Learning in the Senior School
“They [pupils] have excellent attitudes towards their learning and highly developed study skills.” ISI Inspection 2017
Confidence lies at the heart of successful learning. Small classes, an emphasis on individual needs and teachers with outstanding subject knowledge, who will go that extra mile to ensure that every pupil at Bishop’s Stortford College receives the time and attention needed to develop the confidence and desire to learn for life. Your child will be surrounded by adults who love to learn, love to share their learning and strive for the very best in all they do. Teachers who will build a rapport with your child based on mutual respect, inclusivity, a genuine interest in them and shared goals. The enthusiasm and example of our teachers, in class and beyond, is inspiring and underpins the College’s vibrant atmosphere.
Academic Organisation & Curriculum
"The school is highly successful in creating an ethic of hard work and enthusiastic participation.” ISI Inspection 2017
Fourth Form (Year 9)
Pupils are setted for English, the Humanities, Mathematics and the Sciences, with five sets for each.
All pupils follow a common curriculum of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, Design & Technology, ICT, Art, Music, Ethics Philosophy & Theology, Physical Education & Swimming. In addition, pupils study two modern foreign languages chosen from French, German and Spanish and the decision to continue with Latin is optional.
Lower and Upper Fifth (Year 10 and 11)
Pupils are setted for English, Mathematics and the Sciences, with five sets for each.
All pupils follow a common curriculum of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology and they must choose four other subjects from: Art, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Ethics Philosophy & Theology, Spanish. At least one of these must be a modern foreign language, although pupils may continue with two if they wish.
Our Higher Education & Careers Department works closely with Senior School pupils as soon as they enter the Fourth Form. Please click here to find out more.
After-School Provision & Homework
Fourth, Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth Forms (Years 9-11)
Prep is set by subject teachers according to the homework timetable that is distributed to pupils at the beginning of the Autumn term. Generally, pupils will have three preps a night, each of about 30 to 40 minutes duration. Pupils should ensure that descriptions of the tasks set are written into their Prep Diaries.
Monitoring Progress
“They [pupils] are stimulated by their teachers' evident passion for their specialist subjects and their consistently
At all stages in the Senior School, progress is carefully monitored by Housemasters, Housemistresses, Tutors, Heads of Department and in Staff Meetings. Two Parents’ Meetings are held in the Fourth Form year, one in the Lower Fifth and two in the Upper Fifth year. Each pupil’s progress is assessed regularly and grades are communicated to parents, who also receive two full written reports on each subject during the year.
Daily Routine (Mon-Sat)
| 7.40am-7.55am | Boarders' Breakfast |
| 8.20am | Registration |
| 8.35am | Assembly or House Meeting |
| 10.50am | Morning break |
| 1.10pm | Lunch in the College Dining Hall |
| 2.15pm | Each year group will have a combination of lessons, games, PDP, PSHE and/or tutorials |
| 5.00pm | Optional PDP, including Drama and Music |
| 6.00pm | Dinner for boarders |
| 7.00pm-8.45pm | Boarders' prep |
On Saturdays, pupils attend a timetable of lessons in the morning followed by a Games session in the afternoon. Saturday school finishes around 3pm or as such time as the Games programme finishes.
Please see our Current Information Booklet for more information.
