By this stage, pupils have had freedom of choice. GCSE options are made early in the Spring Term of the 3rd Year.
At Truro School, the norm is to study for ten GCSE/IGCSE qualifications. The compulsory core provides six of these, enhanced with four guided options, achieving a good balance between breadth and depth. With the forthcoming move towards linear A-Levels we are likely to see universities having a sharper focus on GCSE results. We are more concerned about giving pupils the opportunity to excel with the quality of their results than with the quantity.
English Language, English Literature, Religious Studies, Mathematics, Double Award Science equivalent to two GCSEs.
Pupils make a choice of four subjects from four options. This provides flexibility to cater for those pupils who are more inclined towards studying the Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages or the Creative Arts, for pupils who wish to pursue the Sciences as three separate GCSE qualifications and for those who are keen to maintain a broad balanced spectrum of subjects.
For a balanced curriculum pupils are recommended to select at least one Humanity, one Modern Foreign Language and one Creative Arts subject. We will also be flexible and accommodate variations to this guided structure according to the interests, skills and ability of individuals.
All students in the 1st Year through to Lower Sixth have timetabled lessons of PSHEE. Listed below are the subjects covered during the GCSE years.
4th Year: Human rights and international law, The legal system in the UK, Diversity in the UK, How to improve your Community, Health and Safety, Personal Safety, Positive and Negative Relationships, Consent, Impact of Drugs and Alcohol, Gender double standards, Sex and relationships education, Self esteem, Mental and emotional health, Body image and cosmetic procedures.
5th Year: Post-16 and Post-18 Options, Parenting Skills, Parenting skills, Unintended pregnancy options, Social Media, Cults, Intolerance and Extremism, Career Identity, Work Experience, Work Attitude and Values, Sexting, Impact of sex in the media, Pornography, Discrimination and Harassment (in the workplace), Rights and Responsibilities at work.
One of the major strands of PSHEE is Sex and Relationships Education and this features in some way in all year groups. We do hope that all pupils will take part in these lessons and workshops as an important part of their education. However, parents may withdraw their son or daughter from any aspect of the programme by writing to the Headmaster. To view our SRE Policy click here.
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 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, debating and public speaking, as well as creating their own assemblies and appearing in 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.
