Pupils who study Art at College are supported to develop independent thought, take ownership of their work and develop pieces that are very personal to them. Led by our three specialist Art teachers, they are able to do this in a range of materials and processes that is much wider than at many other schools. This all takes place in the dedicated Art wing of Thirlestaine House, a Grade I listed building with high ceilings and large windows that combine to create the perfect space for artists.

The outcomes are extremely positive. Pupils explore and develop their thoughts and opinions, learn to express themselves and regularly exhibit their unique work in our dedicated art gallery and across the country.

Almost all A Level pupils go on to university to study an Arts degree at universities including Edinburgh, The Courtauld Institute and The Slade, in subjects including Art, Creative Materials, Architecture and Graphic Design.

Pupils study AQA Fine Art at both GCSE and A Level. We also offer Sculpture/3D courses through AQA for those pupils who are primarily sculptors.

Thinking about studying Art?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Art Book by DK
• I know an Artist by Susie Hodge
• We are Artists: Women who Made their Mark on the World by Kari Herbert

Biological research and understanding is progressing at a rapid rate making it a fascinating subject to study, with an ever-developing curriculum. Since the turn of the millennium, the world has seen the complete sequencing of the human genome, advances in the therapeutic use of stem cells and further analysis to explain climate change.

We encourage pupils to actively investigate and explore many of these developments for themselves as they build an appreciation of the biological world around them. As they explore this subject, pupils develop problem solving and experimental planning skills.

The Biology Department is a modern, light and bright learning environment which is extremely well resourced in the practical equipment necessary to support study. We constantly stay abreast of the latest developments in the subject and forge strong relationships with pupils to offer the best learning support and guidance available.

Pupils study Edexcel IGCSE Biology and OCR A Level Biology at College.

Thinking about studying Biology?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Adventures in Human Being by Gavin Francis
• Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery by Henry Marsh
• Genome by Matt Ridley
• Eating the Sun by Oliver Morton

Studying Chemistry at College equips pupils with the skills to explain and understand concepts from first principles rather than rely upon a body of learnt knowledge. We achieve this through lessons that focus principally on practical experiments undertaken by the pupils themselves that bring these first principles to life.

We encourage all pupils to be free thinkers about the subject and explore its principles independently, developing a deep understanding and literacy in all areas of the Chemical Sciences.

We offer a range of opportunities to do this, including external competitions, enrichment visits and the chance to take part in our annual Chemistry lecture, ‘The Chemistry Spectacular’.

Pupils at College study Edexcel IGCSE and OCR A Level Chemistry.

Thinking about studying Chemistry?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• All about Chemistry by Robert Winston
• The Periodic Table Book by DK Children
• The Element in the Room by Mike Barfield and Lauren Humphrey

The study of Classics promotes logical and structured thinking that pupils can apply to all other areas of their study as well as their lives beyond College and into Higher Education.

All pupils at College benefit from the range of provision by the Classics Department, which includes the opportunity to study Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation at GCSE, A Level and Oxbridge level. We also provide an Ancient History Elective for Lower Sixth pupils and Sanskrit activity is available for all year groups.

We support classroom lessons with opportunities designed to bring the subject to life and offer deeper insight. In recent years pupils have enjoyed visits to the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the Roman Baths in Bath, Provence, lectures, plays and Classical speaking competitions. The Classics Society also provides an extra-curricular, pupil-led opportunity to present on any Classical topic, perform material from the ancient world, or run a game based around Classical knowledge.

Pupils at College study to the OCR exam board for Classics.

Thinking about studying Classics?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Usborne Internet-linked Encyclopaedia of Ancient Greece by Jane Chisholm et al
• Eyewitness Ancient Rome by DK
• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

In GCSE Computer Science, pupils learn through a blend of practical and theory how computers and computer systems work, developing understanding and skills in programming and the main principles of algorithmic problem solving. It is an exciting and extremely relevant subject; pupils explore current and emerging computing technologies, the benefits of their use and the potential risks they pose. Any pupil with a good level of proficiency in Maths and Science, and a willingness to work on their skills outside of lessons, will be well-suited to the course.

Pupils at College study CIE GCSE Computer Science.

Thinking about studying Computer Science?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Computer Coding – Python Games for Kids by Carol Vorderman
• Question Everything by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker
• I, Ada by Julia Gray

Design and Technology at College provides an opportunity for pupils to develop their creative, practical and team-work skills. The subject combines lessons from other areas of the curriculum including using Maths and Science in a practical context.

Our Design and Technology classrooms have a range of sophisticated and traditional machines to allow all pupils to develop a wide range of skills. All teaching staff have experience of working in industry in their specific field, bringing a wealth of knowledge that is delivered directly to the classroom. We provide access to the Design and Technology classrooms for a number of dedicated additional hours each week for pupils to work independently on their projects, allowing them to develop their independent learning and thinking skills within a supervised and creative environment.

Pupils study Edexcel GCSE DT (Textiles or Timbers pathway), Edexcel A Level Product Design and Eduqas A Level Fashion & Textiles.

Thinking about studying Design and Technology?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• How Super Cool Tech Works by DK
• Great Designs by DK
• Graphic Design for Everyone by Cath Caldwell

Drama as an academic subject at College provides pupils with a comprehensive understanding and experience of all of the functions within a performance. Pupils are challenged to think not only as an actor, but also as a director, a lighting engineer, and a costume and set designer, too. To ensure that all pupils are engaged and inspired, the theory aspect of the course is taught largely through practical workshops in the studio.

Our study of Drama at College is truly a community activity, with lessons often blocked at the same time so that our students from different year groups can work and develop together.

Outside of Drama as an academic subject, all pupils have the opportunity to participate in regular College and House productions.

Pupils at College study AQA GCSE and A Level Drama.

Thinking about studying Drama?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time adapted by Simon Stephens
• Educating Rita by Willy Russell
• An Inspector Calls by J.B Priestley

In Lower College, all pupils study both English Literature and Language. Through the former, pupils explore a wide range of poetry, prose and drama. They learn to recognise and analyse the ways in which writers use words and stylistic techniques to achieve a range of effects. In English Language, pupils are taught to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They are encouraged to develop a personal written style, and to communicate with an awareness of the audience being addressed.

At A Level, pupils have the opportunity to study some of the greatest works of literature produced in the English language, from early texts, right up to contemporary works such as Owen Sheers’ ‘Pink Mist’ and Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’. Pupils will begin to discover the breadth and diversity of literature, and to explore its relationship with history, culture, politics, art and critical theory.

English is a subject that thrives on lively debate and our lessons at College reflect this. Pupils read widely and independently beyond the set texts in order to explore different interpretations of the works they are studying in class and to develop their own views.

We offer a number of English co-curricular activities including a Literary Society, the local Cheltenham Literature and Poetry Festivals, and regular theatre trips. Furthermore, authors, speakers and workshop groups are regularly invited into College to give pupils a fresh perspective on the texts they are studying.

Pupils at College study CIE English Literature IGCSE, Eduqas English Language GCSE and OCR English Literature A Level.

Thinking of studying English?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories
• The Little Book of Shakespeare by DK
• A World Full of Poems by DK Children

Studying Geography at College encourages pupils to become truly global citizens, exploring diverse topics, and their impact on our world. Study areas include global migration, the impacts of climate change, our threatened carbon and water cycles and human rights issues, to name but a few.

We aim to provide a comfortable but purposeful environment for pupils to explore the subject. We have a well-stocked Geography library, dedicated computer suite and support clinics for all year groups.

To encourage even greater exploration and passion for the subject, Lower College pupils have the opportunity to become members of the Bingen Geography Society, which meets regularly for discussion, debate and a series of lectures from academics, explorers and geographers in the workplace. We run regular field trips to supplement the classroom learning including a biennial expedition to Iceland.

Pupils at College study Edexcel IGCSE and OCR A Level Geography.

Thinking of studying Geography?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Climate Emergency Atlas by Dan Hooke
• Ice by DK
• Climate Change – What is the Issue? by Tom Jackson and Cristina Guitian

Delivery of History is driven by a sense that the study of what it is to be human and humane matters deeply within our society. We want pupils to see the subject as both an enjoyable escape from, and at the same time, a vital means of engagement with, the wider world. The characters, situations and exotic locations explored are in many cases extraordinary and beg many questions: frequently, there is the joy of discovering that “you couldn’t make it up.”

Pupils are well supported throughout their study of History at College. Staff are always available to meet pupils outside of lesson time and our dedicated History Library is designed to enable pupils to pursue both breadth and depth in our subject.

The History curriculum arms pupils with the skills to take the next thinking and working step in life beyond College, whether they choose to study the subject to degree level or not. We build the skills of source and interpretation analysis, synthesis of evidence, argument and judgement, all articulated via sophisticated written expression. Complex conceptual thinking is challenging, and rewarding. Employers thus value History as a superb platform from which to pursue a great range of career paths.

Pupils study the Edexcel History IGCSE and AQA History at A Level.

Thinking of studying History?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Dissolution by C.J. Sansom
• The Missing of The Somme by Geoff Dyer
• Regeneration by Pat Barker
• V2 by Robert Harris
• The Cold War by John Gaddis

At Cheltenham College, ICT is a daily part of all of our lives and so there is also a focus on developing pupils’ skills in this area through their work in each subject they study, as well as through participation in co-curricular activities. Teachers support all pupils to become confident, independent and safe users of ICT. Digital health is increasingly important in a modern world where we all spend more time online. Preparing young people for this reality is woven into the over-arching aims of the pastoral care that we provide, thus ensuring that all pupils develop healthy habits in their engagement with technology during their time at College and beyond.

The Maths Department at College supports pupils to become independent mathematicians who can apply their knowledge to many different situations, and to promote the enjoyment of problem solving and the relevance of Mathematics to other disciplines.

Throughout their study at College, we track pupils’ progress carefully to ensure that each individual is developing their skills to the highest level and receiving the correct support to achieve this.

We provide Maths Clinics, staff one-to-ones and a co-curricular Maths Society to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore deeply all areas of the Maths curriculum and beyond.

Pupils at College study Edexcel IGCSE and A Level Maths.

Thinking of studying Maths?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• 160 Days of Geometry – Area, Perimeter, Volume and Surface Area by Humble Maths
• What’s the Point of Maths? by DK
• Katherine Johnson by Ebony Joy Wilkins

Whilst studying a language at College, we support all pupils to develop an understanding of culture as well as the language itself. Our teaching, trips, experiences and societies are all designed to reflect this.

Pupils joining College in the Third Form usually study two modern foreign languages. Those who have taken a language in their previous school continue with it and, in addition, they start a new language; German, Spanish or French. In the Fourth Form, all pupils study at least one language and many continue with two.

Trips are regularly arranged to Spain, France and Germany for pupils across the whole age range. Pupils can choose to participate in one-to-one exchanges with young people of their age or homestays with teachers of languages they are learning. We also provide the opportunity to attend conferences, lectures, plays and films as a part of the Modern Languages Society.

Pupils at College study CIE IGCSE and AQA A Level languages.

Thinking of studying a Modern Foreign Language?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Spanish-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary by DK
• French-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary by DK
• German-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary by DK

Music at College is taught in a way that ensures every pupil has the opportunity to learn about and create music; inclusivity is key.

Our class sizes are limited to no more than 12 pupils per class and all areas of musical interest are catered for. Staff teach both co-curricular and academic music to ensure a joined-up learning experience for those who choose to partake in both. Everyone has the opportunity to perform within the many performance spaces at College including our theatre, Big Classical, the chandelier-lit recital room, Thirlestaine Long Gallery, and the magnificent College Chapel.

The transferable skills developed in music are vast, including: fine motor skills, research, analysis, contextual understanding, critical and abstract thinking, communication, discipline, and confidence. We encourage all pupils to develop these skills as part of the music curriculum at College.

College is proud to be an ‘All-Steinway School’. We are the only school in the country to have two of the world famous Steinway ‘Model D’ concert grand pianos housed in our main performance venues. In addition, there are a further three smaller Steinway Grands, complimented by 13 of Steinway’s Essex brand upright pianos in the teaching and practice rooms.

Pupils at College study AQA Music at GCSE and A Level.

Thinking of studying Music?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Concise Oxford History of Music by Gerald Abraham
• How Music Works by John Powell
• Why Is My Piano Black And White by Nathan Holder
• Why Beethoven Threw The Stew: And Lots More Stories about the Lives of Great Composers by Steven Isserlis CBE

Pupils studying Physics both at GCSE and A Level have the opportunity to discover and explore the building blocks of the universe in state-of-the-art facilities taught by specialist subject teachers.

All pupils take their Physics lessons in one of our five recently renovated, well-equipped university standard laboratories. Beyond the classroom, each pupil has access to further opportunities to explore the subject through dedicated subject evenings, the Science Society, regular speakers and Physics Olympiad competitions.

Many students from College go on to study Physical Sciences or Engineering courses at Russell Group universities.

Pupils at College study Edexcel IGCSE Physics and AQA A Level Physics.

Thinking about studying Physics?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Astro Physics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil Degrasse Tyson
• Mars by DK
• Super Simple Physics by DK

Sports Science at College is made up of practical and theoretical elements. The two are not distinct and we always ensure that the practical element supports the theoretical specification giving each pupil a variety of learning opportunities.

Beyond the core curriculum, pupils learn the importance and value of all that sport offers to the individual and society. Combined with their own sports participation outside of the classroom and the community work that all College pupils have the opportunity to partake in, the result is a group of well-rounded, inspired and engaged sports scientists.

The Sports Science Department at College collects the required practical video footage for both GCSE and A Level pupils. We have found that this relieves the pressure on pupils to coordinate and record their own footage and creates more time for practical and theoretical learning within the subject.

Pupils at College study CIE IGCSE Physical Education and AQA A Level Physical Education.

Thinking about studying Sports Science?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• I can: The Teenage Athlete’s Guide to Mental Fitness by Dr Josephine Perry
• Sports Psychology: A Complete Introduction by John Perry
• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Studying Theology, Philosophy and Ethics (TPE) at College creates inquisitive, thoughtful pupils, who want to make a difference in the world. We aim to prepare students to do jobs that do not yet exist by encouraging a flexibility of thinking and developing analytical skills that will not be superseded by artificial intelligence or analytic algorithms.

Our pupils are encouraged to learn how to ask better questions. They will develop critical thinking skills and consider their place in the world in relation to a range of ideas from established philosophers and theologians, both ancient and modern.

The development of these skills helps to support study in other areas and at Higher Education. College TPE students have excellent exam results and the subject has proven useful to students moving into a range of careers including medicine, law, technology, the Armed Forces and teaching.

Pupils at College study Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Religious Studies and OCR A Level.

Thinking about studying TPE?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Philosophy – A Visual Encyclopaedia by DK
• Islam by Eyewitness DK
• The Little Book of Philosophy by DK