Primary and Secondary School

Primary Phase - Key Stage 1 - 2

The Primary Phase consists of three classes: Infants (Years 1 & 2), Junior 1 (Years 3 & 4) and Junior 2 (Years 5 & 6). Each class has a form teacher who teaches most of the subjects in order to gain a rounded picture of each child. Religious Education is taught every day.

In Key Stage 1 (Infants) phonics and reading are the key focus to learning, with early Maths, Science and topic work. Art, Music and PE complete the curriculum. In Key Stage 2, English, Maths and Science are the core subjects, with History, Geography, Art, French, Music and PE.

Secondary Phase - Key Stage 3 - 4

All pupils study for GCSEs in Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History and French, also known as the English Baccalaureate. Pupils also study Latin and Geography, Religious Knowledge and PE.

Teaching in KS3 focuses on remote and proximate preparation for GCSE examinations (KS4). In order to avoid “cramming” for exams, subject materials are spread over three years rather than two, in order to allow pupils to gain a deeper understanding of subject material.

The sciences are taught with reference to Church Teachings. The best literary materials are chosen through which pupils are able to gain a good mastery of the use of the English language and good insights into the play of human emotions and passions, with reference to true virtue which is the only source of real happiness.

Sixth Form

Sixth form A level studies are offered subject to demand. Mathematics and Biology are most commonly taught. Pupils can also subscribe to correspondence courses in particular subjects.

Sixth Form at St Michael’s seeks to turn Catholic boys into Catholic men, ready to tackle a world that tests the Faith. To this end, catechism and a course in Catholic Philosophy are added to pupils’ subject choices (five hours a week total).

The Sixth Form is open both to pupils who plan to apply for university and to those who wish to continue preparing themselves for life after school.