MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Department remains the largest department in the School, currently with twelve members of staff involved in the teaching of this subject.

Examination results are consistently outstanding. All students take the IGCSE examination at the Higher level, and around two thirds of the Sixth Form are currently involved in Advanced level Mathematics, making it the most popular subject at that level.

Our staff are well qualified and very capable, enthusiastically teaching this vital subject, encouraging many students to take part in a variety of mathematical competitions throughout their time at the School, culminating in a significant number of students going on to study either Mathematics or an associated numerate subject at major universities each year.

The aims of the Department of Mathematics throughout the school are:

· To foster the enjoyment of learning mathematics.

· To encourage pride in successful mathematical achievement.

· To develop each pupil to his or her maximum potential in the use and understanding of mathematics

at a level appropriate to the learner’s experience.

· To encourage good practice in the effective acquisition of skills in mathematics.

· To promote the efficient use of appropriate technology.

· To ensure an appreciation of the applications of mathematics within the real world.

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Department remains the largest department in the School, currently with twelve members of staff involved in the teaching of this subject.

The aims of the Department of Mathematics throughout the school are:

· To foster the enjoyment of learning mathematics.

· To encourage pride in successful mathematical achievement.

· To develop each pupil to his or her maximum potential in the use and understanding of mathematics

at a level appropriate to the learner’s experience.

· To encourage good practice in the effective acquisition of skills in mathematics.

· To promote the efficient use of appropriate technology.

· To ensure an appreciation of the applications of mathematics within the real world.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science is a relatively new subject but one that is increasingly important as societies use and reliance on it grows. The digital revolution has begun and pupils must be equipped with the necessary skills to succeed and excel in workplaces that may not even exist yet. This is taught in Year 1 and 2 and includes computing skills such as programming, use of standard applications and the digital world.

The aims of the Computing courses in the First and Second Year are:

• develop essential knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and principles together with an appreciation of their significance, and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations

• develop an understanding of the connections between facts, principles and concepts from different areas of IT and Computing

• develop skills and understanding that will enhance and support study in other curriculum areas

• sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the use of IT

• recognise the value and responsible use of IT in society

• promote an appreciation of the development and significance of IT in personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts and an awareness of advances in technology

• be a suitable preparation for studies in higher and other educational establishments and for professional courses which require students to have a knowledge of IT when admitted

• students should be made aware that IT need not be studied in isolation; it should be related, in a wider sense, to the needs of people.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

The aims of the Computing courses in the First and Second Year are:

• develop an understanding of the connections between facts, principles and concepts from different areas of IT and Computing

• develop skills and understanding that will enhance and support study in other curriculum areas

• sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the use of IT

• recognise the value and responsible use of IT in society

• promote an appreciation of the development and significance of IT in personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts and an awareness of advances in technology

• be a suitable preparation for studies in higher and other educational establishments and for professional courses which require students to have a knowledge of IT when admitted

• students should be made aware that IT need not be studied in isolation; it should be related, in a wider sense, to the needs of people.

The Dobson Theatre

Opened in 2017, The Dobson Theatre is a modern, intimate and versatile space for theatre, music, dance and presentations/lectures.

Designed to host a diverse programme of events for the School, the local community, and visiting professional performers, our 298 seat auditorium (which expands to 402 seats) provides an outstanding creative space for the City of Southampton.

We are extremely proud of the Theatre's exceptional acoustics, state of the art sound system, full theatre lighting, presentation and AV facilities.

The Dobson Theatre

Opened in 2017, The Dobson Theatre is a modern, intimate and versatile space for theatre, music, dance and presentations/lectures.

We are extremely proud of the Theatre's exceptional acoustics, state of the art sound system, full theatre lighting, presentation and AV facilities.

Library & Resources Centre

Fully and extensively refurbished in 2019, the spectacular library space offers additional study and reading areas for students and staff alike in a bright, contemporary setting.

Over 12,000 books, ebooks, periodicals, newspaers, DVDs, audio-tapes, CDs and more are freely accessible in the LRC.

Library & Resources Centre

Fully and extensively refurbished in 2019, the spectacular library space offers additional study and reading areas for students and staff alike in a bright, contemporary setting.

Over 12,000 books, ebooks, periodicals, newspaers, DVDs, audio-tapes, CDs and more are freely accessible in the LRC.

PHYSICS

The Physics Department enjoys excellent facilities for the students. All six members of teaching staff are physics specialists. We are housed in five modern, well-equipped and fully supported laboratories and one room dedicated to Sixth Form project work. This allows our students to experience the full breadth of practical physics.

In the International GCSE years we combine an introduction to the basic underlying principles of physics with the concomitant skills required to master this most fascinating subject. We also introduce the pupils to aspects of modern physics that both capture the imagination and have direct relevance to their lives.

In the Sixth Form we follow the Advancing Physics A-level course, endorsed by the Institute of Physics. This builds on the International GCSE work and also concentrates on a combination of conceptual understanding, practical skills and real-world applications. It is a course which provides an excellent basis for further study of the physical sciences or engineering.

We continue to look for opportunities to extend our students, in addition to offering an optional Astronomy GCSE course, we frequently meet with success in the British Physics Olympiad competitions.

PHYSICS

We continue to look for opportunities to extend our students, in addition to offering an optional Astronomy GCSE course, we frequently meet with success in the British Physics Olympiad competitions.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES & PHILOSOPHY

The ability to make informed judgments about religious and moral issues is more important than ever in today’s world. That is why at King Edward’s we have expanded our teaching to offer GCSE and Advanced Level qualifications in Religious Studies and Philosophy. The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department at King Edward’s consists of specialist teachers who are all highly enthusiastic and committed to delivering quality Religious Studies and Philosophy at all levels of the School. The Department values the contributions of students of every faith and of no faith background in its pursuit of rigorous academic study. The aim of the Department is not to prescribe a personal faith in any particular belief system but to nurture each student’s own perspective whether religious or secular and to provide an opportunity for them to explore and consider perspectives other than their own.

The subjects of Religious Studies and Philosophy play fundamental roles in creating independent and creative thinkers; critical and disciplined students and kind and tolerant individuals.

Our Department and our subjects are at the heart of the curriculum and our vision for education here at King Edward’s

RELIGIOUS STUDIES & PHILOSOPHY

The subjects of Religious Studies and Philosophy play fundamental roles in creating independent and creative thinkers; critical and disciplined students and kind and tolerant individuals.

Our Department and our subjects are at the heart of the curriculum and our vision for education here at King Edward’s

SIXTH FORM

The Sixth Form at King Edward’s aims to deliver consistently excellent results in a wide range of A level courses. A favourable teacher:student ratio allows us to focus on the individual, and promotes class discussion. Good, positive relationships with teachers are a feature of the Sixth Form experience, making it an important stepping stone to the world of university and work.

A vibrant co-curricular programme emphasises our belief that education is more than a set of grades. Our Sixth Formers are encouraged to take the opportunities that are on offer, at home and abroad. Throughout these crucial two years, the students are guided by a tutor in small groups. Our Higher Education advice is well targeted and successful in helping the students to get the attention they need to make the most of their abilities.

The academic programme followed by the majority of students in the Sixth Form is four subjects reducing to three full A level subjects in the Upper Sixth, although those wishing to take all four subjects to full Advanced level may do so.

SIXTH FORM

Dining Room

& Hospitality Suite

We have an impressive school canteen that offers our pupils a choice of healthy hot and cold meals, jacket potato bar, salad bar and dessert section. Our bright, modern dining room offers a relaxing place to eat.

As part of our partnership with Sodexo, we've recently developed Green & Lean meals - a range of healthier and more sustainable menu choices that are currently being rolled out in other independent schools across the country.

Dining Room

& Hospitality Suite

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

We are a friendly body of teachers, who work with pupils in all year groups in a range of subjects, and we hope we bring excitement, passion and rigour to our lessons. During a pupil's time at KES, we aim to inculcate a love of the ancient and modern cultures which gave birth to our various languages, but never forget the importance of technical mastery. We recognise that a good handle on grammar inspires creativity and opens the door to fluent communication.

The Aims of the Modern Language Departments throughout the School are:

• To foster the enjoyment of language learning.

• To encourage pride in successful linguistic achievement.

• To develop each pupil to his or her maximum potential in the use and understanding of modern foreign languages at a level appropriate to the learner's experience.

• To encourage good practice in the effective acquisition of language-skills.

• To promote understanding and appreciation of the cultures and ways of life of other countries.

• To ensure that pupils achieve their full potential in public examinations.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The Aims of the Modern Language Departments throughout the School are:

• To foster the enjoyment of language learning.

• To encourage pride in successful linguistic achievement.

• To develop each pupil to his or her maximum potential in the use and understanding of modern foreign languages at a level appropriate to the learner's experience.

• To encourage good practice in the effective acquisition of language-skills.

• To promote understanding and appreciation of the cultures and ways of life of other countries.

• To ensure that pupils achieve their full potential in public examinations.

ART

OUR AIM ‘Unquenchable Curiosity’ and ‘inventive imagination’ are the skills we would like all our students to come away from the department with.

The Art Department at King Edwards is an open and stimulating place in which to work.

The relaxed yet professional atmosphere encourages pupils of all ages to develop their creative capabilities in both formal and informal situations. We try to equip the students with a range of equipment to widen their skillset and find their niche. The department comprises a main painting studio, a dedicated Art computer suite running Adobe Creative Suite, print studio, VI form Studio, kiln room and office/subject library containing over 3,000 titles.

Our purpose-built studios are designed to facilitate an open and interactive learning environment. We try to operate, within reason, an ‘open door’ policy throughout the school day and beyond; and are proud to say that many students choose to spend their lunch hour using the space.

After school we run Architecture Society, Character Design Club and Life-Drawing for VI Form students; as well as partnership sessions with local primary schools.

ART

OUR AIM ‘Unquenchable Curiosity’ and ‘inventive imagination’ are the skills we would like all our students to come away from the department with.

The Art Department at King Edwards is an open and stimulating place in which to work.

After school we run Architecture Society, Character Design Club and Life-Drawing for VI Form students; as well as partnership sessions with local primary schools.

PE & SPORT SCIENCE

The department offers the students to take IGCSE and A level courses in Sports Science. The five teaching members of the department are all enthusiastic as well as knowledgeable in their subject. We enjoy the use of a stunning classroom overlooking the playing fields.

The IGCSE PE course allows students to increase their knowledge, understanding and performance in physical activities. The course aims to promote physical activity, develop positive attitudes and make students aware of safe practice.

The new A Level Sport and Physical Education is an interesting and fascinating course. The syllabus includes biomechanics, commercialism, disability, drugs, education, international sport, history of sport, leisure, elite performance, physiology, psychology, recreation, sociology and world games.

The courses consist of both theory and practical lessons; they are academically and practically challenging and will suit a wide range of students.

The PE & Sports Science Department has three short-term and two longer-term aims

Short-term

(1) The acquisition of skills (2) Exercise (3) Enjoyment/satisfaction

Longer-term

(4) The balanced development of physique (5) Provision of scope for self-expression and the development of social & sporting attitudes

PE & SPORT SCIENCE

The courses consist of both theory and practical lessons; they are academically and practically challenging and will suit a wide range of students.

The PE & Sports Science Department has three short-term and two longer-term aims

Short-term

(1) The acquisition of skills (2) Exercise (3) Enjoyment/satisfaction

Longer-term

(4) The balanced development of physique (5) Provision of scope for self-expression and the development of social & sporting attitudes

MUSIC

We are a forward-thinking department that provides an open, exciting and challenging environment for all students to develop as musicians. Standards are high and large numbers of students participate in a diverse and vibrant programme of musical activities.

There is something to suit all musical tastes from the Chamber Orchestra, First Year, Senior or Chamber Choir to the Big Band, Sax Quartet and Guitar Ensemble. There are many opportunities for students to perform in concerts at school and in the wider community and there are regular trips abroad.

Students enjoy working in a purpose built department with a Recording Studio, Recital Room and Mac Music Technology Suite.

Regular trips to concerts and operas are arranged and professional musicians are invited in to the department to lead a range of workshops and master classes. There are a number of Scholarships and Music Awards available for advanced musicians.

MUSIC

Students enjoy working in a purpose built department with a Recording Studio, Recital Room and Mac Music Technology Suite.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

The Design & Technology Department at King Edwards is a vibrant and inspiring place in which to work.

The atmosphere is one of busy and purposeful activity where pupils are encouraged to be creative and to expand their experience and knowledge.

The department is a modern well resourced centre for excellence in design and technology within which students are encouraged to participate.

The department comprises

• two multi-material workshops

• a dedicated textiles room

• an IT based “clean” room

• staffing and materials preparation rooms.

All staff in the department work together, share ideas, expertise and experiences. Experimentation and interaction between staff ensures that the department never becomes stagnant. All teaching staff in the Department are expected to teach across the age range of the School..

The Department is well equipped with a wide variety of materials, machinery and processes available. There is full technical support from the department technician for both staff and student.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

The Design & Technology Department at King Edwards is a vibrant and inspiring place in which to work.

The atmosphere is one of busy and purposeful activity where pupils are encouraged to be creative and to expand their experience and knowledge.

The department is a modern well resourced centre for excellence in design and technology within which students are encouraged to participate.

The department comprises

• two multi-material workshops

• a dedicated textiles room

• an IT based “clean” room

• staffing and materials preparation rooms.

The Department is well equipped with a wide variety of materials, machinery and processes available. There is full technical support from the department technician for both staff and student.

CLASSICS

In the Classics Department we aim to preserve the best of traditional language teaching, but to present it in a way that is interesting and enjoyable to young people today, using a lively modern approach and a dedicated team of dynamic specialist teachers. The cultural context is of vital importance here, helping to emphasise the relevance of the classical world to the present day, both linguistically and culturally.

From Latin and Mythology in the First Year to the study of Classical Civilisation and Latin in the Sixth Form, we seek to open up the classical world to all who are interested, allowing them to be stimulated and stretched by ideas, art, language and literature that have such an abiding influence on our own lives.

The aim of the Cambridge Latin Course is to encourage students to read meaningful Latin from the very start. We adhere to its principles and encourage students to enjoy what they read and to become engrossed in the plot of the continuous story, which unfolds through the Stages. Many of the stages contain dialogues, which are ideally suited for performance and encourage the oral use of Latin.

We do, however, think that it is important to reinforce the grammar at every stage and to develop an understanding of sentence structure and the role of the cases, which can be so beneficial to English and the learning of other modern languages. Vocabulary has to be learned and tested regularly and the checklists at the end of each stage are used for this. Because ours is a reading course, leading to the first encounter with Latin authors in Book IV, no English into Latin translation is done below the Sixth Form.

CLASSICS

ENGLISH

We believe that the study of English can have a very positive impact on the lives of young people. Our ultimate aim is to inspire students to go on to study the subject at A Level and university. However, whether they take the subject on at A Level or not, we want all students who study English at the school to find the experience enjoyable and enlightening, and to leave KES with a range of skills that will benefit them in the future lives.

Curriculum Overview

In the first three years of the School (Years 7, 8 and 9) we place vigorous emphasis upon wide reading, and on extending the capacity and confidence of pupils’ oral and written expression, with a fortnightly private reading lesson in the comfort of the Gould Library.

In the Fourth Year (Year 10) pupils embark on the CIE IGCSE English Language and English Literature courses, where individual teachers are encouraged to design attractive, varied and challenging schemes of work.

English is popular at Advanced Level and in recent years many students have gone on to read the subject at university. AQA specifications are followed in English Literature and English Language. Students are expected to read widely around and beyond their A Level texts and are also encouraged to debate vigorously and to participate fully in the many theatre and cultural trips on offer.

ENGLISH

Curriculum Overview

HISTORY

Our fundamental aims in the History Department are twofold; firstly to generate an interest in the subject, and secondly to transmit some knowledge of the past to those we teach that is both interesting in itself and, hopefully, of value to the pupils in helping them understand the world around them.

It is important that pupils realise there were people here before them and that these people, though similar to us in many ways, were also remarkably different. It is also important that they understand how our society evolved and why we are what we are now.

We believe that the story of the past is an interesting one and one well worth studying.

History is a popular and highly valued subject at King Edward's. All pupils study History in their first three years and over half of these will take the subject on to IGCSE; at present there are 71 pupils in the 5th form History cohort and 79 in the 4th form. Following from this, we expect about 30 pupils a year to study the subject beyond IGCSE.

The department's attitude towards the teaching of History is based upon two principles:

The firm and passionately held belief that great events in themselves deserve to be studied and that this can, and should, be a cause of huge enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction to those who engage in this activity. Our hope as teachers is both to enthuse pupils during their school days and also to foster a lifelong love of the subject.

The clear and absolute certainty that the study of the past can help to develop vital skills of analysis and communication that will stand our pupils in good stead whatever they might do with their lives in the future.

HISTORY

We believe that the story of the past is an interesting one and one well worth studying.

The department's attitude towards the teaching of History is based upon two principles:

GEOGRAPHY

The Geography Department continues to strive to provide a high quality education for students and to offer a pleasant working environment for both its pupils and members of staff.

Our aim is to provide a balanced 'diet' of the various aspects of the subject and to get the very best out of our students. We want our students to have the opportunity to explore their own perception of the subject from the First year up to A' Level and beyond.

We try to utilise fieldwork at all levels within the School. There are residential field courses at both IGCSE and at A' levels.

Local Fieldwork Local fieldwork is something which the Department is very keen to promote at all levels within the School. This work really falls into two categories:

A. Fieldwork undertaken during class time

Whilst we are always keen to minimize the 'disruption' to colleagues in other Departments, it is possible to get students out during class time. Students can see a great deal in a double period, particularly with respect to the Human Geography of Southampton. Industry; housing; the structure of the CBD and the rural-urban fringe are all elements which lend themselves to such fieldwork.

B. Fieldwork which is carried out at other times

Below is a selection of recent fieldwork exercises carried out by Sixth Form students.

(i) Calshot Spit. (ii) Hengistbury Head. (iii) Lulworth Cove. (iv) The Solent.

GEOGRAPHY

The Geography Department continues to strive to provide a high quality education for students and to offer a pleasant working environment for both its pupils and members of staff.

We try to utilise fieldwork at all levels within the School. There are residential field courses at both IGCSE and at A' levels.

Local Fieldwork Local fieldwork is something which the Department is very keen to promote at all levels within the School. This work really falls into two categories:

A. Fieldwork undertaken during class time

B. Fieldwork which is carried out at other times

Below is a selection of recent fieldwork exercises carried out by Sixth Form students.

(i) Calshot Spit. (ii) Hengistbury Head. (iii) Lulworth Cove. (iv) The Solent.

DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES

We in the Drama Department believe passionately that the study of Drama offers not just intellectual and performance skills but important skills for life. Our pupils learn to command the attention of a room full of people, they present themselves confidently and clearly and they learn the arts of collaboration, cooperation and effective communication. They also have a lot of fun in the process!

Pupils in all years are given the opportunity to study live and recorded theatre, explore published plays and develop their own performance and design skills.

DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES

Pupils in all years are given the opportunity to study live and recorded theatre, explore published plays and develop their own performance and design skills.

BIOLOGY

In the media there are constant reminders of the importance and relevance of biological topics. Our students are frequently fascinated by these, eager to discuss, question, extend and apply their knowledge. It is therefore not surprising that Biology is a popular subject in the School.

We have a team of dedicated and experienced teachers in the department, all of whom are passionate about Biology. Our laboratories have been flexibly designed to allow the variety of learning experiences essential for our students; in addition to traditional practical work we have all the equipment necessary to effectively incorporate ICT within lessons.

Our tropical marine aquarium provides a focal point for the entrance to the department and is an important resource for our teaching.

As part of their course our Sixth Form students spend several days studying ecology at a residential field centre, in recent years this has been at Leeson House in Dorset. This enables them to engage with professional ecologists and to study Biology at first hand.

BIOLOGY

Our tropical marine aquarium provides a focal point for the entrance to the department and is an important resource for our teaching.

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is a large and very successful department within the School. It currently has eight members of staff and one technician. As a core IGCSE subject we teach about 450 pupils in the 3rd , 4th and 5th year. It is a popular A level choice and we commonly teach around 50 students in the Lower Sixth and slightly less in the Upper Sixth making us one of the largest Sixth Form departments in the School.

The aims of our GCSE Chemistry specification are to encourage candidates to:

• Acquire a systematic body of chemical knowledge, and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations in a range of domestic, industrial and environmental contexts

• Acquire an understanding of scientific ideas, how they develop, the factors which may affect their development and their power and limitations

• Plan and carry out a range of investigations, considering and evaluating critically their own data and that obtained from other sources, and using ICT where appropriate