The percentages of academic curriculum time given to different subjects are shown below divided by Form although there will be individual variations. Some students may have a reduced academic timetable because of their ability, special learning needs or musical commitments. Just before Easter of Year 9, students are asked to make provisional GCSE choices. They are expected to discuss their provisional choices with their parents over the Easter holiday. By half term of the summer term, they are expected to make firm choices.
Tutors guide their choices.
These choices are carefully examined and unsuitable choices discussed further. The years 10 and 11 curriculum consists of core subjects and either 5 or 4 options depending on ability. The percentage allocations are given below based on a 40 or 39 period per week timetable. In all cases, the three sciences are still taught separately by subject specialists. There are 5 option blocks.