Girls First: Empowered, Encouraged, Engaged
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Lessons are lively and engaging, with discussion, collaboration and independent thinking at their heart. Teachers encourage students to embrace challenge, take intellectual risks and learn with confidence, knowing that mistakes are an important part of the learning journey.
The GCSE curriculum gives students the opportunity to choose from a wide range of subjects, creating a programme that reflects both the areas in which they excel and the subjects they enjoy, while keeping future pathways open.
Students engage in a curriculum that develops the skills, confidence and independence needed for life beyond school. They encouraged to pursue their ambitions and make informed choices about their future pathways.
The Art Department at Roedean is a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. Each student is supported to develop personal responses that showcase her unique talents and interests. Highly experienced staff offer expert guidance, helping students navigate pathways towards further study and careers in creative fields. The department has an excellent track record of outstanding results and of supporting students in securing places on competitive courses.
Biology serves as a gateway to a diverse array of educational and career pathways in the sciences and beyond. It provides a strong foundation for A Levels and university courses in subjects such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology and more. Whether students are interested in understanding the human body, protecting the planet or solving real-world problems through science, IGCSE Biology offers the essential knowledge and skills to pursue these ambitions.
Business is not solely a theory-based subject; students explore real-life businesses, many of which they already recognise. Through the study of Business, they investigate organisations and the global, ever-changing environment in which they operate. The course develops an understanding of the practicalities of running a business and explores the factors that contribute to success or failure.
Chemistry opens many pathways for further education and career opportunities. Graduates frequently pursue studies in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, Forensics, Architecture, Accountancy, Law, Politics, as well as Chemistry itself. The IGCSE Chemistry course fosters critical thinking, enhances problem-solving abilities and strengthens analytical skills, preparing students not only for their exams but also for further education and real-world situations.
GCSE Dance offers students the opportunity to work both creatively and independently in a challenging and exciting course. The balance between internally assessed practical tasks and a final written examination provides a well-rounded pathway to success. While GCSE Dance provides a solid foundation for further study at A Level, it also equips students with a wide range of transferable skills and opens doors to diverse career opportunities.
Design and Technology is a creative and diverse subject that enables students to engage in an iterative design process, providing opportunities to investigate, design, and create products that address real-world wants and needs. Throughout the course, students explore both theoretical and practical aspects of design in a stimulating and creative environment. Innovative thinking is encouraged through hands-on work with a variety of materials, tools, and equipment in the workshop.
GCSE Drama is an excellent choice for students interested in exploring the theatre process, developing their performance, technical, and design skills, and building confidence as effective communicators. The skills gained through Drama are highly transferable and valuable for numerous university courses and future careers. While GCSE Drama provides a solid foundation for further study at A Level, it also serves as a springboard to a wide range of courses in the Arts and Humanities.
English is an essential subject for many reasons. It develops students’ ability to communicate effectively, broadens their vocabulary, and teaches them how to adapt their language to suit different social contexts. It also enhances their capacity to express ideas clearly and organise thoughts logically, which strengthens their ability to process complex information and draw sophisticated conclusions.
French is one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide, offering a valuable advantage for travel, study, and future careers. As the international language of cooking, fashion, and the visual arts, French enables students to connect globally and explore diverse cultures.
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Geography is an increasingly relevant subject that encourages students to engage with some of the big questions facing the world today. It offers a wide-ranging, exciting and thought-provoking curriculum, providing a balanced framework of physical and human geography while exploring the connections between them. Students will also conduct investigations at a variety of scales, developing a deep understanding of local, national and global issues. Geography has become a growth subject at Roedean, with the GCSE cohort increasing from fewer than 30 students five years ago to more than 80 students in 2025, and A Level numbers rising from 3 to 11 over the same period.
History is a dynamic and thought-provoking subject that helps students understand the world and their place within it. By exploring key events, people and ideas from the past, students develop a deeper appreciation of how historical forces have shaped societies, cultures and global relationships. The study of History at GCSE level encourages curiosity, critical thinking and the ability to analyse complex information, preparing students to make informed judgements about the world today.
This is a course with real relevance in today’s world. While most students already have some familiarity with computers and related technologies, the GCSE Computer Science course provides a much deeper understanding of how computer systems work and offers insight into what happens ‘behind the scenes’. A key element of the course is the study of computer programming, which helps students develop critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Many find it an engaging and enjoyable way to build competencies that are transferable to other subjects and applicable in everyday life.
GCSE Latin is an engaging and intellectually challenging course that offers one of the most diverse ranges of content and skills. It is unique among GCSE languages in including the study of literature at this level. Classes are typically small, providing individual support within a vibrant department that offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, including overseas trips, theatre visits and archaeological sessions. The subject is dynamic and enjoyable.
The study of Mathematics encourages rational thinking and helps develop an understanding of the world around us. The department aims to foster intellectual curiosity and equip students with the skills needed to analyse and solve problems accurately and efficiently. A deep understanding of Mathematics is highly sought after when applying for university courses and careers.
Music is a distinctive, challenging, and enjoyable subject. In addition to enhancing musical skills, it fosters self-confidence, self-discipline, presentation abilities, and teamwork through opportunities to perform both solo and collaboratively. These transferable skills are highly valued in the workplace. Furthermore, studying Music develops an understanding of the importance of continuous evaluation and refinement within any process. The subject also nurtures qualities that future employers value, including creativity, problem-solving, initiative, presentation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively.
The course provides an appreciation of how religion, philosophy, and ethics form the foundations of culture while building valuable skills in leadership, research, analysis, critical thinking, and working with abstract ideas. Religious Studies is accessible and relevant to students of all faiths as well as those with no religious belief.
Physics is the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles, and is essential for a deep understanding of the world around us. As the most fundamental science, it is expressed through the language of mathematics. Physicists are problem-solvers, and their skills are invaluable across all aspects of life. From engineering and technological innovation to medicine and the arts, no field remains untouched by Physics.
Spanish is the third most widely spoken language in the world, with approximately 500 million speakers, following Mandarin Chinese and English. It is the official or primary language in 25 different countries. The language boasts a rich literary tradition, and Spanish-language films continue to receive critical acclaim both within the film industry and from audiences worldwide.
Sport Science is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded understanding of physical activity, health and performance. It is particularly suitable for those who already compete or perform proficiently in one or more sports, as well as for students interested in the scientific principles underlying sport and athletic performance. The course offers students the chance to perform and be assessed in three different sports or physical activities.
—ISI 2025—
