Core Academic Subjects
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. Students are placed in sets for Maths in Year 7, Maths and English in Year 8 and all core subjects from Year 9 so that they are learning in classes of similar ability.
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 external 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.
Classroom learning is supported by trips to see theatrical productions of the texts students are studying.
Maths
The Mathematics department is committed to helping each student achieve their potential, whilst fostering an enjoyment and enthusiasm for a fascinating subject.
Key Stage 3
The National Curriculum provides us with a framework for our lessons in Mathematics in Years 7 to 9, with students covering aspects of number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, ratio and proportion.
Students are broadly set according to ability, which allows all students in our small classes to be both encouraged and challenged at an appropriate level. The Department makes good use of ICT to support students' learning, both in and outside of the classroom.
Key Stage 4 and Further Mathematics
In Years 10 and 11, students follow the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE scheme of work. Students are entered into either Higher or Foundation level at the end of Key Stage 4.
There is the option for our most able students to take the IGCSE early in the November of Year 11. These student can then go on to study AQA Further Mathematics. This is a particularly valuable opportunity for those wishing to pursue Mathematics at A level and beyond once they have left The Gregg School.
Statistics
In Year 10 students are also given the opportunity to take AQA GCSE Statistics. The course follows the Edexcel Higher Scheme of work. The aim of the course is to enable students to develop their confidence and competence with statistical techniques, enabling them to solve statistical problems.
This is an independent course; students are given half termly homework, which is reviewed in seminars with a member of the Department.
Enrichment
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. Every year we have a high number of students who take part in the UKMT Challenges; many achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze awards for their efforts.
We also encourage our students to compete in the University of Southampton Maths Challenge every January.
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.
Other
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In class assessments and formal assessments twice a year.
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Interventions
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Clubs and homework support
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.
