needs of all our students and provide access and challenge across the ability range. This applies to all social backgrounds and ethnic groups and those for whom English is an additional language.
- Encourage all students to reach their full potential. This will include achieving the highest possible standards in their public examinations.
- Promote continuity and progression and foster a high regard for education and training and a belief in the value of life long learning for all.
