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Curriculum Overview

This page gives an overview of the subjects studied by pupils in each year group. What it cannot do is convey the excitement of learning in an environment where teachers are passionate subject-experts, and pupils are engaged and enthusiastic learners. If you would like to experience this first-hand then please come and visit us.

Please also make sure you read more about our extensive co-curriculum and our pastoral care which we view as integral parts of a broad and rounded education.

The Prep (Year 6)

Pupils will follow a timetable that resembles that of a typical secondary school pupil in many respects, with a variety of subjects similar to those listed for Year 7 included. The Head of Prep delivers a significant proportion of these lessons in the dedicated Prep classroom, providing stability and continuity for our youngest pupils.

Pupils’ curriculum includes Art, English, French, Mathematics, Music, Science and Physical Education and Games. Tutorial periods with the Head of Prep are also an important feature and will incorporate delivery of our Life Education programme (Personal and Social Development).

Year 7

All pupils follow a curriculum consisting of:

Art and Design, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, English, Food Technology, French, Games, Geography, History, Latin, Life Education (Personal and Social Development), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Science and Textiles.

Year 8

All pupils follow a curriculum consisting of:

Art & Design, Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Drama, English, French, Food Technology, Games, Geography, German or Spanish, History, ICT & Computing, Latin, Life Education (Personal and Social Development), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies and Textiles.

Year 9

All pupils follow a core curriculum consisting of:

Biology, Chemistry, English, Games, Geography, History, Life Education (Personal and Social Development), Mathematics, Religious Studies, Physical Education and Physics.

Pupils study three subjects from French, German, Spanish, Latin, Classical Civilisation and English & Communication skills.  The latter of these courses is designed for pupils who may benefit from some additional academic support.

Pupils also choose three creative and technical subjects from Art and Design, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Food Technology and Music. 

Years 10 & 11

All pupils study for GCSE qualifications in English, English Literature and Mathematics.

Pupils choose a further seven GCSE subjects including at least two Science subjects, at least one Modern Foreign Language and at least one Humanities subject:

  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
  • Modern Foreign Languages: French, German and Spanish
  • Humanities: Classical Civilisation, Geography, History, Religious Studies
  • Other subjects: Art and Design, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Classical Greek, Latin, Music, Physical Education.

Pupils also follow non-examination courses in Physical Education, Games and Life Education (Personal and Social Development).

GCSE Options Booklet 2022

Years 12 & 13 (Sixth Form Aspire programme)

Most of our pupils remain at LGS for the Sixth Form and we are always pleased to welcome a good number from elsewhere; the latter very quickly settle and become highly-valued members of our community, enjoying their studies as well as all the other opportunities which support their transition to young adulthood.

Our Sixth Formers, whom we now call ‘students’, lead the way and set the tone at the top of the school. We are very proud of them! Not only do they achieve great things, but they thrive on the rounded programme which the school continues to offer, developing the softer skills which will stand them in such good stead for their future lives. Our visitors very often comment on their natural self-confidence and their ability to relate so well to others: “Well rounded individuals, confident but not arrogant, such a good reflection on the school,” as one parent put it.

We have recently reviewed our Sixth Form offering. We want it to be the best possible preparation, not only for university and apprenticeships, but also for life. We believe that our new Sixth Form Aspire programme offers a distinctive experience, enabling our students to keep ahead of the crowd.

The Academic Core is provided by A level study. Most choose three A Levels from the start of Year 12. It is possible to study four subjects, and for Further Mathematicians it is usually considered essential, but this route is suitable only for the most academically engaged and industrious students. The subjects available are:

Students also complete the Ivy House Award in Year 12. This is an innovative Leadership programme, the likes of which is normally only available in the corporate world. The focus is on self-awareness, self-leadership and then the leadership and service of others.

Academic Enhancement and Enrichment is provided by a range of additional, non-examined courses, as well as specialist preparation for specific routes, including a comprehensive and very successful course for aspiring medics and support with Oxbridge. Many of our students also complete the Extended Project Qualification, which is an excellent research-based, independent piece of work on a topic which falls outside students’ examination syllabuses. There is a weekly lecture series in Year 12 on a variety of stimulating topics and supported by some very inspiring speakers.

Co-curricular participation is another vital ingredient, and one which supports personal development in all sorts of areas, normally alongside others and often in a leadership capacity. 

The Service element of Aspire is eagerly embraced by our students, who are all expected to contribute in some way to the school’s charity fundraising and community service. We want our students to leave us as generous individuals who will make a difference to the lives of those around them, whether in the UK or working more globally.

The entire programme is supported by Guidance and Preparation, pastorally and in readiness for university, apprenticeships and work. Students benefit from closer attention in smaller tutor groups, which contain a mixture of Year 12 and Year 13 students, with the former learning from the latter. The tutor monitors a student’s academic progress and happiness in the Sixth Form, as well as guiding university and apprenticeship applications, informed by a thorough and specialist careers guidance process.

The position of Leicester Grammar School as one of the top co-educational day schools in the country is based to a large extent on the achievements of our Sixth Form students. We nurture students who are independent, creative, highly qualified individuals, confident in their ability to make their chosen way in the world.

We expect much from our Sixth Form students in terms of their commitment to school activities and academic studies. In return, we are only too happy to be fully engaged with them in the team-effort necessary to achieve the highest standards.

We welcome applications from academically engaged pupils from other schools who want to play an active part in our Sixth Form life. Entry to the Sixth Form is by interview and offers of a place are then conditional on the GCSE grades gained.