Academic

Art

• First to Third Form – From September 2023 students in the First and Second Forms will choose two out of the four creative subjects Art, DT, Drama and Music. In the Third Form, pupils choose three of the four
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Within the inspiring walls of Gulland Hall, a stunning converted church in the heart of Sutton Valence village, our students are provided with creative stimulus from the outset. Our vibrant Art department continuously finds new and exciting ways to encourage a creative freedom and allow our students to explore their own style. Through a wide range of exciting projects, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and trips, we aim to develop our students’ own personal artistic skills as well as a cultural appreciation of others’ artwork, that will continue to grow throughout their adult lives.

Every year, we open our doors for an end-of-year exhibition that has become one of the highlights of the School calendar, giving the Art department the opportunity to showcase the students’ talents and the diversity of their artistic disciplines.

Biology

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – Combined within Single Science, Double Science or as a standalone subject
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Biology is the study of the natural world around us, from the largest of mammals, all the way down to our very own microscopic DNA. It is a fascinating subject that allows us to understand how living organisms function, including the intricate and mind-blowing structure of the incredible human machine. It consistently challenges our students logically through facts and figures, whilst also challenging our morality; Biology is without doubt, a subject that will never cease to amaze.

At Sutton Valence School, students learn Biology with the aid of engaging practical activities, ranging from laboratory organ dissections to practising ecologist-sampling techniques out in the field. These practical skills are nurtured from First Form and become the foundations for using sophisticated techniques such as colorimetry, centrifugation and chromatography at A Level.

Our courses are designed to not only help students acquire skills in collecting data, but also in analysing and evaluating it, investigating facts and using deduction. These skills help students to become confident scientists and inspire many to go on to study degrees such as Medicine, Veterinary Science and Ecology.

Business / Economics

• Sixth Form – A Level Option – Either Business or Economics can be taken.

By studying Economics or Business, our students are given an awareness and understanding of the commercial world in which many will one day make their mark. The courses aim to inspire students to understand how an economy works and how they will negotiate the maze of policies, competitors and an ever-changing world to flourish into successful adults. This subject opens the doors to explore post-School study in a range of subjects including economics, business, accountancy, finance, marketing and politics.

There is also an opportunity to complete a Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) Fundamentals of Financial Services qualification for Lower Sixth students, which is highly desirable by universities as few schools offer the chance to study a professional qualification alongside their A Levels.

The school offers the Young Enterprise Company Programme as an optional activity in the Lower Sixth offering pupils the opportunity to set up and run their own business for a year,

GCSE – Economics (OCR Specification)

By studying Economics at GCSE pupils have the opportunity to take their first steps in the subject and to appreciate that we are all part of the economy and that economics relates to every part of our daily lives. This course will offer a strong foundation for further study of either Economics or Business at A-Level and will help to develop a logical approach to thinking and reasoning.

CCF

• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option (BTEC Level 2 qualification)

Students who choose to take CCF as an extra option in the Fourth Form are given the chance to develop key attributes, such as independence, resilience, leadership and communication skills.

Gaining a BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community, this qualification combines a mix of theory and practical work. The cadets will partake in field days, camps, courses and adventure training, as well as other practical activities such as how to write a good CV, improve their communication skills, risk assessment awareness and health and nutrition.

See CCF Enrichment

Chemistry

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – Combined within Single Science, Double Science or as a standalone subject
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Chemistry lessons will be something that will stay with our students forever; whether it is the distinctive smell of the department’s laboratories, setting fire to something with a Bunsen burner or the amazing colours that magically appear when mixing two solutions.

Chemistry is an essential science and our future and that of our planet will depend on our ability to meet our basic needs for food, energy, medicines and materials. Chemistry may hold many of the answers to the challenges we will face in the years to come and a basic scientific literacy is important for all. Here at Sutton Valence School, Chemistry is both a practical and theoretical subject and our students will learn how and why different substances interact with each other through experiment. We develop the ability to link the practical aspect to the theory, which is key to understanding the process and is a useful skill in developing logical thought processes, powers of analysis and data handling.

Chemistry is for the curious, the problem solvers, those who want to understand how the natural world works. It is an exciting, challenging subject with the potential for developing many useful transferable skills.

Computing

• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option

Computing, distinctly different from ICT, delves into the inner workings of a computer. Developing skills by designing, writing, testing and refining programs using Python will give our students the in-depth knowledge of what happens when you switch a computer on and what goes on inside the processor.

Design and Technology

• First to Third Form – From September 2023 students in the First and Second Forms will choose two out of the four creative subjects Art, DT, Drama and Music. In the Third Form, pupils choose three of the four
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Scott Adams once said, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep”. Design and Technology is an inspiring and creative subject, whilst also being relevant and functional. Students learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts, whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. A broad range of subject knowledge is drawn from additional disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

The purpose-built Design and Technology centre is based in the heart of Sutton Valence village and boasts a wealth of both traditional and technologically-advanced facilities, allowing our students endless opportunities to bring their design concepts to life. The department’s success over the last few years has been reflected in the number of Old Suttonians going on to study Design and Technology courses at some of the leading universities in the country.

Drama

• First to Third Form – From September 2023 students in the First and Second Forms will choose two out of the four creative subjects Art, DT, Drama and Music. In the Third Form, pupils choose three of the four
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option (known as Drama and Theatre)

Offering our students the opportunity to unleash their creative spirit, Drama is an important subject here at the School. For our younger dramatists, the subject enhances many desirable characteristics, such as confidence, resilience and the ability to work in a team.

As they progress, the students expand their understanding of theatre by exploring the requirements needed to effectively bring a play to life. Encouraged to express their individuality, they can use this understanding to devise their own pieces. Calling upon their new-found knowledge of established playwrights, they can then bring their own masterpieces to the stage.

The students can also take part in our annual School productions, based in our purpose-built, 200-seat Baughan Theatre to supplement their theoretic learning.

EAL

EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Our EAL department supports students who do not speak English as their first language. As well as learning topic-based vocabulary, grammar and preparing for examinations, students learn about British culture and values.

If the student has English as an Additional Language, they will attend EAL lessons in place of First Language English. They will only be moved out of EAL in exceptional circumstances and they will sit the IGCSE in EAL rather than the English Language and Literature exams.

We endeavour to assist our students to study towards an external qualification in English, such as the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), Preliminary (PET), IGCSE or IELTS. This also helps them access the academic curriculum by learning subject-specific vocabulary and improving study skills such as summary writing, note-taking and essay writing. This supports our international students to adapt quickly to life at Sutton Valence School, as the challenge of a language barrier becomes less of an issue.

English

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – Compulsory
• Sixth Form – A Level Option (English Literature)

The English department has a unique educational position in its interconnection with a broad range of topics right across the curriculum, so we aim to develop in our students a curiosity in the links between subjects and an ability to imagine and argue from a position of understanding.

While English reaches far beyond reading and understanding texts, the fundamental skills learned and applied during English lessons will stay with our students forever. We naturally focus on spelling, grammar and punctuation, and explore a wide range of literary and non-literary written forms. The continuous development of the skills learnt in English is an integral part of every student’s educational journey.

The English department makes a point of taking the subject outside the classroom, and pupils enjoy a variety of trips and talks, including visiting speakers and touring theatre companies, and regular theatre trips to London and Canterbury to see productions that complement their study in school.

Film Studies

• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Steven Spielberg said, “Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about” and we agree. Film is not only entertaining, it’s a cultural product of our time. Our students will delve into the world of film, enthusiastically deciphering film technology and the importance it has on the creation of film. Students will study mainstream Hollywood films from the past and present, as well as UK and world cinema.  At A-Level there is also the opportunity to explore experimental films, documentary and independent cinema.

We are surrounded by stories and images; Film Studies gives students the tools to understand and analyse them. They embrace the diverse, dynamic nature of the course and the interesting nature of all that can be learned and explored.

French

• First to Third Form – Compulsory (Either French or Spanish)
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

For those curious about gaining insight into other cultures and expanding their view of the world, studying a Modern Foreign Language, such as French, creates a unique opportunity to be able to communicate in another language. Being able to understand French can enhance our students’ prospects with future work and travel opportunities. It also opens more avenues available in film, literature, history, music, art and sport.

The MFL department embraces every aspect of French culture to promote deeper learning and to allow students to immerse themselves in everything the language has to offer.

Further Mathematics

• Fifth Form – GCSE Option (A set only)
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Further Mathematics aims to broaden, challenge and extend our students’ existing Mathematics knowledge. By exploring more complicated techniques and developing a deeper understanding of Mathematics, we can solve more difficult, unstructured problems. This is for students with a genuine, curious love for Mathematics.

This subject is certainly not for the faint-hearted! However, if students like problem-solving, exploring complicated techniques and want a more thorough knowledge of how something works, Further Mathematics is for them. This subject opens doors to many different university and career paths, including medicine, engineering, computing, law, psychology, economics, business studies and architecture.

Geography

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Exploring the physical world around us, from the sky to the sea and everything in between – Geography is for the curious. Discovering the physical world, how the environment develops and changes, and analysing the ever-changing complexity of our world, students will enhance their interpretation and evaluation skills, whilst becoming more informed about the planet.

A variety of Geography trips are organised to allow our students to get out into the field, both in the UK and overseas, to explore geological aspects in real life.

History

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Taking a voyage of discovery into our past, our ancestors and the decisions made by historic figures, History opens the minds of our students. We explore a broad range of historical topics to learn how past societies, systems, ideologies, governments, cultures and technologies were built, how they operated, and how they have changed. The rich history of the world helps us to paint a detailed picture of the world we live in today.

Students will eventually take an in-depth study of British history from 1950-2007, looking at all aspects of social, economic and political developments from post-war reconstruction to the New Labour years.  This is complimented by a breadth study of Russia and the Soviet Union between 1855 and 1964.  This exciting syllabus covers the Crimean War, the Russian Revolution and the premierships of Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev.  This combination of topics provides our historians with the option of studying History or Politics and a host of transferable skills that are desirable if studying other subjects.

Our History department offers varied ways in which our students can delve more deeply into these events of the past to gain a more realistic understanding of how these occurrences have shaped the present day. We have a strong track record with the Historical Association’s ‘Great Debate’ with two recent students reaching the final at Windsor Castle.

We also offer cultural history trips, most recently to Poland, offer an invaluable insight to contextualise and support everything that the students learn in the classroom.

ICT

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – Compulsory
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a continuously changing subject and is quickly becoming an essential part of our day-to-day lives. Providing our students with the key skills and ability to understand, manipulate and design data, ICT is proving to be an extremely desirable knowledge area for almost all future careers.

Developing practical skills in creativity, problem-solving and understanding applications gives our students the best support for many other aspects of their lives.

Learning Support

Every child that joins Sutton Valence School is valued as an individual with specific abilities, interests, strengths and areas for development. Each year the School welcomes a broad ability cohort of new pupils, and whilst many of these pupils rise easily to the challenges of the academic curriculum, some need a little more support to achieve their true potential.

The Learning Support department at the Senior School has a team of four dedicated teachers – two with a background in Science and Mathematics and two English specialists. All hold further qualifications in supporting pupils with additional educational needs. The Learning Support department works in close collaboration with classroom teachers to support pupils in all aspects of their learning.

Mathematics

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – Compulsory
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Mathematics is a fundamental part of human thought and logic, and integral in understanding the world around us. As a subject, Mathematics splits into six main branches: Number; Algebra; Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change; Geometry and Measure; Probability and Statistics and, in each element, Problem-solving.

The fundamental knowledge learned during Mathematics lessons can be carried throughout our students’ lives and is useful in many areas, such as technology, scientific discoveries and creating successful businesses. By using creative, fun and inventive methods, our teachers aim to make Mathematics a subject that all students learn to love.

Media Studies

• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

The media saturates everything we do in the modern world. Media Studies is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of media concepts such as audience, genre and narrative, along with the ability to debate important questions about the media.

Students will study a range of media forms, such as music videos, computer gaming and crime drama series and then use their knowledge from this to create their own media productions. These can take a variety of different forms such as marketing campaigns, documentary productions or magazine designs. Aside from promoting our students’ creativity, Media Studies is a truly contemporary subject which is relevant to all of our students’ lives.

Music

• First to Third Form – From September 2023 students in the First and Second Forms will choose two out of the four creative subjects Art, DT, Drama and Music. In the Third Form, pupils choose three of the four
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

By studying Music, students will be introduced to a wide variety of musical styles, from popular music and jazz to world music to the Western classical music canon. They will also be given opportunities to learn music technology such as sequencing, mixing and recording.

As students progress, their study focuses upon three core areas – performance, composition and the ability to listen and critically appreciate music. In the performance section, students are encouraged to be creative and innovative, with a broad range of options available from traditional orchestral instruments to singing. In the composition section, the department’s innovative use of technology allows students to compose their own pieces to a particular brief or style. Finally, in the listening section, we encourage students to appreciate and respond to music as well as analyse its structure and composition.

Photography

• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Photography explores not only the art of taking a good photograph, but the inner workings of a camera, the processes that allow the vision to become a reality and the technology to enhance their work.

Discovering a darkroom, working with digital cameras and computer technology and having an environment that focuses on lighting gives our students the experience to discover all there is to know about photography. This establishes a solid foundation to continue within the diverse world of photography after their studies.

Physical Education

• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option (we also offer OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Sport)

As an academic subject, Physical Education explores performance, anatomy, physiology and the psychology behind athletic ability. For students who are curious about sport, the technology behind it and the commercialisation of sport in society, Physical Education is the perfect subject to learn about the science and physical attributes that contribute to the world of sport and athleticism.

See Sport page

Physics

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – Combined within Single Science, Double Science or as a standalone subject
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

From the structure of matter to how the Earth came to be, these are the types of questions we seek to answer through studying Physics. Most of our daily lives are in some way touched by scientific endeavour, clever engineering or the ingenious mathematics that keeps the world around us ticking.

At Sutton Valence School, a range of topics within the Physics discipline are taught, from the foundations of forces and motion, electricity, light and sound, which are built upon throughout the GCSE course.  Students undertake engaging practical activities which help them to develop their understanding of the scientific process, to observe, question, hypothesise, predict, test, analyse and evaluate.

A Level introduces students to the weird and wonderful world of quantum mechanics as they explore both the small and large scale universe in greater detail; from Newtonian theories and classical wave mechanics to Einstein’s theory of relativity and the wave-particle duality of light, students begin to better appreciate our ever-evolving knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live.

Studying Physics at Sutton Valence School can take you to the forefront of our ever-advancing technological society and is one of the most requested A Level subjects from Russell Group universities and many pupils go on to study Engineering, Economics, Medicine and other related degrees.

PSHE

Our teaching of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is aimed at promoting in children, a healthy self-confidence, a sound knowledge and a clear understanding of what is needed to become informed, active, responsible citizens. We work hard to ensure that all we learn is put into practice within our own smaller community, in preparation for life beyond.
Our pupils are provided with many opportunities to reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, whilst tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. The PSHE department is concerned with those dispositions and qualities that are essential to help a child flourish, so they are offered a diverse array of topics, in a well-structured and carefully balanced program of studies.

A regular time is set aside for PSHE in the week to ensure the scheme or work is able to be properly delivered, but, of course, it is developed through activities and whole School events. Pupils are given a voice not only in day-to-day interactions with their teachers and other pupils, but also through the formal structure of a School Council. This body has representatives from each class and they meet regularly to discuss School matters.

Visits and special days in School provide opportunities for children to plan and work together, and develop and maintain relationships under different circumstances. They can discover new qualities and characteristics through volunteering, participating and reflecting on new experiences.

Psychology

• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. It is both a flourishing academic discipline and a vital professional practice. There are few disciplines that enrich us as people, to allow us to grow and have a much broader understanding of our reality.

It is intellectually and emotionally challenging, providing a conduit for change – psychological research has had far-reaching consequences for many governing systems in our society, such as education, the law, health, sport, business and childcare, to name but a few.

Religious Studies

• First to Third Form – Compulsory
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Religious Studies is less about religion, as the name suggests, and more about the examination of the human existence. Allowing and encouraging the debate of fundamental questions that have come to shape our Earth as we know it, Religious Studies enables a deeper understanding of religion and its place in the world.

Here at Sutton Valence School, we explore arguments for the existence of God, challenges that surround religious beliefs, ethics and freewill, significant historical and social developments in religious thoughts and determinism.

Religious Studies is a stimulating area of academia in its own right, and we encourage critical thinking skills, which students can immediately transfer into any discipline. Students will develop an independent mind and cultivate the ability to make reasoned and informed responses to religious and moral issues.

Spanish

• First to Third Form – Compulsory (Either French or Spanish)
• Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE Option
• Sixth Form – A Level Option

Spanish is the second largest native-speaking language in the world. As such, the ability to speak Spanish provides significant opportunities when considering travel and work prospects. Gaining cultural awareness and having added communication skills provides a life skill that will always be transferable.

The MFL department embraces every aspect of Spanish culture to promote deeper learning and to allow students to immerse themselves in everything the language has to offer.