Senior Curriculum Overview

Senior Curriculum Overview

The Senior School curriculum at St Columba’s College is ambitious, broad and carefully designed to inspire each student to achieve their personal best. Rooted in academic excellence and shaped by a commitment to whole-person education, it balances high standards with flexibility, creativity and support.

Our passionate teachers deliver high-quality lessons that promote intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, and strong moral, social and cultural understanding. From Form 1 (Year 7) onwards, we build on the key foundations of literacy, numeracy, speaking and listening, while nurturing a lifelong love of learning.

Forms 1–3 (Years 7–9)

In the early Senior years, students follow a rich and varied curriculum including:

• Core subjects: English, Maths, Religious Education and Science
• Humanities: History and Geography
• Languages: French or Spanish, plus Latin
• Creative & Practical subjects: Art, Computer Science, Design Technology, Food Technology, Drama, Music and PE

STEM and ethical thinking are developed through dedicated “Big Questions” and Financial Education lessons. In Form 3, students begin to make subject choices with three options from a selection including Latin, Music, Art, and Drama.

Forms 4–5 (Years 10–11)

At GCSE, students typically study up to 11 subjects. The core includes English Language and Literature, Maths, Religious Studies, a modern language, and Science (with some students also studying Further Maths). Optional subjects include:

Art, Business, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Latin, Music, PE, and Statistics. All students continue with PE and Games.

Teaching Groups & Setting

Students are placed in mixed-ability teaching groups named after Saints: André, Benedict, Francis, and Ignatius. Maths is set by ability from Form 1, with English, Science, and MFL also grouped from Form 3. Class sizes are small to ensure personalised attention.