Senior School
Curriculum
Life in the classroom at Tower House is about stretch and challenge, curiosity and creativity, cementing foundations and broadening understanding. English and maths remain core to the curriculum with science, history, geography, French, RS, art and design, computer science, music and physical education adding to the weekly diet of academic subjects. Latin is added as well as classical civilisation.
The boys are taught by specialists who inspire and motivate the boys in their specific subject. Technology is used to enhance teaching and learning across the Senior School curriculum as well as being taught specifically within computer science. With a programme of regular formative and summative assessment, tracked across the year, we monitor progress and add intervention where required to make sure every boy is making maximum academic progress. We aim to develop confident learners, able to work independently as well as in groups, communicate their thoughts and ideas articulately and fluently, present their work neatly and clearly, challenge and question effectively and take pride in every piece of work in class and for homework.
We are serious about academic development for our boys and whilst we aim to make learning fun and enjoyable, we are hugely ambitious for each of them. They are inspired to work hard and ensure academic excellence is a strong foundation on which to build in other areas of school life. Wherever possible, project work deepens independent study and boys are encouraged to enter national academic competitions, with plenty of success.
For many, applications for academic scholarships to future Senior Schools is strongly supported. We know every child is at a different stage in their learning for each subject but our ambition for them to make as much progress as possible sits at the core of our provision. Effort is rewarded as well as attainment, and progress is a key focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the school support pupils of different abilities?
Our limited class sizes and one form per year, enables us to carefully monitor our pupils throughout their time with us. Across all subjects, our staff are able to adapt the work and expectations to match the needs of each pupil to ensure that they continually progress and develop confidence in each area.
With particular focus in maths, English and languages, we identify areas that need extra focus, and are able to provide bespoke work in the classroom and for homework that strengthens the boys’ abilities.
What is the average class size?
In the Senior School the maximum class size is 24, with one form per year. This enables us to tailor our teaching to benefit the individual boys in each year group, whilst also being able to host competitive sports fixtures across football, rugby and cricket.
What is the homework expectation?
Homework is an important part of the education process, and it is taken seriously at Tower House. As the boys get older, the amount of time spent on homework increases. All homework is recorded on Microsoft Teams each day for the boys to access, and boys will also be told in class what their homework is.
How much emphasis is placed on academic achievement versus overall development?
Tower House provides a rich learning environment, and our boys are carefully monitored throughout their time with us to ensure that they are progressing academically and reaching their full potential. We are extremely proud of our exceptional academic results.
However, we truly value kindness and service to others beyond everything else. Our highly skilled and motivated staff take enormous pride and care in developing the characters of our pupils from a young age, ensuring that as well as academic strength, the ‘soft skills’ of confidence, empathy and resilience results in young men that are happy and well prepared for the demands of Senior School and beyond.
How is academic progress measured and reported?
Our boys are carefully monitored throughout Senior School to ensure they are progressing academically and we track each boy’s development meticulously each half term to ensure that the right support is in place. Collecting this amount of information on each pupil as well as gaining a thorough understanding of them as individuals, helps us ensure the boys are reaching their full potential and also helps us to form accurate judgements regarding the future Senior Schools in which the boys will thrive.