Curriculum

In the Senior School the National Curriculum is used as the basis for our teaching and learning but as an independent school we have the flexibility to adopt only those changes which we feel are beneficial to our students.

All the subject areas of the National Curriculum are taught at Key Stage 3, from age 11 to 14, including the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science.  We choose to introduce two Modern Foreign Languages, both French and Spanish, which continue to year 9.

During year 9 parents and students meet with teachers to discuss GCSE Options.  These change every year to accommodate as many students as possible.  In addition to compulsory studies in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science ( Double or Triple ), ICT. and R.E. most students cover a further three subjects selected from French, Spanish, History, Geography, P.E., Art, Food and Nutrition and Drama.  The majority of students study a total of 10 GCSEs with some choosing more or less to meet their individual needs.

Art

Art is studied and enjoyed throughout the College.   Many students take part in artistic and creative competitions with impressive results and Blanchelande has three striking displays every year in the local Eisteddfod.

Head of Art, Mrs Cora Lee, helps the girls work with a huge range of different media and styles.  This results in a stunning annual display of GCSE and A level art work.  Every year students choose to continue to develop their talents at university in a range of art courses including fine arts, art and design and interior design.

Music

The Music department is vibrant and flourishing, and actively encourages and stimulates pupils interest in music. From the early beginnings of rhythm and song in the Infant Department those with a musical talent have every opportunity and encouragement. Instrumental lessons usually start at age 7 and many students will graduate from recorder to piano, violin or flute.

In the Junior School the choir meet every week to enjoy their singing and prepare for public performances.  Junior instrumentalists can join the Senior Orchestra which involves students of all ages and musical abilities. 

The Senior Choir includes almost one third of the girls and the Chamber Choir, Cantemus, consists of talented older students, many of whom study GCSE or A level Music.

Mr Chris Claxton, Head of Music, ably assisted by Mrs Sam Holland, successfully bring together all these elements in an annual concert which entertains and enthralls.

Dance and Drama

Both Dance and Drama are offered as GCSE subjects.  They are available as after-school studies to enable girls to take them without restricting their other GCSE choices.  This has proved to be a successful innovation, so much so that other schools have asked to join our classes.

Role play is an important part of Pre-School and Infant development and drama is used in many subject areas throughout the Junior School.  In the Senior School it is both a separate subject and is used frequently in other areas, especially English and Humanities.

Budding actresses have opportunities both in curriculum time and more especially in the productions presented to a public audience every year.  Most recently a ‘Space Adventure’ in the Junior School and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ in the Senior School were both colourful, amusing and absorbing entertainment.

Both Dance and Drama form part of the Inter-House Competitions which are such an important element of College life.

Sport

For our older students Physical Education is available as both a GCSE and A Level subject.  This is in addition to all our senior students from age 11 to 18 who have physical activity or games every week.  They have opportunities to continue to develop their skills in netball, hockey, swimming, cross country, athletics, gymnastics, tennis and rounders. 

They will also be introduced to a number of other sports and activities such as trampolining, personal fitness, rugby, badminton and archery with the hope that every teenage girl will find an activity she will wish to continue.

Competitively the College is frequently involved in netball, hockey, swimming, badminton and athletics. We also play matches in cricket, and soccer.

In the Senior School the National Curriculum is used as the basis for our teaching and learning, but as an independent school we have the flexibility to adopt only those changes which we feel are beneficial to our students.