Pupils will have a chance to extend their skills further through after-school activities, workshops and the Wednesday afternoon Art clubs.
In the 2nd Year, pupils are involved with the Combined Truro Schools Art Events, which enables them to work with pupils and staff from other schools. This is all concluded with their work going on show in an exhibition at a local gallery.
In the 1st Year, pupils begin the course by studying Cells and developing their microscope skills. They then go on to study Reproduction, Ecosystems and Classification.
Pupils in the 2nd Year enjoy a diverse course including Photosynthesis, Food and Digestion, Respiration, Circulation and Breathing, and Ecology. Field trips are used to put in context what we study in the classroom.
In the 3rd Year, pupils begin studying the AQA GCSE Biology syllabus, where they explore Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects.
For 1st and 2nd Years we aim to encourage and extend the ablest through our teaching and in competitions such as the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench competition.
In the 3rd Year, pupils start their AQA GCSE Chemistry course. During the course they observe molecular modelling and the use of ICT to help them visualise the microscopic world.
In the 1st Year, pupils have taught ICT lessons where they are introduced to the software available on the school network, Virtual Learning Environments, including Moodle and Cloud computing. They are also taught how to work safely online. Pupils are introduced to programming, with a choice of languages and other opportunities, for example stop motion animation.
In the 3rd Year, all pupils follow the AQA Functional Skills course, which equips them with the knowledge required to be digitally competent and fluent in IT skills. This Level 2 course is equivalent to a GCSE and is examined during a week long period in the spring.
Although drama is not a curriculum subject in the first two years, there is no shortage of opportunities for those with theatrical leanings. Each year there is a junior play in the summer term, and can be taken as a Wednesday afternoon activity.
In collaboration with the English Department, a Shakespeare Festival is held for all 2nd Year students. During this event, every member of the year group performs on stage in a Shakespeare-focused dramatic presentation.
Drama can be taken as an option in the third year. Pupils develop core performance skills and explore various genres mainly through practical work.
Enrichment of the curriculum through active learning and co-curricular activities is vital to our approach. The 2nd Years’ annual Shakespeare Festival is one example, when weeks of classroom work culminates in each tutor group performing Shakespeare plays. Other examples include:
The weekly Junior Readers’ Club, the annual Junior Bookworm Competition, the Kids’ Literature Quiz, Poetry Writing and Speaking competitions, the Everybody Writes workshop and script writing activities
In the 1st and 2nd Years we cover a variety of topics such as Map Skills, Tectonics, Settlements, Coasts, Crime and Rivers. Fieldwork is completed so that pupils can appreciate data collection and develop a range of skills.
In the 3rd Year pupils consider topics such as Globalisation, Development and Tourism. At all times we integrate the importance of Map Skills, Data Manipulation and Interpretation.
In the 1st Year, pupils focus on Medieval England. They study the Norman Conquest, the lives of different social groups in Medieval England and medieval warfare. The 2nd Years follow the English Reformation, the Civil War and ‘Glorious Revolution’ and the transformation of Britain in to an industrial power in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The 3rd Year looks at the First World War, the rise of the Nazis and the pivotal episodes of the Second World War.
In the 1st to 3rd Years, all pupils cover the same basic course and sit the same exams to enable them to find their own level by the time they enter the 4th Year. This way, no one is disadvantaged and the brightest will be in a good position to aim for top grades.
In the 1st Year, all pupils will follow a language carousel during the first term, in which they will gain exposure to French, German and Spanish, on rotation. They will select their preferred two languages to continue from January and pick up their second language in the 2nd Year, where they will study both languages.
In the 1st Year, the pupils look at topics such as Astronomy (making use of the school telescope), Forces, Energy and Electricity. In the 2nd Year the pupils study Heat, Magnetism, Sound and Light. And in the 3rd Year pupils use more of their mathematical skills to help describe and explain the Physics. Pupils follow the AQA GCSE and GCSE subject material is introduced in the 3rd Year.
Physical Education is compulsory for all 1st to 3rd Year pupils with a 100 minute lesson every other week.
There is also a games programme for 1st-3rd Years. Boys will follow full term blocks of work in Rugby, Football and Cricket. Girls undertake Netball, Hockey, Tennis and Rounders. In both PE and Games, pupils are assessed at the end of each block of work.
1st and 2nd Year pupils enjoy a varied curriculum encompassing religion, philosophy and ethics. Topics include creation, rites of passage, moral decision making and arguments for the existence of God. A project on the school’s Methodist heritage develops students understanding in this important area.
Our school motto, Esse Quam Videri, (to be rather than to seem to be) captures the essence of our identity. From Nursery right through to Sixth Form the Truro School Community shares the same values and approach to education which help to shape our identity. Underpinned by strong Christian principles, we are a caring and inclusive community which values, nurtures and develops each individual. Click on the links below to find out more.
DEVELOPING INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AT EVERY LEVEL
Because we believe that academic excellence is an important part of human excellence. Every child is an individual and we celebrate and develop their uniqueness, helping them to become an independent learner and encouraging each child to explore, understand and cultivate their talent and abilities, whatever they may be.
To inspire creativity, ignite imaginations and help each pupil to find and fully develop his or her talents.
Because we value the development of pupils’ imaginative and creative dimensions as well as their characters. Through a broad curriculum and wide range of co-curricular activities, pupils discover the important balance between creative and logical thinking. These opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter discovers their hidden gifts, developing a sense of individuality and a confidence in their own abilities.
DEVELOPING PUPILS WHO ARE AT EASE WITH THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER
Because we want every pupil to be comfortable in their own skin, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual in the school community. Through drama, presenting and public speaking opportunities, as well as appearing in productions and concerts, pupils learn key communication skills and gain the confidence to prosper in the real world.
To forge pupil characters and ambition through challenges and opportunities.
Because we believe that essential life skills are often best taught outside of the classroom, balancing an academic education. Through a wide-ranging co-curricular programme, we offer every child the chance to participate, perform and lead in the fields of their choice. In a competitive world these opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter develops essential life skills and an ambition for life.
DEVELOPING STUDENTS WHO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE AND THE WORLD AROUND THEM
Because our mission challenges us to be a vibrant community which enables people to live their lives to the full and transform society for the better. Located in the heart of Cornwall, our distinctive, serene location supports the development of balanced, unpretentious and reflective children who understand their role as global citizens.
ENCOURAGING PUPILS TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN WAY OF THINKING
Because we encourage pupils towards a personally developed life philosophy. Underlying all that we do is a solid foundation based on the ethos and values of Christianity. We nurture and challenge each individual child in a caring environment that is inclusive, enjoys the diversity within our School Community and beyond, and supports a genuine desire to question what we see and what we know.
Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
Registered Office: Methodist Church House.
25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR.
MIST Telephone Number: 02079353723 | Charity No. 1142794.
Company No. 7649422