Years 7 to 9

Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 at Durham School can expect a challenging and stimulating curriculum designed to stretch their capabilities.

We help pupils strive for excellence by focusing on their unique talents and developing their passions. We ensure that our ethos of Confidence for Life, Respect for All is ingrained in the daily academic lives of all our pupils.

Within our nurturing School environment, pupils in Years 7 to 9 develop the skills required to set them on the path to successful independent learning in the future.

Here are some of the highlights they experience across these exciting and formative School years…

View Our Years 7 to 9 Prospectus

Years 7 and 8

In Years 7 and 8, our passionate and exceptional teaching staff bring subjects to life through trips, clubs, competitions and experiences.

For example, pupils who develop a passion for Science can join our Junior Science Club and attend the Salters’ Chemistry Festival.

All aspects of English are explored through both our internal competitions, such as the Gough Prize for Verse, and external competitions, such as the Foyle Young Poet of the Year Award.

Recently, some of our students have been published in the Young Writers Poetry Anthology “Empowered”.

Pupils with a flair for Mathematics may wish to take part in the National Junior Maths Challenge.

Languages are brought to life through weekly film viewings such as Les Choristes — we even watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in French, which was great fun.

In the Summer term, pupils are given the opportunity to visit Château de Baffy in Normandy, but we also take full advantage of our location by regularly visiting local cultural venues such as Seven Stories (the National Centre for Children’s Books), Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

Our extensive list of clubs demonstrates that there is something to inspire every pupil.

Here is just a taste of what is on offer: World Wise Club, Junior Debating Club, Programming and Robotics Club, Animation Club, Knitting Club, Design Hub, Art Club, Junior Drama Club, Film Club, Music Theatre Group, Pop Band, Junior Choir and Orchestra (Grade 5+).

Mr M. Burke, Head of Lower School (Years 7 and 8) and Head of Biology at Durham School.

Year 9

In Year 9, our pupils are given the opportunity to develop the key skills required for their GCSE years, while retaining a focus on inspiring a love of learning.

Alongside the core subjects in our curriculum, pupils can choose four additional subjects from an exciting and challenging range of academic options. This allows them to play to their individual strengths.

All departments run regular trips and organise subject-specific experiences and competitions for our Year 9 pupils.

Currently, we run a 98 in 9 challenge where we invite Year 9 pupils to take on 98 notable challenges across the year. The number 98 comes from the 98 memorial steps up to Chapel representing the 98 ODs who fell in World War 1.

“From speaking in Chapel and representing Durham School in a sports team to refining their domestic skills by preparing a meal for their family at home, our pupils really give this challenge their all.”

Mr Andrew Smith, Head of Physics at Durham School

View our Prospectus

Years 7-9

If you would like a copy of the booklet outlining the Year 7 to Year 9 curriculum, please email admissions@dcsf.org.uk.

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