AIMS

For GCSE students Ashbourne aims to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum, so providing opportunities for students to develop:
 
Linguistic skills
Mathematical skills
An understanding of science and technology
An understanding of the social, historical and geographical context of their education
An opportunity and appreciation for creative expression
 
In particular we emphasize:
 
Critical thinking and its relation to clear expression
Grammar and style
Presentation of work
Elementary research skills
The importance of memory (revision)
Numeracy in everyday life
 
In a broader sense we encourage students to develop confidence in themselves and a respect for others. We emphasize tolerance and are keen to promote understanding of our own and other cultures.
 
We expect students to understand and accept moral responsibility, contribute to the life of the school and community and have a grounding in understanding public institutions.  
 

In years 9 and 10, the curriculum is by and large compulsory with appropriate periods for Maths, English and English Literature, 3 separate Sciences, ICT, History, Geography, Art, a modern Language, PSHE, Sport, Drama and Art and Design.
The school sets mostly on the basis of age but will stream according to ability, timetable permitting.
 
If the timetable allows, students will be given the option of as many modern languages as possible, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our students; otherwise they will have to study French either at beginners level or otherwise.
All work is geared towards the requirements of the GCSE exams. In general yr 9 students will aim to reach Foundation level, yr 10 Intermediate level, and yr 11 Higher level.
 
We emphasize the development of the following skills: research, presentation, organization, time management, critical thinking and clear written expression.
 
In year 11, some significant choice is available, although not as much as for A level. The restricted choice arises because of the design of the timetable, which keeps each student at this level in class between the hours of 9:00 and 16:00 each day (lunchtimes excluded).
 
The principal electives are: Business Studies (a self-contained one year course) and various specialisms in Art and Design, including Photography, Graphics and Fashion. Nevertheless, in the past we have been able to arrange classes in Classical Civilization and Advanced Level Maths for students in year 11.
 
A Level
 
Although we offer an impressively broad range of subjects at A level, we have no specific policy with regard to choice of subjects. In fact, provided a student is registered for 3 or more A/AS levels, we will offer most subjects even on a one-to-one basis.
 
PSHE
 
Through our  Personal Tutors and the Head of Middle School, each student has a compulsory allocation of 2 periods per week to encompass this topic.