Developing curious and resilient students
Year 7
Year 7 provides a new start for girls: both for those coming from OHS Junior School and those from one of our many feeder schools. Generally, about half the Year 7 intake is completely new to the school, and, of these, about half are from state and half from independent schools, with many being the only girl coming from their school to Oxford High. After a taster day in the summer term before, the first day in September for Year 7 includes team building games, a treasure hunt to explore the building, and time to meet older girls who act as buddies. After a few weeks, with friendships becoming established, the girls really blossom: it is wonderful to watch the increase in confidence, from an anxious girl in September to an interested, inquiring and curious girl soon afterwards, keen to extend discussions and discover more. By November, it can be hard to recall who was particularly nervous or who knew no-one at the start of the year!
To see the Year 7 Handbook with lots of useful information please click here.
There are four Year 7 forms of 20-25 pupils, and the girls are taught in these forms for most lessons, normally splitting into mixed-form groups for Maths during the course of the year. There are smaller groups in some practical subjects and the pupils enjoy being challenged by new academic subjects such as Mandarin. The girls are supported by a form tutor and assistant form tutor as well as the Head of Year. Each form has a couple of Sixth Formers linked to it who provide an older sister role, and all girls have a buddy in the year above. The Year 7 girls appreciate the independence offered by longer and less structured lunch breaks and most get involved in a wide range of clubs, being encouraged to have a go at something new.
The highlight of the year is the week long residential at Kilve Court in Somerset where girls immerse themselves in a range of activities and cement and broaden their friendship base.
Year 8
Year 8 is a time for consolidating existing friendships, and making new ones. There are many exciting opportunities for extra-curricular clubs and Year 8 girls enjoy three longer lunch breaks in which to take part in a wide variety of activities on offer. There is enormous fun to be had over the year, particularly on the annual Pyjama Party evening where popcorn, party food, games, a good film and fun are on the itinerary. Other eagerly anticipated events for Year 8 include a residential trip to Portsmouth, battling it out in the Inter House rounders matches, solving puzzling problems in the Junior Maths Olympiad, developing fine rhetoric and argument in the annual ‘Speak Up’ competition, taking part in performances, and answering quick-fire questions in the ‘Kid’s Lit Competition’.
To see the Year 8 Handbook with lots of useful information please click here.
Year 8 PSHCE lessons are once a week and they include learning about the environment, equal opportunities and relationships. The students develop their communication skills, gain an understanding of their actions and appreciate the practice of the listening and sympathising.
Year 9
Year 9 at Oxford High School is a fulfilling and exciting year, enriched by extra-curricular opportunities such as participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and learning first aid skills in the Red Cross accredited Babysitting course. There are curriculum trips to Fishbourne and Coventry Cathedral, plus our annual ‘Health Day’ exploring topics on health and well-being.
As part of the Careers Programme, the students spend a day at work as part of the Take Your Daughters to Work scheme in which they discover at first-hand the pleasures of work:
‘I couldn’t imagine what a working life was like as I had no experience of it but now I can envisage my future – and I can’t wait!’
To see the Year 9 Handbook with lots of useful information please click here.
Year 9 is a year where firm friendships are developed, particularly during fun rehearsals for the annual musical. The year is a real chance to push themselves academically in all directions before making their GCSE choices. A fuller timetable means that Year 9 girls can build on their study skills, tweak organisational habits, shape their independent learning and build on confidence to springboard into a happy future.
Year 9 is a great year!
Year 10
“Study for your exams, but don’t stress yourself out too much. And most of all, have fun.”
That’s advice for Year 10s from Year 11s! And very good advice it is. At 14, or 15, the most important learning is about growing up. There isn’t a GCSE in it, but it’s an important element of being a Year 10 just the same.
Year 10 is a time of change and excitement – and success! It’s the start of Upper School and the GCSE years. Time to study in more depth Greek, Geography, Music or Mandarin, optional subjects alongside the core of English, Maths, Science and PSHCE. Library study periods and Sport are on the Year 10 timetable too.
The school year begins with Film Day – a chance to learn some new media and narrative skills as well as get the year off to a good start in terms of team-building. Then, the Active Citizen programme where students highlight a topical issue they care about, volunteering and community service, Model United Nations (MUNGA), Duke of Edinburgh Award, lots of sport, extra-curricular drama and music. Our Careers service holds an enrichment day in Year 10 also.
It’s a busy year and managing time is really important. We run study skills and time management sessions early on. Regular academic mentoring takes place throughout the year and we guide students through their Year 10 examinations.
To see the Year 10 Handbook with lots of useful information please click here.
The best advice to Year 10s is to work hard, but not too hard, be organised, and make sure you have fun. Life isn’t all about exams and syllabuses. Have a set time when you switch off your phone at night! Keep a book on the go and don’t lose the habit of reading for pleasure.
Upper School lays the foundations for Sixth Form. It’s a time of looking forward and making choices. We want girls to enter this stage of their education confident that they will continue to find immense satisfaction in their school life while they begin to prepare for Higher Education.
Year 11
What is noticeable about the Year 11s at Oxford High is their confidence. They make themselves at home in their form rooms, enjoy their lessons and get on well with their subject teachers. The goal of the summer public examinations is in sight and gives girls a strong motivation and purpose in their studies. Along the way, girls are still fully committed to extra-curricular school sport, music and drama. Add in volunteering in schools in Oxford, completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award and you can see how Year 11’s contribution to school life is enormous!
To see the Year 11 Handbook with lots of useful information please click here.
Mock examinations take place after Christmas, and our traditional post-mock trip after that – no prizes for guessing which event is most eagerly anticipated! Our Year 11s generally look back on mocks as a useful and positive experience. Girls are supported with academic mentoring and their teachers are always available for advice and support with academic or pastoral issues.
Work experience happens during the week after the public examinations finish, and preparing for placements is an important aspect of the Careers strand of the PSHCE programme in Year 11.
As part of our 360 Programme, an important element in Year 11 is planning for A Levels and beyond. Our students are guided through preliminary A Level choices, with the Sixth Form Open Evening, a Day in the Sixth Form having Sixth Form style lessons, and taster lessons in new subjects such as Psychology. By the time the Sixth Form induction programme begins after the examinations, the Year 11s are already confident and mentally prepared for the next big step.