Lower School at Malvern College
Pupils in the Lower School at Malvern College are encouraged to become independent learners and critical thinkers.
The Lower School curriculum for pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 at Malvern College is focused on empowerment.
From the minute they join us, all pupils are encouraged to become independent learners and critical thinkers.
To flourish in this rapidly changing world, young people need confidence, resilience and initiative. Imparting these skills is a common thread throughout the Foundation Year (Year 9) and GSCE curriculum.
One of the common questions we are asked is ‘do private schools follow the national curriculum?’ This simple answer is yes, but alongside the standard key stage 3 and 4 curricula, teachers at Malvern College have developed a toolkit that allows each pupil to extend their knowledge and personal development. This toolkit focuses on independent research, academic reflection and target setting as well as building study skills and digital skill development. Young people who are fortunate to enjoy a private school curriculum like ours are exposed to a stimulating, varied and well-balanced array of subject matter.
Foundation Year (Year 9)
In the Foundation Year (FY), the KS3 curriculum is focused on empowerment. Pupils are encouraged to become independent learners, improving the skills needed for successful academic development.
Alongside the standard Key Stage 3 curriculum, we have developed a pupil toolkit for pupils to use with the support of their academic tutors, that supports extended learning and personal development. We focus on independent research, academic reflections and target setting as well as building study skills and digital skill development.
At the end of the FY pupils are supported to select their GCSE/IGCSE subjects ready for entering the Remove (Year 10).
Remove & Hundred (Years 10 & 11)
Years 10 and 11 are transformative years for our pupils.
Pupils choose eight core GCSEs plus two pathway options. These pathways also include the possibility of taking nine or ten GCSEs. At Malvern we want to offer pupils flexibility to encourage lifelong learning. The pathway options include an extension route, a tailored route or a more traditional route.
The Hundred (Year 11) culminates in the examinations which we see as an opportunity for our pupils to showcase the knowledge they have accrued.
The benefit of an independent school’s curriculum, especially at a boarding school, is that we have more freedom to delve deeper into topics and themes that ignite the interest of our pupils. We utilise tutor periods, assemblies, and other allocated study time to ensure that pupils know how to learn effectively, organise their time and revise properly. Pupils are taught by experienced and dedicated teachers who are passionate about imparting knowledge.
During the Remove and Hundred, pupils will develop their transferrable skills to ensure a smooth transition to the Sixth Form.
Pre-Sixth Form (Year 11)
We recognise that the very highest achievers require specialised support. Pupils who successfully demonstrate the ability to complete GCSE/IGCSE qualifications in one year are therefore offered places on our Pre-Sixth Form course. The course is designed to empower pupils in building a strong foundation for the exciting challenges the Malvern College Sixth Form has to offer.
