INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
A wide range of subjects is taught by specialists. Initially all girls have lessons in the traditional academic core subjects, in English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Geography, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (taught as three separate sciences) and French, as well as in Music, Art, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Religious Studies, PE and ICT. In the second year of Senior House (Year 8) girls also begin German and Spanish.
Girls are encouraged to aim for breadth in their choice of subjects at GCSE level: Music, Art, Food and Nutrition, ICT and Business Studies, Psychology, Performing Arts, Theatre Studies, PE and Graphics are available in addition to a choice for foreign languages, including French, German and Spanish. Close links with French and German schools enable Westfield to provide a language exchange programme. The more able may take an accelerated Latin course.
Curriculum Subjects include:
Religion Religious Studies lessons in Upper Three to Upper Four focus on giving girls the skills to understand and evaluate the role of belief in today's world. This involves the study of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Philosophy. Girls and their parents have access to a wide range of careers events. Use is made of parental expertise in a number of career fields and further academic studies. Girls who have left school recently are helpful in giving advice about their experiences, applications and successes.
The school is Christian in outlook and welcomes girls of all faiths. Everyone is expected to attend morning assembly and to play an active part in planning and taking services from time to time. Girls attend Religious Studies lessons and the subject is a popular option for GCSE and A level.
We offer every girl the opportunity to study religion at GCSE level. They can opt for a short course or a full course. From September 2009, the short course will be entitled ‘Religion and Morality.’ Full course students will study this paper and one entitled, ‘Religious Philosophy and Ultimate Questions.’ All the issues raised by these courses are examined through the Christian and Islamic traditions.
The AS/A2 Religious Studies Specification is provided by EDEXCEL. Students critically consider issues in the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, with reference to appropriate traditions. They are also given the opportunity to conduct a personal study into an area of their choice – a task which is good preparation for university life.
The subject is a popular option at both GCSE and Sixth Form level.
Individual help is available for any girl experiencing difficulties in a particular area and for those who require additional tutoring for specialist subject examinations (eg Oxbridge). The needs of dyslexics are catered for by qualified staff and there are close links with the Dyslexia Institute. Careers
The school has a well equipped careers room with computer facilities and a reference library to which all girls have access. Careers guidance begins early in Senior House with a process of counselling leading to GCSE options and later to AS and A level choices. In addition to the Careers Tutor, other specialists advise senior girls. The school participates in a programme called "Preview" offered by COA (Cambridge Occupational Analysts Ltd). This is a very useful aid in helping girls make informed decisions about their future education and career. Sixth Form girls receive extra guidance from the Sixth Form Tutors with particular emphasis on interview skills. Help is given with applications to universities and other places of higher education. An established work experience and shadowing scheme, including European work experience, provides opportunities for all senior girls.
