Senior School Curriculum

Third Form (Year 9)

The Third Form curriculum provides a broad and balanced foundation, enabling all pupils to develop key skills and make informed GCSE subject choices at the end of their first year.

Pupils are placed in sets or bands for most subjects based on their entrance exam performance and study the following:

English (4 lessons), Mathematics (4), Physics (3), Chemistry (3), Biology (3)
Two languages from French, German, Spanish, Latin, or EAL (4 lessons each)
Geography (2), History (2), Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (2)
Music (1), Drama (1), Art (2), Design & Technology (2)

In addition, ICT and research skills are integrated across subjects, with a dedicated metacognition programme (one period per week) focusing on learning strategies, critical debate, and academic scholarship. All pupils also have lessons in Physical Education and PSHE.

Subject sets may be adjusted throughout the year, particularly after the Advent Term examinations.

Fourth and Fifth Forms (Years 10–11)

Pupils in the Fourth Form (Year 10) continue with core subjects:

English (IGCSE), English Literature (IGCSE), Mathematics (IGCSE)
Sciences (AQA GCSEs, either separate subjects or a dual-award equivalent)
Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (internally certificated at the end of Year 10)

In addition, they select three optional IGCSEs (or four if they choose the dual-award Science route). At least one option must be a Foreign Language.

One Year Pre-Sixth Form

Our pre-sixth form programme is a year of immersive learning and familiarisation before proceeding to the Sixth Form and embarking on our Sixth Form Programme. Students will be entered for 5 to 8 GSCEs, to be sat at the end of the year. Please note, students must be aged between 15 and 16 years old on entry to the programme.

Pre-Sixth Form Programme

Optional GCSE Subjects:

Art (Fine Art or Photography), Classics, Design & Technology (Resistant Materials or Engineering), Drama
French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Spanish

Top set Mathematics pupils may take Additional Maths (a post-GCSE qualification). Non-native English speakers may take IGCSE English as a Second Language.

Pupils also continue Physical Education and PSHE and may take GCSEs in their native language where available.

Guidance on GCSE Choices

Information on GCSE options is available via the school’s website and VLE. Tutors and Housemasters/Housemistresses provide guidance, and a parents’ and pupils’ information evening is held in the Summer Term.

All pupils participate in the Morrisby careers programme. The Advent Term Careers Day supports Fifth Form pupils and their parents (as well as new Lower Sixth pupils). Additional career and university application support is provided through Saturday mornings, tutorials, and the PSHE programme.

Although Lancing cannot arrange work experience placements, we facilitate regular employer visits to help students and parents establish contacts. Parent briefings cover key areas such as university applications and careers planning.