The core subjects at The Gregg School comprise three departments; English, Mathematics and Science. These subjects are mandatory subjects taught throughout your child's time at the school. Our students are placed in sets for the some/all core subjects from Year 7 so that they are learning  in classes of similar ability children and can work at the right pace for them.

Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.

Stephen Hawking

Deputy Head, Mr Gillespie, explains more about Core Subjects at The Gregg School:

English

The department's teaching is based on the programmes of study of the National Curriculum for English. From the beginning of Year 7 great emphasis is placed on the value of extensive reading to stimulate imagination, an awareness of differing styles and a wide vocabulary.

The ability to write with clarity and accuracy is paramount. We must also endeavour to ensure that students enjoy the writing process. They are encouraged to acquire new vocabulary and experiment with different styles. Writing competitions are held at the school and students' work is entered for local and national competitions.

Self and peer assessment is encouraged and targets for improvement frequently set. In the lower school, schemes of work are designed to develop students' skills in all areas required by the AQA syllabus for English and Literature, which is followed in years 10 and 11. 

Study of texts is supported by trips to see theatrical productions of the texts students are studying. Students are entered for competitions in writing and drama.

GCSE English Language & Literature

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Mathematics

The Mathematics department is committed to helping each student achieve their potential whilst also fostering an enjoyment of and enthusiasm for a fascinating subject.

The National Curriculum provides us with a framework for our lessons. Students are placed according to ability. Regular testing is supported by a close working knowledge of all students in our small classes to ensure that students are both encouraged and stretched at an appropriate level, with interchange between sets as necessary.

We are aware of different learning styles as well as the needs of individual students, and continue to increase our use of ICT and practical equipment in the classroom to enhance learning and understanding.

Students enter the International GCSE at Higher or Foundation level at the end of Key Stage 4. A small group of exceptionally able go on to study AQA Further Mathematics and some A level work in Year 11. This is a particularly valuable opportunity for those wishing to pursue Mathematics at A level and beyond once they have left The Gregg School.

We encourage the enjoyment of Mathematics and provide a varied and extensive enrichment program across all years. These activities and trips focus on providing greater depth about the subject in a real world context. 

Maths Ambassdor program to develop aspiring leaders to support the younger students and the department but running twice weekly clubs to offer help with revision and homework. This program is also part of the whole school Valor program.

We have achieved a regular supply of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards over the years and each year a number of students proceed to the highly regarded European and International competitions.

A national Team Mathematics event holds a regional first round at Churcher's College in Petersfield and the teams of two Year 8 and two Year 9 students who regularly take part have a wonderful day of hectic mathematical fun. Our aim each year is to enjoy the day, although beating all the other local schools would be a bonus!

We are proud of our achievements and strive to achieve our aim: that all students should experience enjoyment of the subject and achieve levels of understanding that equips them for future studies, careers and life.

GCSE Mathematics Curriculum

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Science

The Gregg School offers a wide range of excellent facilities to deliver our Science curriculum. Five purpose-built laboratories (brand new in September 2016), including dedicated Biology, Chemistry and Physics rooms, all overlook the surrounding woodland and have individual access to this external learning environment. We provide a range of co-curricular activities and visits including Eco group, Horticulture club, Astronomy club and  trips to Winchester Planetarium, Marwell Zoological Park, Southampton University and the Royal Society.

All students start their GCSEs in Year 9, working towards the Combined Science GCSE which is worth 2 GCSE grades. At the beginning of Year 11 some students will transfer to the Triple Science course leading to the award of separate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

GCSE Science

 

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Science