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Bromley High is a school with almost 140 years of tradition, but its focus is on the future. Bromley High School is an outstanding GDST and HMC girls’ school with an exemplary reputation for academic results, sport and music.
Set in a leafy 25-acre site and benefitting from first rate facilities, Bromley High School provides a beautiful and buzzy environment where bright girls flourish.
Bromley High School has been offering an exceptional education to bright girls since 1883. In the classroom, each girl’s intellectual potential is challenged and developed by inspirational teachers whose concern for your daughter ranges infinitely beyond her performance in examinations; teachers who have a capacity to develop a love of learning, a spirit of enquiry and an independence of mind.
Art at Bromley High is an intellectual, creative and communicative subject. We teach across the full breadth of the subject and have a curriculum which is broad, challenging and exciting.
The Art Department promotes ideas and skills as partners in the creative process and promotes Art as a serious subject which is respected by students, parents and staff alike. Art at Bromley High is exciting, forward- thinking and self-critical. Our artists are set challenging work, and we do not shy away from work which is technically or conceptually difficult. The Art Department cares about students as individuals and seeks to develop warm relationships between staff and students. The Art Studios are open for all students to use in their spare time should they seek a creative refuge in their busy school day. We seek to prepare students for a world where creativity and flexible thinking are becoming more important by the day.
Years 7 – 9
The KS3 curriculum teaches pupils to understand and appreciate the role of Art in society and culture, have an open-mind towards Contemporary Art and to become critical consumers of visual culture who visit museums and galleries independently. Students are taught to have basic drawing skills which is a useful life-skill as well as problem-solving and critical-thinking skills developed from making decisions in the course of creating art. Through various media, technical and experimental workshops they learn not to be afraid of Art or of the creative process. Learning in lessons is extended through a healthy programme of lunch time and after school clubs and events.
GCSE
The GCSE Fine Art course teaches students to make high standard work in a broad range of media. They are coached in working with a sustained focus or theme and make ambitious, complex pieces of work. They experience the value of hard work, the frustrations of creative failures and the pleasure of succeeding through the process of experimentation and refinement. The GCSE course teaches students to organise their time, energy and resources well to meet their goals and they are able to work collaboratively and contribute positively to the learning of others. By the end of the GCSE course our artists have discovered areas of Art which they are passionate about and have learned about them in depth.
Co-Curricular
The Art Department offer exciting and varied opportunities to experience art outside of the school walls. These include trips to London galleries and museums throughout the school year. Recent overseas trips have included residential visits to Venice, Rome and Amsterdam.
The aims of the Biology department are to foster inquisitiveness and develop thinking skills through an active and inclusive program of study across all years. Practical skills are continually developed and remain a core area of lessons on a daily basis. Pupils are encouraged to utilise all their skills across all three of the science discipline.
Years 7 -9
Biology is taught alongside Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences. The emphasis is to focus upon investigative and analytical skills as well as the more familiar areas of subject content. Many of the tasks in the curriculum involve problem solving activities to enhance and develop thinking skills.
GCSE
The department follows the Edexcel iGCSE. Full details of the course content can be found here:
- The nature and variety of living organisms
- Structure and functions in living organisms
- Reproduction and inheritance
- Ecology and the environment
- Use of biological resources
All pupils are taught Biology as a single subject initially. However, there is the opportunity for a General Science Double Award entry across all three sciences if relevant. There is no controlled assessment at iGCSE. Practical skills are taught within lessons and examined within the terminal written papers.
Co-Curricular
The department has a Science Club for Years 7 and 8.
Trips include:
- Café Scientifique (for all Years)
- GCSE Science Live (for Years 9/10)
- Hurstmonceux Observatory (for Year 7)
The aims of the Chemistry department are to foster inquisitiveness and develop thinking skills through an active and inclusive program of study across all years. Practical skills are continually developed and remain a core area of lessons on a daily basis. Pupils are encouraged to utilise all their skills across all three of the science disciplines.
Years 7 – 9
Chemistry is taught alongside Biology and Physics as separate sciences. The emphasis is to focus upon investigative and analytical skills as well as the more familiar areas of subject content. Many of the tasks in the curriculum involve problem solving activities to enhance and develop thinking skills.
GCSE
The department follows the Edexcel iGCSE.
- Principles of chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Organic chemistry
All pupils are taught Chemistry as a single subject initially. However, there is the opportunity for a General Science Double Award entry across all three sciences if relevant. There is no controlled assessment at iGCSE. Practical skills are taught within lessons and examined within the terminal written papers.
Co-Curricular
The department has a Science Club for Years 7 and 8.
Trips include:
- Café Scientifique (for all Years)
- GCSE Science Live (for Years 9/10)
- Hurstmonceux Observatory (for Year 7)
- Salters Festivals of Chemistry (for Year 7)
The Classics department aims to enable pupils to develop an enthusiasm and understanding of the Classical World, to extract and analyse information, to develop their knowledge and application of the language and to give personal responses about the literature and culture.
We study Classical Civilisation because the study of the history and culture of the ancient world makes a superb foundation for the world of work. This subject demands analytical skills, breadth of view, sympathy for other cultures and the capacity to construct rigorous arguments from evidence.
Year 9
In Year 9, selected girls are offered the opportunity to study Classical Civilisation for the first time. This involves the study of the lives and works of the Romans, Egyptians and the Ancient Greeks but requires no knowledge of Latin or Ancient Greek. Topics studied in Year 9 include the Greek Gods, Greek Myths, Roman Britain, Roman religion, the Egyptians, Greek theatre and Sparta.
GCSE
Girls can then opt to continue their studies at GCSE level in Years 10-11 and this has proved to be a popular option subject choice. The GCSE is made up of 2 units: Women in the Ancient World and the Homeric World, and there are two exams only at the end of the two year course.
Co-Curricular
Every week, Classics Society is run by members of the Sixth Form where they present interesting stories about ancient myths and history to pupils from year 7 upwards at lunchtime. Classics Clinic also runs on Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes where Sixth Form students and teachers help pupils with difficult topics and to catch up with work which they might have missed from their lessons.
A range of day trips are also run for the following year groups:
- Year 7 – Visit to the British Museum to explore Roman and Greek daily life
- Year 8 – Visit at school by the Actors of Dionysus to explore ancient drama
- Year 9 – Visit to Butser Ancient Farm and Fishbourne Palace to explore Roman British culture
- Year 10 – Visit to the British Museum to explore women in the ancient world and Roman Britain
- Year 12 and 13 – Visits to conferences on Roman epic and Greek theatre
Residential trips are also run every year or every other year to places such as Rome, the Bay of Naples and Athens for students in year 8 and above.
A high-quality Computer Science education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Underrepresented in this field, we aim to inspire our girls to make up the next generation of Computer Scientists.
The subject has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, providing insights into both natural and artificial systems. Our curriculum is challenging and exciting, enabling pupils to explore a plethora of programming languages, all delivered in our newly renovated and custom-built computer suites by a faculty that includes seasoned industry veterans and Computer Science graduates.
Years 7 – 9
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum covers a wide range of study including computational abstraction, key algorithms that reflect computational thinking, programming, Boolean logic, understanding technology, app design, hardware and software components. Delivered to furnish all students with crucial thinking skills and the chance to work on exciting individual projects while also providing the perfect
stepping stone onto further study.
GCSE
Pupils follow the OCR GCSE course which teaches them to develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in Computer Science. Pupils develop and apply their analytical, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills while becoming well versed in how changes in technology affect the world around them. These skills are beneficial both inside and outside the subject, as the ability to break down problems and systematically deal with them is a valuable life skill.
Co-Curricular
We run a number of regularly attended Code Clubs over a typical week, investigating the limitless range of topics on offer through Computer Science. These take the form of independent and supported activities and are often delivered in relation to national competitions, with pupils taking part in:
- BAFTA Game Design & Development
- BEBRAS Computational Thinking
- Apps For Good
- CyberFirst Girl's Competition
- HM Government's Cyber Discovery tbc
The Dance Department believe every student should have the opportunity to experience dance, whether that be through performance, choreography or whilst discovering new and exciting practitioners.
Years 7-9
In Year 7 to 9, Dance falls under the PE curriculum. All students will participate in a block of six lessons exploring the fundamentals of creative dance, developing their choreographic, performance and analytical skills using different stimuli to engage their learning.
GCSE Dance
Dance GCSE is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject.
Students will develop the ability to choreograph, perform and appreciate dances through observing, discussing and actively exploring a variety of dance styles.
The course is divided into three main areas:
-Performance
- Choreography
- Dance Appreciation
Co-Curricular
Theatre Trips
Regular theatre trips are organised for the GCSE and A level students, broadening their experience of live dance and theatre whilst developing their analytical skills through observation and engagement with the performances.
Dance clubs
We run weekly dance clubs for all years, including contemporary and street dance. GCSE and A level students are able to use the dance space for planning and rehearsing for their choreography and performance pieces.
Bromley High Dance Production
Every year all students have an opportunity to participate in the Bromley High Dance production. Alongside Miss Gibbs, senior students and outside dance teachers choreograph pieces for the show in various genres, all focused around one central theme. These productions are staged with professional lighting and projection in the senior school hall which holds an audience of 300.
Churchill Theatre Productions
Collaborating with the Drama and Music departments, biennially we stage a whole school musical that is performed at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. This is open to all senior and Year 5 & 6 students. Marjorie McCure Dance Festival Every year Bromley High Dance are invited to participate in the Marjorie McClure School Dance festival, where students perform a piece from one of our shows.
GDST Day of Dance at Pineapple Studios
For the last three years students in years 10-13 have had the exciting opportunity to participate in the GDST Day of Dance held at the famous Pineapple Dance Studios in London. Students participate in workshops of different styles led by professionals in the Dance industry.
Bromley High School offers an exciting, progressive and practical course in which students explore the modern and evolving world of technology through research, design, manufacture and testing.
Students are challenged to apply iterative design techniques to real world problems and encouraged at every stage of the curriculum to be creative, innovative, enterprising and resourceful. The facilities at Bromley High School offer opportunities to integrate CNC laser cutting, 3D printing, Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D CAD modelling within coursework portfolios.
Years 7 – 9
Maintaining a diverse range of projects allows the girls to develop their interest in areas including architecture, electronics, jewellery making, graphic design and engineering. At each step of their journey they will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience, developing a curiosity for the world of design. Whenever possible projects are linked to companies and real life situations. Our students are encouraged to think differently, work as a team, share ideas and explore their creativity.
GCSE
GSCE Design Technology is a popular option choice. The subject develops design, ICT and engineering skills – asking pupils to figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries.
Design and Technology links Maths and Science through our STEM program, challenging students to consider ways to apply new ideas to a diverse range of problems.
Computer Aided Design and CNC manufacturing develop student expectations and their understanding of industry standard software. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are utilised to communicate and market their ideas. SketchUp enables students to model their design ideas in 3D throughout their development. 3D printers help to create prototypes and our CNC laser cutter provides additional opportunities to develop and model three dimensional outcomes. Students have access to two workshops, a design studio equipped with chrome books and computers and CAD/CAM resource.
50% of the qualification is assessed through design coursework. The written examination tests understanding of areas including materials, environmental concerns and manufacturing processes.
Co-Curricular
Our design students have been recognised through the Arkwright Scholarship Trust and national competitions including Design Ventura led by The Design Museum. Trade events, including 100% Design, offer students the chance to speak and network with design professionals. New Designers in London showcases graduate work and provides a unique platform to explore the range and diversity of degree courses available throughout the UK.
Our aim is to avoid the dull, and focus on developing our students' sense of creativity and adventure.
Whether in a School Production, a lesson or a lunchtime activity, we would hope that our students can engage with Drama in a way that makes them comfortable and confident with others and yet also allows them the freedom individually to explore ideas, debate issues and express themselves with enthusiasm and intelligence.
Years 7 – 9
KS3 Aims to introduce core elements of performance that build on skills each year:
In Year 7 pupils are introduced to techniques of practical storytelling ; as the course progresses pupils study how to create and develop distinct characters. The emphasis in Year 8 is on historical styles of theatre – Commedia Dell'Arte, melodrama, Shakespeare. By Year 9 pupils explore a wide range of methods of performance that use more stylised means of communication, such as mask, pantomime, and Greek chorus.
GCSE
Pupils follow the WJEC specification. This involves the study of a set text (currently DNA by Denis Kelly), and two practical performance projects (one devised, one text based). In addition to developing an academic approach to drama, students are assessed on their process of working and their ability in performance. Theatre trips are an integral part of GCSE study and pupils attend productions at least once a term.
Co-Curricular
The Drama Department is committed to offering a variety of co-curricular activities and clubs that are open to all pupils and these are organised with this principle in mind. These include:
- KS3 Drama Festival
- Yr 7 Drama Club
- Speech & Drama lessons (LAMDA & ESB)
- School Production (all Years)
- Summer Performance (KS3)
- Tours/external performances
Our English Department is a vibrant and highly successful department. Pupils are encouraged to be confident and enquiring readers coupled with an intellectual rigour.
Girls have the opportunity to study a well-balanced curriculum across all key stages that encourages skills of analysis, oracy, creative writing and ability to construct different text types. We are also committed to providing pupils with a wide range of opportunities which include among others, a creative writing club, English Society and Key Stage 3 Book Group. Debating and public speaking have a well-established tradition at Bromley High with senior debaters regularly reaching the finals of national competitions and our public speakers achieving significant success in the ESU Nationals.
Year 7-9
The KS3 curriculum provides a balanced range of texts and tasks from studying well-known Dickens' characters, to the Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare's world and travel writing to name but a few. Bespoke units provide pupils with the opportunity to examine past canonical writers as well as contemporary fiction from a range of cultures. Vibrant and thoughtfully delivered by highly experienced teachers, the course aims foster a love of our language through literature.
GCSE
As a core subject, English Language and Literature are separate GCSEs. English Language (CIE, iGCSE) consists of two written papers that demand skills in reading, directed writing and comprehension. The AQA Literature course offers a pleasing breadth of texts such as ‘Macbeth', ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' and ‘An Inspector Calls'. Annually, a visiting theatre provides a thoughtful and interactive Shakespearean presentation as well a visit to ‘Poetry Live' where poets lead pupils to consider different interpretations of their work.
Co-Curricular
We are committed to providing pupils with a wide range of opportunities which include among others, a creative writing club, English Society and Key Stage 3 Book Group. Debating and public speaking have a well-established tradition at Bromley High with senior debaters regularly reaching the finals of national competitions and our public speakers achieving significant success in the ESU Public Speaking Nationals.We always take part in the many GDST opportunities that the Trust provides including creative writing and public speaking competitions which we have won on multiple occasions, the latest being 2019. Finally, we have an active and popular parent book club.
The Geography department at Bromley High aims to introduce and develop the concepts of physical, human and environmental geography through the use of a range of places at different scales and in different continents.
The use of maps, photographs ICT, GIS and fieldwork allows students to foster their geographical skills and independent research with an enquiry based approach.
Years 7-9
Year 7 studies are largely based on the UK (and Montserrat). The themes studied are related to settlement at a local scale and volcanoes. Ordnance Survey maps, photographs and ICT exercises are all incorporated. The use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is introduced and pupils engage in geographical enquiry with a decision making exercise included.
Year 8 studies cover a range of physical and human patterns and processes at national and global scales. Girls learn about weather and climate, population and tourism, carrying out a fieldwork investigation into the impacts of tourism at Box Hill.
Year 9 studies have a global context covering development and aid, which encourages discussion of sustainability and an introduction to distinctive landscapes, including a field work investigation into coastal management at Herne Bay.
GCSE
Our chosen specification includes inspiring content throughout eight topic areas, encapsulating both the geography of the UK and the rest of the world, brought to life by engaging enquiry questions. The course is delivered and assessed through three main components. Paper 1, Our Natural World covers global hazards, changing.
Climate, distinctive landscapes, sustaining ecosystems and also examines field work and geographical skills linked to physical geography. The second paper, People and Society considers urban futures, dynamic development, UK in the 21st Century, resource reliance and also examines field work and geographical skills linked to human geography. The third examination is a synoptic assessment of all topics. Field work is a compulsory requirement of the course.
Co-Curricular
As a department, we offer a range of enriching and extension opportunities. Our students attend lectures at the GA and RGS and we also welcome academics from the field of geography as part of the school's Minerva Lecture series. Girls enter a range of competitions including the Young Geographer of the Year. Our biannual ‘awe and wonder' trip to Iceland gives students the opportunity to enjoy a different landscape.
History plays a fundamental role in developing students' sense of how their own story fits both within Britain and within the wider world.
Taking a broad sweep of History, from the withdrawal of Roman forces from Britannia through to the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, and ranging from the industrial towns of northern England to the slave plantations of the Caribbean, we aim to give students an appreciation of both the ‘strange and familiar' features of the past. Our students emerge as curious, critical and open-minded individuals, ready to engage with an increasingly interconnected world.
Years 7 – 9
At KS3 we aim to develop students' core skills of enquiry, analysis and development of arguments. In Year 7, we start with family history before moving onto medieval Europe – peasant life, the power of the Church – and end with the Tudors and Reformation. In Year 8, we look at the idea of ‘revolution' – how Early Modern monarchs attempted to hold onto power, and the consequences of their failure, as well as how imperial expansion and industrial innovation created modern Britain. We then focus on the 20th century, the world wars and the Cold War, and examine how extreme ideologies have shaped our current world order.
GCSE
Our IGCSE course focuses on the 20th Century. Students study International Relations from the end of the First World War through to the fall of the Berlin Wall, developing examination technique and source analysis skills. In Year 11, students research the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s before starting their coursework essay, which constitutes 27% of their final mark. Students undertake a Depth study into Weimar and Nazi Germany, focused around the enquiry of whether Hitler's rise to power was inevitable.
Co-Curricular
The History department works hard to support our students in their studies, and to encourage students to appreciate the scope and potential of further study. In addition to weekly clinics and individual consultation, we have a rich schedule of external speakers; previous speakers have included Michael Wood and Clare Mulley. We recently hosted the University of Kent's History department as they presented a series of lectures on the theme of ‘Migration'. This was the third conference that we have co-hosted in collaboration with the University of Kent, the previous two being a Black History conference and a Women's History conference, to which we invite other local schools. We encourage students to participate in external competitions – one of our students won the Historical Association's ‘Great Debate' competition. Potential Oxbridge students receive regular extension classes focusing on historiography and current debates, while the opportunity to present independent research to our History and Politics Society is open to all our A level students.
The Classics department aims to enable pupils to develop an enthusiasm and understanding of the Classical World, to extract and analyse information, to develop their knowledge and application of the language and to give personal responses about the literature and culture.
Years 7-9
All girls will study Latin during Year 7, following the Cambridge Latin Course Book 1. There will be emphasis on studying the grammatical structure of language, vocabulary learning and on seeing the links between different languages and their vocabularies. The acting out of short role plays and scenarios is involved as well as the study of cultural background and history, such as houses, daily life, food, the forum, the theatre and slavery.
In Year 8, all girls continue to study Latin using the Cambridge Latin Course Book 1 to increase their understanding of basic grammar and syntax. They will also learn a range of vocabulary and use this to help with understanding of Modern Languages, as well as continuing to explore the historical and cultural background in Pompeii, such as life after death, gladiators, the baths, politics, education and the eruption of Vesuvius.
In Year 9, the year group is divided up: some girls will continue with Latin and will have the option of pursuing their study to GCSE level; others will study Classical Civilisation again with the option of pursuing their study to GCSE level. In Latin, girls continue to build on their vocabulary knowledge, beginning to learn the WJEC GCSE vocabulary list, and their grammar knowledge through the Cambridge Latin Course Book 2. Girls will also learn about new areas of Roman culture, such as the Roman conquest of Britain and how people lived there, and Roman Egypt (its religion, trade and medicine).
GCSE
Girls can then opt to continue their studies in GCSE level. As well as developing their knowledge, understanding of the language through the Cambridge Latin Course books 3 and 4 and finishing learning the WJEC GCSE vocabulary list, topics of historical and cultural study include the Roman army, the city of Rome, Roman architecture, Roman society, Roman beliefs, entertainment and freedmen.
Girls also study short stories, poems and myths in the original language, learning to translate them and analyse them in terms of style. Latin is the only foreign language GCSE (except Classical Greek) in which girls do this. The literature includes a range of authors, mixing in historians, biographers and poets, so that the girls can experience a variety of styles.
Co-Curricular
A year 7 Latin drama competition is run in the summer term and a year 8 vocabulary competition is run in the spring term, as well as any theatre and exhibition trips to events which are relevant to the syllabus.
In the Maths Department, we aim to provide girls with a solid grounding in basic mathematical skills; to help them make sense of mathematical patterns and rules; to be able to communicate using mathematical language; to build and develop their problem-solving skills and to foster in them an enjoyment of Mathematics and an appreciation of its useful and beauty in the world. Studying Mathematics helps to develop skills of analysis, logical argument, problem solving, mathematical modelling and communication and it is also very enjoyable for its own sake. Students learn by doing and they develop a determination not to be beaten by a problem. We strive to give students the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve academic excellence but also the enthusiasm to take their learning further.
Year 7-9
The programme of study for Key Stage 3 is organised into distinct domains of Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Data Handling, but pupils build on their Key Stage 2 knowledge and ability to make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They are also encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge in science, geography, computing and other subjects.
From year 7, girls are taught in sets as we find that girls who find mathematics more difficult appreciate the extra support provided in smaller groups and this increases their confidence. More able girls are given additional appropriate challenges and extension material. The department reviews sets at the end of each year, based on internal assessments and the input of individual class teachers. Set changes may take place at other times in exceptional circumstances. In Year 9, pupils begin studying the 3-year course which leads to the iGCSE examination in Year 11.
GCSE
In the continued study of Mathematics, girls develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques; acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas; enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts; become confident to use Mathematics to solve problems and appreciate the importance of Mathematics in society, employment and study.
Pupils will study topics in the broad areas of number, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Numerical topics build on learning from earlier years. In algebra, girls will learn how to manipulate algebraic expressions and to set up and solve problems using algebraic techniques. In geometry, girls will expand their knowledge of transformations and shape and space. In statistics, girls will learn how to use different statistical measures and diagrams to represent a set of data.
All pupils will take the Higher Tier IGCSE examination at the end of Year 11. Set 5 pupils will take the Foundation Tier IGCSE at the end of Year 10. They will then progress to take the Higher IGCSE at the end of Year 11.
Depending on the need, classes may be provided in Year 11 for some girls to study for an additional Mathematics qualification (currently IGCSE Further Mathematics).
Co-Curricular
There are many opportunities to use mathematics beyond the classroom and we encourage girls to discover and enjoy this.
The Maths Department has a programme of extra-curricular activities with clubs available including Puzzlemania, the Maths Craft Club and the Chess Club. Year 7 also take part in the Maths Christmas Quiz and the Maths Easter Egg Hunt (for famous mathematicians and a chocolate reward!). We support the NSPCC through Number Day and also celebrate Pi Day with additional activities in school.
Many girls are entered for the UKMT Maths Challenge and every year several achieve Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates. Some girls may qualify for further Kangaroo or Olympiad follow-on rounds.
The Department arranges for occasional guest speakers to talk about the mathematics that they are studying post-16 or that they are using in their careers. Some year 9 girls are given the opportunity to take part in Bromley Maths Master Classes and there are other mathematical visits and lectures organised, including attending the Maths in Action lectures held in London.
Bromley High School has an outstanding musical tradition, with many girls gaining places in borough and national orchestras, university music departments and music colleges. Music is at the heart of school life in every aspect – socially, academically and spiritually.
Pupils are encouraged to develop and share their music within school, the local area, London venues and abroad and greatly benefit from a specialist music wing that includes a purpose built recital room, two iMac suites and multiple practice rooms. Girls have the opportunity to perform in a rich and varied range of concerts, recitals, and competitions in addition to the wealth of weekly music groups. Over 350 individual music lessons are taught each week, delivered by a 23 strong team of visiting professional musicians and girls can take both ABRSM and Trinity College exams at the school.
Years 7 – 9
The KS3 curriculum develops the skills of performance, composition and appraising through a rich and varied range of topics such as Blues, film music, song writing, and Samba. Pupils learn to use a variety of instruments (keyboard, percussion, ukulele and voice) to explore and extend performance skills whilst developing their theoretical understanding. Music Technology is interwoven into the course from Year 8 with specialist tuition in our purpose built iMac suite.
GCSE
In this wide ranging course, candidates have the opportunity to engage with music through the development of musical knowledge and skill. 60% of the Edexcel qualification is coursework. This comprises of two performances (one solo and one ensemble), and two compositions, (one ‘free' and one set to a brief) with each element accounting for 15%. The remaining 40% is a written examination which explores both set works and unfamiliar music. Areas of study include Instrumental and vocal music, music for stage and screen and fusion. Candidates should have attained a standard of at least Grade III (or equivalent) at the start of the course.
Co-Curricular
The breadth of music-making available to the girls provides them with the flexibility and opportunity to experience a variety of musical genres, whether through performing as part of a group, a soloist or listening to their peers at one of the regular concerts.
The leading ensemble is our large Senior Orchestra which enables the very best of our instrumentalists to rise to the challenge of playing full orchestral repertoire. Other ensembles include Junior Jazz Band, a specialist String Chamber Orchestra, Woodwind ensembles and Rock and Pop groups.
Bromley High has a strong choral tradition and a quarter of pupils sing in one of the school's nine choirs. All pupils have the opportunity to join one of two annual worldwide music tours and perform in top London venues such as Southwark Cathedral, Covent Garden's Swiss Church and the Royal Albert Hall.
We have recently begun a series of specialist Masterclasses delivered by graduates of the Royal Academy, Royal College and Royal Northern Conservatoires, which aim to improve the quality of solo performance within all disciplines. We also greatly benefits from our close links with the award winning Bromley Youth Music Trust, just a 5 minute walk from the school. This includes tuition, joint concert opportunities, masterclass sessions and access to outstanding ensemble playing.
At Bromley High School, learning a language plays a vital part in the curriculum and is compulsory up to GCSE. French, German and Spanish are taught across the board and our aim is to make learning a foreign language a stimulating and rewarding experience, guiding our pupils to communicate effectively, to gain confidence in the language and to work independently.
The department equips the pupils to develop their own understanding as well as the widening of their cultural awareness of other countries. The MFL department believes in the importance of bringing a language to life by spending time in the country in which it is spoken. Year 8 go to Le Touquet (France), Year 9 and 10 go on the German exchange to Brühl (Germany), on a French homestay to Chartres (France) and on a residential trip to Andalusia (Spain).
Years 7 – 9
The MFL curriculum develops the core skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in two languages. In year 9 pupils have the option to continue with one or two languages at GCSE level.
When entering year 7, pupils all study French, with either German or Spanish for their second language. French is taught for 9 lessons of 50 minutes a fortnight up to October half term, then pupils take up a second language alongside French. They have 4 lessons of 50 minutes of French and 5 lessons of 50 minutes of German or Spanish a fortnight. In year 8 and 9 they study the same two foreign languages for an equal number of periods, 4 lessons of 50 minutes per fortnight. The pupils start preparing for their GCSE in year 9.
GCSE
In this wide ranging course candidates will continue with the four skills studying a variety of topics such as my family and friends, free-time activities, technology in everyday life, customs and festivals, where you live, lifestyle, social and global Issues, travel and tourism, current and future study and employment, as well as a rich range of tenses, grammar and new grammatical structures. Each skill is worth 25% in the GCSE examination.
Co-Curricular
As well as the exchanges we offer to France, Germany and Spain, the department runs Modern Language film clubs for Years 7, 10 and 11.
Last year, the German department also organised a trip to Berlin, in conjunction with the History department.
Philosophy and Theology at Bromley combines the study of the philosophy of religion, the examination of world religions and ethics and is a subject recognised for its analytical and critical skills.
The idea is not to adopt any particular faith perspective but, through study and debate, to engage with these fascinating and fundamental questions that broaden the view and enrich the lives of the individual.
Years 7 – 9
Pupils are introduced to the study of philosophy together with the beliefs, teachings and practices of Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam in Years 7 and 8. Through this they develop their skills of evaluation, critical thinking and evaluation. In Year 9 the curriculum moves on to Philosophy of Religion, covering the problem of evil and suffering and the nature of God.
GCSE
At GCSE, pupils continue their study of Buddhism and Christianity beliefs and practices. They then use this knowledge, together with that of non-religious communities, to consider differing responses to contemporary ethical issues such as that of relationships and family. The evaluative skills developed during years 7-9 will continue to be honed through the examination of these areas of religion and ethics as well as the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God and the nature of revelation.
Bromley High School has a thriving sporting life, with a wide variety of physical activities covered within our curriculum and hundreds of girls representing the school each week in our 54 sports teams.
For us, Physical Education and team games are about more than simply winning and losing. We believe the social aspect of being part of a team. When we step out to our practices, we do so without any phones, tablets or anything connecting the girls to the digital world. This welcome reprieve means they get to collaborate and work together in a way so limited now as their world become increasingly digitised.
We champion our curricular and co-curricular program's ability to foster and develop self-confidence, self-esteem and positive self-image by allowing success and championing improvement. Although team sports are not for everyone, health and fitness are something the school ensure all girls to be mindful of, and we encourage all girls to find the physical activity which will keep them fit and healthy through their school years and beyond.
Years 7 – 9
The KS3 curriculum provides breadth of opportunity for all students to participate and enjoy being physically active. They will cover hockey, netball, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, dance, health related fitness, trampolining, swimming, water polo, tag rugby, water polo, football, tennis, athletics and cricket. Students are put in to sets for most of their PE lessons to allow lessons to be tailored to the ability of the group to maximise enjoyment and progress.
GCSE
In this wide ranging course, candidates have the opportunity to study the human body and movement as well as the socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport. Students will sit two papers at the end of Year 11.
The practical component is worth 40% and is made up of three sports. One in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity. This can include sports that you take part in outside of school. It also includes a written analysis and evaluation of performance.
Co-Curricular
As a department we are proud of any girl who puts on our kit to represent the school in matches. Every girl who attends training sessions and is committed to their sport will be placed in a team. Girls join the school with differing levels of sporting experience and we place great value in providing teams for all girls; irrespective of their level of experience. Currently in the Autumn and Spring terms there are competitive matches for A-D teams in both our Hockey and Netball programmes, Football teams ranging from U12-U15, Cross Country teams at all age groups as well as swimming galas for both the proficient and improvers.
A broad programme of extra-curricular activities takes place during lunch hour and before and after school. Clubs are very popular and can be found on the sporting co-curricular timetable. Alongside games teams, the annual dance production and morning gymnastics club are open to all, as are Step Aerobics and Running Clubs.
Girls from Year 10 onwards have supervised access in our school fitness suite and all girls are inducted in the use of our cardiovascular and weights equipment.
The department runs an extensive fixtures programme encompassing after school matches, and afternoon and occasional Saturday tournaments. We attend County, Regional and National tournaments and the GDST also organises a varied programme of competition within the Trust schools.
The aims of the Physics department are to encourage pupils to become confident, independent learners who embrace new physics challenges rather than shying away from it.
We aim to do this through encouragement and nurturing pupils' emerging scientific skills and their natural curiosity about their world, as well as by equipping pupils with problem solving skills and researching skills they can utilise across all three of the science disciplines.
Years 7 -9
Physics is taught alongside Biology and Chemistry as separate sciences. The emphasis is to focus upon investigative and analytical skills as well as the more familiar areas of subject content. Many of the tasks in the curriculum involve problem solving activities to enhance and develop thinking skills.
GCSE
The department follows the Edexcel IGCSE course:
- Forces and motion
- Electricity
- Waves
- Energy resources and energy transfers
- Solids, liquids and gases
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Radioactivity and particles
- Astrophysics
All pupils are taught Physics as a single subject initially. However, there is the opportunity for a Science Double Award entry across all three sciences if relevant. There is no controlled assessment at IGCSE. Practical skills are taught within lessons and examined within the terminal written papers.
Co-Curricular
The department has a Science Club for Years 7 and 8.
Trips include:
- Café Scientifique (for all Years)
- GCSE Science Live (for Years 9/10)
The vast majority of our pupils study triple Science which results in the award of three separate IGCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
On the basis of assessment in the first two years of the course, some pupils study Dual Science in Year 11 leading to two IGCSE grades. Dual Science pupils will only sit Paper 1 in each Science discipline.
Further information can be found on the individual subject pages.
Co-Curricular
The department offers Science Club on a weekly basis along with trips to exhibitions, lectures and activity days to enhance its award winning STEM provision within the school. Regular visits include The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. Each year the department celebrates National Science Week and participates in the Salters Chemistry Festival, Biology and Physics Challenges and the Society for General Microbiology's annual competition.
Pupils are also encouraged to lead their own activities such as Scientific Journal Club and The Physics Society. Our pupils also write, design and edit Strickland, a termly science magazine.
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