Senior School Education

A Stafford Grammar School education is all about unleashing pupils’ potential and enabling them to flourish. We develop our pupils’ skills and nurture their talents to enable them to enjoy successful futures. 

Our teachers are passionate about their subjects and keen to share that sense of wonder with our pupils.

Stafford Grammar Senior School pupil in Science Class An Inspiring Curriculum

Girl on computerAll of our pupils get to take part in a Careers Day to support their GCSE option choices. They get to try out new subjects for GCSE and A-level options, such as Psychology, Politics and Economics. We educate our pupils through a rich and varied curriculum. We want our students to develop their skills and discover new talents to pursue.

We believe that students should have a wide range of opportunities beyond the ‘normal’ curriculum and we undertake many school trips. There are also many enrichment opportunities (‘SGS Extra’) for pupils.

Year 8 pupils at Stafford Grammar in a geography lesson

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science (Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics in year 9)
  • French
  • German
  • Geography
  • History
  • Religious Education
  • Art and Design
  • Design and Technology
  • Drama
  • Computer Science 
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Life and Wellbeing (PSHEE and Careers)

GCSE pupils at Stafford Grammar in a lesson

The vast majority of our students study ten subjects for GCSE Students study:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics 
  • Biology, Chemistry & Physics
  • French or German
  • a Humanities subject 
  • Two further options from ten available (including a second language if they wish, a humanity or a practical and creative subject)
  • In addition to their examination subjects, all pupils follow courses in Physical Education, and in Life and Wellbeing (PSHEE) and Careers Education.

Stafford Grammar School is the ideal size – large enough to have a wide range of subject choices, but with small classes for individual attention and support. 

A separate GCSE Choices brochure can be downloaded here the GCSE options form is available here.

Sixth Form pupils in a lesson at Stafford Grammar

In the Sixth Form, most Lower Sixth Form students will study four ‘AS’ subjects and continue with 3 as full A-levels.  Sixth Form students also have sports and a form tutor period.  A choice of approximately twenty subjects is offered.

Sixth Form students also have the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), in a specialist area of their choice and supported by a member of staff. 

Sixth Form Education
 

Stafford Grammar pupils learning in an Computer lesson

At Stafford Grammar School, we embrace the potential of technology to enhance teaching and learning. 

We use digital devices naturally and intuitively in lessons as another effective tool for learning. 

We operate a ‘Bring-Your-Own-Device’ policy, which enables students to bring a laptop or tablet device to school for use in lessons. 

The use of devices in school does not replace traditional methods, but rather is used as another tool to enhance learning. We believe in the importance of handwriting, spelling, grammar and the intellectual rigour involved in traditional approaches. At the same time, the ability to use ICT seamlessly as part of learning is a skill with which we need to equip our students to prepare them for life and work in an ever-changing digital world.

Our teachers make use of the Google Suite for Education, with all subjects also having a virtual online class. This enables electronic resources to be shared quickly and easily, as well as helping students stay organised through setting homework online. 

Two Stafford Grammar pupils reading a book during an English lesson

Our aim is to make all students feel confident in their abilities and to bring out the best in them so that they can achieve their full potential. 

We understand that even in an academically selective school, learning is not a linear pathway. Some pupils may need more individualised support at certain times. 

When a learning difference is identified, we work collaboratively with the student and parents, to devise appropriate teaching and learning strategies to enable all students to become independent, confident and successful learners.

We actively promote a whole school approach to meeting additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and our team of expert teachers understand the importance of developing strategies and skills that help each pupil grow in confidence. 

Pupils identified with specific learning needs are issued with an individual pupil plan and this is disseminated to their teachers.

Our senior teacher, Mrs Shaughnessy, also liaises directly with the Examinations Officer, Mrs Stace, to ensure that access arrangements (e.g. extra time) are in place for public examinations as appropriate. We aim to identify pupils who may have additional educational needs through close liaison with subject departments and a process of screening.

I am so lucky to have received such amazing support. I am so happy with my GCSE results and having dyslexia never held me back at SGS - Year 11 pupil 

Pupil during a Aim Higher lesson at Stafford Grammar

Our ‘Aim Higher’ programme encourages pupils to extend their learning and interests beyond the classroom. The vision for this is to enable all of our pupils to explore the subjects they enjoy beyond the confines of the curriculum.

Our teachers and ‘Aim Higher’ coordinator direct pupils to particular parts of the programme because they are showing interest and potential in specific areas of the curriculum. 

For example, pupils in Year 8 can undertake ‘Aim Higher’ Projects, to mirror the Extended Project Qualification in the Sixth Form. They research a new area of interest connected to their academic subjects and enter their projects into a competition in school. Pupils might be directed to submit pieces of writing for academic competitions or creative writing journals. They might attend optional lunchtime lectures.