Seniors

In the Senior Department there is one form capped at approximately 20 girls per year group. The form is divided into two groups for many subjects, including Mathematics, which allows for a great deal of individual attention from the teacher. In Years 7 to 9 the girls study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Geography, History, Religious Studies, French, Information and Communication Technology, Food and Nutrition, Textiles, Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education. Spanish is introduced in Year 8.

A wide variety of activities as well as ‘themed’ days, visiting speakers and educational visits at home and abroad enrich the girls’ educational experience. Alternate years the Year 7 and 8 netball players attend a 5 day coaching session in Holland and in Year 8 the girls also attend a week’s residential course at Sayers Croft Field Centre - www.sayers-croft.org.uk as part of the Geography curriculum. The older girls visit France and Spain to practise the language and visit the Art galleries as part of their GCSE research.

In Year 9 the girls choose the subjects they would like to study for GCSE with guidance from their subject tutors, the Head of Careers and the advisor from Harrow Careers Service. The majority of girls study 9 GCSEs, including English, Mathematics and either Science as one GCSE or separate GCSE Sciences in Biology, Chemistry and / or Physics. All the pupils take Religious Studies in Year 10. The school timetable is written taking fully into account the girls’ preferred choices.

The application for Sixth Form places begins at the end of Year 10. Our colleagues from many of the schools to which the Year 11 girls transfer after GCSE visit PSM to discuss the opportunities and requirements and the process begins in earnest in the Autumn Term of Year 11. As well as having good academic qualifications, pupils are expected to have played a full part in the life of the school. During their school career there will have been many opportunities to take part in drama, music, sport, dance and art. The Year 10 girls take responsibility for charity fund-raising throughout the school. Working with the girls lower down the school and taking on the different roles of the committee- President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Manager they develop inter-personal skills which prepare them well for Sixth Form activities such as Young Enterprise. In Year 11 they apply for the positions such as Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl, House Captain and Sports Captain. The application process itself stands them in good stead for the future and the responsibilities attached to the posts help them to mature into confident young adults.

Details of the recent destinations of our Year 11 girls are available elsewhere on the website.