Our curriculum is creative, engaging, and accessible. We balance academic rigour with innovation, ensuring pupils achieve their potential while developing genuine love for learning that extends far beyond examinations.
Academic rigour and challenge are important at Windlesham House. We want all pupils to achieve their potential within a supportive environment where learning is creative, engaging, and accessible. Our curriculum goes beyond preparing pupils for examinations, developing skills, knowledge, and attitudes that serve them throughout life.
All academic subjects are taught in well-equipped specialist areas by teachers with passion for their subjects. This specialist approach ensures depth of knowledge and teaching expertise while allowing cross-curricular links that enrich understanding.
Pupils develop advanced literacy skills through exposure to rich, challenging texts. Creative writing flourishes alongside analytical skills. Drama techniques enhance speaking and listening. By Year 8, pupils confidently handle complex literature and produce sophisticated written work across multiple genres.
Our mathematics curriculum builds deep understanding rather than superficial procedural knowledge. Pupils learn to think mathematically, applying problem-solving skills to unfamiliar situations. Setting by ability ensures appropriate challenge. Regular practice develops fluency while investigations promote deeper thinking.
Taught in 4 purpose-built laboratories by specialist teachers, science at Windlesham House is hands-on and inquiry-based. Pupils conduct experiments, analyse data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Biology, chemistry, and physics are taught as separate disciplines from Year 7, preparing pupils excellently for senior school science.
We have reimagined our modern foreign languages department as Languages, Culture, and Linguistics (LCL). This innovative programme prepares pupils to become confident, curious global citizens.
Pupils study both French and Spanish, switching halfway through the academic year. Lessons are vibrant and interactive, focusing on speaking, listening, and cultural understanding. Our approach emphasizes high-frequency vocabulary that allows pupils to communicate effectively from early on.
The LCL diploma programme blends language provision with exciting strands in linguistics and global culture. Pupils explore how language actually works, developing curiosity about patterns and structures. Research projects on global culture broaden horizons and build research skills.
Chronological study from ancient civilizations to modern history develops historical understanding and analytical skills. Pupils learn to evaluate sources, construct arguments, and understand cause and consequence. Local history and school archives provide tangible connections to the past.
Physical and human geography are explored through case studies, fieldwork, and contemporary issues. Map skills develop alongside understanding of global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource management.
Pupils explore major world religions, ethical issues, and philosophical questions. The focus is on understanding diverse beliefs and developing reasoned opinions while respecting different viewpoints.
Introduced in Years 7 and 8, this subject develops critical thinking through exploring fundamental questions about knowledge, existence, morality, and truth.
Spacious, well-lit studios provide inspiring environments for exploring drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media. Pupils study artists from different periods and cultures while developing their own creative voice.
Modern workshops equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, and traditional tools enable pupils to design and make products. Projects span resistant materials, textiles, and food technology, developing practical skills and design thinking.
All pupils receive classroom music education covering theory, composition, and appreciation. Individual instrumental and vocal lessons are available across numerous instruments. Ensembles, choirs, and orchestras provide performance opportunities for all abilities.
Drama lessons develop confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Pupils explore different theatrical styles, techniques, and texts. Regular productions showcase talent while building teamwork and performance skills.
PE is a core subject throughout the prep years. Pupils develop fitness, skills, and tactical understanding across numerous sports. Competitive opportunities exist for all abilities through house competitions and inter-school fixtures. The focus is on enjoyment, improvement, and lifelong participation rather than solely on elite performance.
Computing is taught as a specialist subject covering computer science, information technology, and digital citizenship. Pupils learn coding, develop applications, and gain essential digital literacy skills. From Year 6 onwards, our bring-your-own-device programme enables seamless integration of technology across the curriculum.
PSHE provides dedicated time for pupils to develop personal awareness, healthy relationships, understanding of diversity, and life skills. Age-appropriate topics include wellbeing, safety, relationships, financial literacy, and preparation for senior school.
Pupils experience a broad, balanced curriculum with increasing specialist teaching as they progress. Form tutors maintain pastoral oversight while subject specialists deliver lessons. Homework gradually increases, developing independent study skills.
All teaching is by subject specialists. The distinctive Diploma Programme (see page 4.5) provides additional breadth and depth. Pupils prepare for senior school entrance examinations and scholarship opportunities.
Our scholars programme supports high-achieving pupils with bespoke learning pathways. This might include acceleration, enrichment activities, mentoring, and targeted preparation for senior school scholarships. Pupils work beyond their year group curriculum where appropriate, ensuring continual challenge and engagement.
Homework increases gradually through the years. Year 3 pupils might spend 30 minutes per evening, increasing to 90 minutes by Year 8. Boarders complete homework (prep) at school under staff supervision. Day pupils may stay for prep sessions if convenient for families.
Yes, we have outstanding success preparing pupils for senior school entrance examinations at both 11+ and 13+. The curriculum naturally aligns with these requirements, and additional targeted sessions ensure pupils are examination-ready. Our 100% first-choice placement record demonstrates the effectiveness of our preparation.
We use continuous formative assessment alongside more formal testing. Regular feedback helps pupils understand their progress and next steps. Parents receive detailed written reports each term plus parent consultation meetings. Internal examinations in Years 6, 7, and 8 prepare pupils for senior school entrance assessments.
Detailed curriculum overview documents for each year group are available from the Admissions office. These provide termly breakdowns of topics studied in each subject.
