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Inspiring individuals
We inspire and nurture individuality - you will not find a particular ‘type’ here. Our girls learn to find their own voice and be confident in who they are. Our size allows us to know and value every girl and we place enormous emphasis on both self-respect and respect for others. We know that girls do better when they feel better, so their wellbeing is our central focus. Every girl will find her own path here and she will forge that path with support from passionate and dedicated staff, committed to her success.
A broad and bespoke curriculum
Our girls work hard and they enjoy learning, which leads to excellent academic results. From Nursery through to the Sixth Form, lessons are engaging and taught by well-qualified specialist teachers. Students have access to a wide range of subjects across the arts, humanities and STEM, as well as distinctive enrichment opportunities. Learning is personalised for every girl and our small classes allow us to set individual targets to ensure that all girls achieve their best.
A wealth of opportunity
Beyond the classroom, our girls’ experiences are vast and varied. From our many co-curricular clubs to a comprehensive schedule of day-trips and residential visits as far-reaching as the Galapagos Islands, the opportunities are endless. As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, our girls have access to a much wider network, which offers them trust-wide conferences, competitions and learning opportunities.
I want our school to be a place that ignites a spark in every girl, so that she finds new interests and develops her individual talents.
A sense of belonging
We put girls first and they are able to learn in a productive environment, without gender stereotypes of perceived limitations. Every girl will find her place here as part of a friendly and welcoming school community and our volunteering, charity work and school partnerships ensure that girls are also active participants in our local community. The unique Brains Matter (Prep) and Personal and Social Responsibility (Senior) courses, as well as our award-winning careers provision mean that our girls are fully prepared for the ever-changing world around them and are self-assured, kind and collaborative.
4 lessons per week
What will you study in English?
A Christmas Carol – We begin the year exploring Charles Dickens' classic novel of greed, generosity and forgiveness. You will look at these key themes as well as focus on the language, setting and structure used to create atmosphere and interesting characters.
Autobiography/Biography – To develop your non-fiction writing skills, you will learn about the features of biographies and autobiographies, reading and learning about the lives of literary and worldly figures.
A Midsummer Night's Dream – We dive straight into Shakespeare's definitive comedy of magic, misunderstanding and mayhem in the woods at midsummer. There will be a chance to play out one of the four plots and to analyse Shakespeare's original use of language.
Media – In this unit of work you will be looking at short films, including The Sandman and Father and Daughter. Short films provide an excellent opportunity to analyse structure and plot development, with additional learning of the use of camera angles and sound to enhance meaning.
Poetry Through the Ages – From Beowulf to Blake and beyond, this selection of poetry has been chosen to reflect the poets who have shaped our literary heritage. It will help you to understand how life and language has changed over time.
Refugee Boy – You will read and study this novel by Benjamin Zephaniah, which tells the story of a young refugee from Ethiopia and Eritrea as he finds his feet in Britain. There will be opportunities to develop some of the key skills you have cultivated over the past year with an independent project.
5 lessons per week
What will you study in Mathematics?
The Mathematics Department are very excited to welcome you to your new school. In your first term you will be covering the following topics:
Handling Data
- Find the mode, median and mean
- Calculate averages from a frequency table
- Draw and interpret charts and graphs including bar charts and pie charts
Angles
- Find missing angles on a straight line, at a point, in a triangle and in a quadrilateral
- Angles and parallel lines
Constructions
- Draw and measure angles using a protractor
- Construct triangles using a protractor and a compass
Interpreting Real-Life Graphs
- Draw and interpret conversion graphs
- Draw and interpret distance-time graphs
Decimal Place Value and Rounding
- Compare and order decimals
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals
- Round to decimal places
- Round to a given number of Significant Figures
- Estimate an answer to a calculation
5 lessons per week
What will you study in Science?
Welcome to Science, or as we like to call it ‘Big Science'! We call it this because we get stuck into some really big and important scientific ideas right away, starting with the biggest of them all - the Big Bang.
Year 7 Big Science is organized in what is called a ‘thematic' style; this means that the science you do is divided into different themes. The first theme is ‘Origins' in which you'll learn about the origins of ideas, the origins of the universe, the origins of atoms, and the origins of life. From here, we'll move into themes of ‘Journeying Into Space' and ‘The Future'.
A really important part of Year 7 Science is to develop an understanding of ‘models'. A ‘model' in science is anything that we use to help us to understand or explain something. Science uses lots of different kinds of models all the time, from simple diagrams and graphs, to analogies and equations. We will look at lots of different models and start to recognize what is good about them and, more importantly, what limitations they might have.
You will learn about the ‘scientific method' and use it to carry out experiments and investigations. You will also be asked to do research using secondary sources and prepare various types of presentations, including making a video or animation.
Our biggest hope for you from Big Science is that you will come to appreciate how awe-inspiring the universe is and how useful scientific ways of thinking are in helping us discover just how amazing nature is.
2 lessons per week
What will you study?
Throughout Year 7 you will:
- improve your observation drawing showing accuracy and skill and show a greater attention to detail
- understand how to use different tones to make things look 3D
- learn how to use different types of lines and types of drawing marks to create a still life composition
- learn how to recreate shape and form confidently using different tones to be able to convincingly record more than one object at a time
- learn how to use watercolour to record still life objects
1 lesson per week
What will you study in Computer Science?
It's hard to imagine a subject that's more relevant to the modern world than Computer Science. Every single aspect of modern life is now influenced by digital technology, and no matter what direction our lives may take us, the need to understand and harness the power of computers has never been more important.
Computer Science is a subject that continually evolves. In the past, ICT courses have focused on developing proficiency in widely used standard applications such as Excel spreadsheet creators, MS Word processors and creative image editors. Whilst honing ability to use these ICT applications for producing transferable documents in the classroom and workplace is important, the subject we now call ‘Computer Science' explores beyond the realm of ready-made programs, and investigates the creation of tailored, text-based programs that respond to everyday user input.
The logic behind computer hardware that processes this information will also be considered in addition. Together, these two aspects enable advanced initiatives such new generation machine learning and AI.
You will begin your journey in Year 7 by reinforcing skills in spreadsheet, document publishing and creative visual editing, as well as experiencing a taste of text-based programming using your first IDE (Integrated Development Environment) platform, to run working text-based source code and other problem solving tasks.
2 lessons per week
What will you study in Design & Technology?
In Year 7 you will learn about the design process. You will carry out research, ideate and make exciting solutions to design problems. You will learn about materials, their properties and their uses. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of these materials, including fabric, metals and woods. You will be encouraged to model your ideas using, paper, modelling clay and a range of other modelling materials. You will build up a knowledge and understanding of the use of a range of different techniques, processes, and tools and machinery.
Creativity is a key element of the course. You will explore a range of different design techniques. You will be encouraged to stretch and challenge the confines of design briefs, not being afraid to take risks and ‘think outside of the box'.
Finally, you will reflect on the work that you have done, learning from your mistakes and thinking about how you might do things differently in the future.
2 lessons per week
What will you study in Drama?
The Drama Department is a warm and welcoming place for all students. We aim to give you the chance to engage with the world around you through exciting practical exercises as well as learning to communicate effectively with each other. Some of you may have already experienced the thrill of performing to an audience, but some maybe haven't tried yet or maybe a little nervous about acting in front of other people. One of our main aims in Year 7 Drama is to make you feel comfortable and confident enough to be able to talk in front of other people, and hopefully do some fantastic performance work!
In the Autumn term we explore:
An introduction to Drama and performance skills where we will learn about how to use voice, facial expressions and body language to name a few. Storytelling and how we can create story for performance using lots of traditional and innovative techniques.
In the Spring term we explore:
The Jacqueline Wilson novel, Hetty Feather and the world of Victorian England through the use of different Drama conventions, helping us to understand character. We then jump back in history and explore how theatre began in Greek Times. We explore traditional Greek tales such as Theseus and the Minotaur and look at how to create our own devised scenes and mask work.
In the Summer term we explore:
Another step into history and we look at The Canterbury Tales and how we can modernise old stories for new audiences. We wrap up our year with a fun dip into Improvisation through lots of fun games and improvised scenes, helping us to build on our confidence, ready to tackle Year 8 Drama.
In addition to all you do in your double period lesson each week, we also have lots of exciting opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular Drama. We run a KS3 Drama club, teatime theatre events and a production, either a musical or play, for KS3 each year. If you enjoy the backstage world of lighting, costume and set we also have our ‘Tech Team' who
support us in delivering each performance.
2 lessons per week
What will you study in Geography?
This year in Geography you will be studying both Physical and Human Geography and you will learn some important geographical skills. In the Autumn Term you will be learning and practicing your map skills. You will learn how to interpret Ordnance Survey maps, read both four- and six-figure grid references and use a map to give detailed directions, including map symbols, distances and height. We will then study the Geography of London in the past, present and future.
In the Spring Term we will move onto a physical geography topic, studying rivers and flooding. In a world where climates are changing, the weather is becoming more extreme and increasing numbers of people around the world are living in areas at risk of flooding this is a very important topic for us to study and understand!
Finally, we will finish the year in the Summer Term taking a more global view of Geography, where we will be looking at four different countries around the world and comparing their human and physical geography. We won't name the countries here though – you'll have to wait and see what they are!
2 lessons per week
What will you study?
History in year 7 is focused on three key things. First, history is jammed-pack full of hugely important content. Content that helps us understand the world around us and shapes how we see it differently (who knew the Black Death module would be being studied in quite the context it was this year in 2021!). Second, history will teach you really valuable skills. How, for instance, to write a successful argument and how to interpret and use sources. Finally, history is fun! We do everything we can to choose topics that the girls enjoy and will find rewarding.
Wednesday afternoons
What will you study in Kaleidoscope?
In the first half-term, you will work on a project as part of a group. This is called ‘My Place' and involves research into who you are and where you fit into ‘My Place' - our school and the local area. We will be visiting local places of interest and working together to create new ideas for the boroughs that we live in. As part of the project you will create a presentation for a panel and develop your skills of team-work and speaking in public.
After the project, you will start on a self-selected range of practical options, to give you the chance to develop new skills and talents. These options will be in groups with other girls from across Year 7, and sometimes from Year 8. There will be a choice of creative and sports options, as well as other skills-based choices.
Tasters in German, French and Spanish between September and February - then 4 lessons per week in chosen language
What will you study in Modern Foreign Languages?
At Sutton High School all Year 7 students study a carousel of three languages, undertaking half a term of French, half a term of German and half a term of Spanish. You have four lessons per week of in depth study in that language, and will make a decision at February half term as to which of these three languages you will continue to learn for the remainder of KS3.
You will find that Modern Languages lessons are lively, with plenty of games, songs, competitions and dynamic speaking activities. You have regular access to iPads to enable you to learn vocabulary independently and develop good study skills from the beginning of your course. The lessons in Year 7 are focused on developing students' confidence and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also find out about interesting aspects of French, German and Spanish culture such as how it is customary to greet each other.
1 lesson per week
What will you study in Latin?
We will travel back almost 2000 years to visit the Ancient Roman town of Pompeii. There we will follow the adventures of a family who live in the ominous shadow cast by the dormant Mount Vesuvius. The Romans didn't know that this was a dangerous volcano and at the time of our story Pompeii was a vibrant and thriving town.
As we meet the different members of the family, we will discover more about Ancient Roman culture, including dinner parties, gods and myths, and the bustling forum which was the heart of the Roman town. We will also study Latin, the language spoken by the Romans who lived in Pompeii, and learn about the influence it has had on English and other languages.
2 lessons per week
What will you study in Music?
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you into the Music Department in September. We know that you will have all come from all sorts of musical backgrounds. Some of you, for instance, will have taken part in lots of music-making and may have singing or instrumental lessons, while others of you might have done very little music making. The aim of the Year 7 Music curriculum is to balance things out a little.
Through performing, composing and listening to music, we will give you a grounding in many of the important areas of the subject (and, for those of you who already have a fair amount of musical experience, we will challenge you by building on your knowledge and experience).
During Year 7 you will learn:
- The Elements of Music
- The Instruments of the Orchestra
- Preparation for a Joint Concert with Year 6
- Haunted House composition
- Traditional notation
- Keyboard Skills
- Medieval Music
- Preparing a song for School Prizegiving
- Developing Music ICT skills – Using Garageband
The work we do in the classroom is supported by a busy co-curricular Music timetable and we hope very much that many of you will get involved in our lunchtime and after-school activities. You may also decide to take up singing lessons or individual instrumental lessons and there will be a number of musical activities as part of the Kaleidos
Games Afternoon and 1 Physical Education lesson per week
What will you study in Physical Education?
The Physical Education Department at Sutton High has a vision which reflects that of the school; our departmental ethos is ‘Sporting Opportunity for All'. We set out to accomplish this by providing a variety of challenging opportunities for girls to take part and enjoy sport, to encourage lifelong activity and provide challenge, so each girl can achieve their full sporting potential. We also strive to compete at the highest level by gaining Trust and County recognition for our elite sports teams.
In their Physical Education lessons, girls will focus on the development of their fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. While in their Games they will develop games based skills and tactical understanding.
They will complete the following units of work
- Physical Education: Fundamental Movement Skills, Indoor Cricket, Dance, Swimming and Athletics
- Games: Hockey, Netball and Cricket
Extra-Curricular Sport
We offer an extensive extra-curricular sporting programme. We play competitive fixtures and tournaments in Hockey, Netball and Cricket. We also compete in Gymnastics, Swimming, Athletics and Tennis. We encourage all girls to take part in extracurricular sports and run teams to provide competitive opportunities for everyone.
1 lesson per week
What will you study in PSR?
The aim of lessons in PSR is to provide Year 7 students with knowledge, skills and awareness of the wider world, relationships, healthy choices and careers. Lessons in PSR are engaging and innovative and there is a lot of open discussion, debate and collaborative learning.
In PSR, you will develop self-awareness and become reflective students, practising the skills of emotional literacy, to understand your own mind, thoughts and feelings. You are encouraged to reflect on what you have learnt, read around the subject, and become independent learners who are self-motivated. There is no homework in PSR, but we often undertake research into the topics we are studying.
Throughout Year 7 you will learn about yourself - exploring your own identity. You will learn about being an active, responsible and emotionally resilient citizen. You will cover:
- Wellbeing: Identity, values, healthy relationships, hope and fears
- Health: Puberty, periods and the menstrual cycle
- Careers: Career research, interviewing skills, emerging jobs
- Wider World: Rights and responsibilities of young people,
- Healthy Choices: Personal responsibilities, creating calm, self-talk, healthy lifestyle choices
- Relationships: LGBTQ+, rewriting fairy tales to include diversity and positive role models
2 lessons per week
What will you study in Religious Studies?
In our subject we discuss a variety of concepts, belief systems and cultural identities. We encourage all girls to discuss their views and also listen respectfully to the opinions of other members of the class. It is important that everybody feels heard and respected. You can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks collaborating in groups and formulating
your own conclusions on the following topics:
Belief
- What do we mean by the term God?
- What is religious belief and how is it demonstrated?
- What do religions have in common?
Jesus
- What do Christians believe about Jesus? His life, teaching and importance.
- What do we know about the historicity of Jesus?
- How can the Bible be understood? Different approaches to interpretation.
Hinduism
- What makes this religion unique? Investigating the significance of the Ganges.
- What do the ancient scriptures tell us? Stories of the deities and understanding the Trimurti.
- How do Hindus worship? Exploring the Hindu experience in the UK.
Sikhism
- What is the importance of religious teachers? Understanding the Gurus and the concept of Waheguru.
- How do Sikhs show respect and equality? The Gurdwara, Langar and Sewa
- Why is it important to belong to a religious community? The Khalsa and its roots.
In-depth Investigation
This is a chance for the girls to discover more about a topical issue, a religious issue that is in the news or to explore another religion further. There are also clubs and societies that are supported by the Religious Studies department. You can join the Cultural Diversity Society and discuss a whole variety of experiences and campaign for social justice. You could also become a Faith Ambassador and educate younger pupils about your own faith in local primary schools.
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