Years 7, 8 and 9 are a time of exploration and growth, as pupils discover new subjects, develop intellectual confidence and embrace increasing independence. Pupils are predominantly taught in the Mansion building by subject specialist teachers, including Heads of Departments. The curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9 is kept purposefully broad, with pupils studying the following subjects on a weekly basis: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Art, Music, Drama, Design Technology, Food Technology, Physical Education, French, Spanish and PSHE. Games sessions take place three times a week with pupils regularly playing in fixtures against other schools.
A regular homework timetable is followed in order to allow pupils to consolidate their learning and aid their independence ahead of GCSE preparation. Pupils are able to attend supervised homework sessions at the end of the school day.
A diverse programme of trips, visits and educational events enhances the Years 7 to 9 curriculum, extending learning beyond the classroom and fostering intellectual curiosity and deeper subject understanding. Recent trips have included:
- Residential trip Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting Shakespeare's birthplace and Warwick Castle
- Natural History Museum
- International trip rotation: Skiing Trip, International Curriculum Trip (previous destinations include Iceland and Rome), Sports Tour (Barcelona 2025))
- Motion Capture & Physical Performance Workshop
Maintaining a breadth in learning continues to be a priority at Westbrook and in Year 9 pupils are given the opportunity to undertake either a Level 2 Sports Leadership Award or Rambert Dance Grade (Level 2).
Level 2 Sports Leadership Award is a nationally recognised qualification that helps develop leadership skills through sport and physical activity. It is an excellent opportunity for pupils interested in coaching, sports education, or building transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and responsibility.
Rambert Dance (Level 2)
Rambert Grades Level 2 (Ofqual Qualification) offers pupils the chance to train at GCSE standard, developing strong technical ability, expressive confidence, and professional contemporary dance skills. Pupils explore movement ideas, experiment with improvisation, and express themselves with authenticity, helping students build confidence both as dancers and as young artists. Rambert Grades Level 2 gives our pupils the perfect foundation for success in GCSE Dance as well as other future creative pathways.
Pupils in Year 9 are given the option to work towards the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. During the autumn term pupils take part in their training walk and then follow a structured programme, led by specially qualified staff across the year. For those wishing to, completion of Duke of Edinburgh Silver is possible in Year 10.
Pupils select their GCSE courses in Year 9 and start the courses in Year 10. At Westbrook Hay all pupils choose 9 GCSE options and we support pupils in making decisions which leverage their individual strengths. Alongside already familiar subjects the curriculum is enhanced with the options of GCSE Dance, Business and Further Maths added to the curriculum.
Class sizes in Years 10 and 11 are kept purposefully small (often between 8 - 14) so that all pupils can flourish and achieve their own personal excellence. ALongside their studies, pupils also continue with weekly PSHE sessions and termly Philosophy, Religion and Ethics workshops.
Sport remains an important part of senior school life, with pupils continuing to enjoy regular fixtures in our core sports. Weekly Sport for Life sessions also provide the opportunity to try a range of individual activities, helping to develop positive habits and a lasting enjoyment of movement, fitness and wellbeing.
Westbrook Hay offers an excellent through to GCSE and beyond. Careers education is embedded across the senior curriculum with a mixture of opportunities for pupils to enjoy, including Careers Mornings and Work Shadowing Days. Senior pupils have access to Unifrog, a careers platform which explores careers, subjects, universities and apprenticeships. In Year 10 we prepare our pupils for their post-16 pathway. This begins with Morrisby profiling, providing valuable insight into their strengths, interests and aptitudes to help inform future subject choices, career pathways and further education decisions. Alongside a Post-16 Roadshow during Year 10, pupils are offered individual sessions with our Deputy Head Academic and Head of Seniors which will help them make important decisions about their next steps.