Academic Ethos | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS) Skip to content Book a visit Academic Ethos "..pupils’ individuality continues to be championed – there are no identikit students here, just high-achievers in charge of their own future" Talk Education We believe that academic success is founded on knowing every individual and providing an ambitious academic enrichment programme which engages all students, allowing individual strengths to flourish. With a curriculum which incorporates interdisciplinary thinking and ambitious content, students follow a personalised academic journey which allows their passions to thrive. With life beyond Sir William Perkins’s on the horizon, we follow a curriculum that equips each student with the means to develop their intellectual abilities as well as their personal and social values. Learning here is not just about passing exams, but about a shared love of intellectual adventure. All students follow an exciting and dynamic curriculum that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration. Students are able to discover their strengths and interests via a broad, balanced range of academic, cultural and creative subjects. Our outstanding teachers’ passion and enthusiasm inspires students to develop a genuine, lifelong love of learning and encourages students to think independently.  Academic success is founded on staff knowing each and every individual student; success that comes in many different forms, be that in external examinations, national competitions, or securing a place at a high-tariff university. Students have the opportunity to personalise their learning journey and develop independence of mind, supported by adaptive teaching, ensuring all students achieve academically. "Big enough to thrive, small enough to care, SWPS is a place where learning and enjoyment go hand-in-hand, meaning that good grades are the happy by-product of a well-rounded education." Good Schools Guide 2025 Year 7 & 8 Our students’ first two years at SWPS are an important time in their educational journey, during which we want to capture their imaginations, ignite their love of learning, and equip them with skills that will be invaluable as they progress through the school. We deliver a rich curriculum – which is stimulating, creative and innovative – so that our students experience a breadth of subjects and ideas as they find their passions. We encourage SWPS students to think critically, to learn how to work both independently and collaboratively, and to be reflective about their progress and goals. Through interesting cross-curricular links, our students understand how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in one area to alternative contexts and become more analytical learners in the process. Subjects studied: Art Computer Science Design & Technology (Design Technology / Textiles / Food Technology) Drama Geography History Languages (French / Spanish / German) Latin Maths Music Physical Education / Games PSHCE Religious Studies Sciences (Biology / Chemistry / Physics) Underpinning the curriculum, students engage in project-based learning which aims to develop their cross-curricular learning and interdisciplinary skills. These experiences during Years 7 and 8 build a firm foundation from which our students move confidently into Year 9, ready to take the next steps in their education. Year 9, 10 & 11 As students prepare to move into Year 9, we help them to make choices about the GCSEs they will study. We encourage students to think about the subjects they will most enjoy and also offer practical advice about suitable combinations and how GCSE choices might influence future A Level or Higher Education options.  Following the IGCSE syllabus, students study core GCSE courses in: Mathematics Science (in which students will sit two or three GCSEs on the double or triple award system).  Students who select triple award science will select a further three subjects whilst those who pick dual award science pick four subjects from the list of options. Students usually sit 9 or 10 GCSEs and the option subjects available to students at GCSE are: Art Classical Civilisation Computer Science Design & Technology Product Design or Textiles Drama Geography History Modern Languages (French, Spanish and German) Latin Music Physical Education Religious Studies Students who are bi/trilingual will also often take an additional GCSE in their first/second language by studying it outside of school but taking the examinations in school in any year that is appropriate in relation to their attainment and progress. "Inspectors recently highlighted SWPS’s culture of high expectations and the School’s ‘happy and purposeful atmosphere’ where students enjoy School life and thrive." ISI Inspection GCSE Options All SWPS students study nine GCSE subjects comprising five core subjects and four options. Those choosing the separate science option will only select a further three optional subjects. During Year 9, students will be asked to choose the subjects they wish to study for their GCSEs; the examinations for these will be taken in Year 11. GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET GCSE Subjects Core GCSEs: Mathematics English Language English Literature Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Non Examination: PE PSHCE Further Mathematics is also available as an additional GCSE for the top set students who are able to study for this additional qualification within their Mathematics lessons. GCSE Options Art Biology Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science Design & Technology – Textiles or Product Design Drama French Geography German History Latin Music Physical Education Physics Religious Studies Spanish Students who are bi/trilingual will also often take an additional GCSE in their home/second language by studying it outside of school but taking the examinations in school in any year that is appropriate in relation to their attainment and progress. A great deal of help is given to students in choosing their options and particular emphasis is put on this during the Year 9 information and parents’/guardians’ evenings. Sixth Form Year 12 and 13 Similar support is given in Year 11 when students are making decisions about what to study in the Sixth Form. Sixth Form students take 3 A Levels +. 3 A Levels + makes the Sixth Form experience individualised – to enable students to gain extra qualifications, develop new skills and stand out applications for universities and employers. Fourth A Level – typically Further Maths EPQ – the Extended Project Qualification allows students to explore a topic of their choice, developing research, project management and independent learning skills Elective Qualifications – including Core Maths, AS Sociology, GCSE Italian and Greek Elective Courses – including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Open University courses, Gold DofE, Peter Jones Tycoon Challenge and virtual work experience Personalised Activity – support for high-performance athletes and musicians The school also works with students and parents/guardians where there is a need for an alternative curriculum. This is most commonly applied for students with SEND diagnoses or who are elite performers at national level in music or sport, for example. For more information about the Sixth Form at SWPS click here A LEVEL OPTIONS BOOKLET Continue your journey GCSE Results Find out more Beyond the Classroom Find out more Sport Find out more Life at SWPS