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.
Please visit the 14-16 Subjects page to download a guide to 4th and 5th Year Curriculum and Examination Options.
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, 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 and is defined by the 5 C's below. 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.
Curiosity to always want to discover and learn more, academically and more widely too.
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.
Compassion to understand and champion the needs of others, in our community and beyond.
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.
Confidence to build resilience by learning from both successes and failures alike.
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.
Creativity to be imaginative in how we express ourselves and approach new challenges.
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.
Courage to enjoy becoming the very best of who we are, with integrity and ambition.
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.
Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
MIST Registered Office: 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH
Charity No. 1142794
Company No. 7649422
