Students at A Level work with autonomy in directing their own topics and developing projects that are not dictated to them but, instead, are formed through collaboratively working with their teacher to make each project completely unique. This approach is set against small group sizes that allow students to receive bespoke, one-to-one advice that enables them to play to their own strengths and achieve highly. This allows us to work with an almost limitless array of materials and techniques, and students are supported by specialist teachers with many years of experience to help to guide them in making decisions. Many Tormead A Level Art students go on to Art-based Foundation and Degree courses, and we have a strong record of ex-Tormead Sixth Form students who have achieved highly at top creative institutions such as Edinburgh College of Art, the London College of Fashion and Goldsmiths University.

We offer a range of extra-curricular opportunities for all students in the school that focus on enabling them to be creative and developing their own interests and skills in Art. Throughout the year students are also given opportunities to enter in house and external art competitions. For GCSE and A Level students, we consider the course content as a ‘baseline’ on which the most able students can build, allowing them to enhance, extend and go beyond what is expected of them in their courses. Sixth Form students are also very ‘hands on’ in helping the younger students to develop their projects and ideas, and passing their expertise onto others. 

Our specialist teachers share their enthusiasm for the subject with students in small groups. Text books and online resources tailored to the current specifications are provided, and regular, relevant practical work in well-equipped laboratories supports the theory and develops skills which are essential for success at the highest level. A residential field trip to Slapton Ley field study centre underpins several aspects of scientific enquiry, including statistical analysis of real and relevant data. There are eight core areas of study. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to read widely to gain an understanding of the broader relevance of their studies and are required to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. Skills and knowledge acquired are extremely useful for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Medicine and other health and clinical professions including physiotherapy, midwifery, nursing and dietetics, for example. In addition, many skills are transferable and relevant to careers such as law, computing, accounting and teaching.

The KYTOS Biology enrichment programme offers unparalleled opportunities to explore the subject beyond the classroom. Girls can develop their surgical skills in the Dissection Club, enhance the school environment in the Conservation Club and delve deeper into the fascinating world of forensic science and criminal investigation in the hugely popular Forensics Club. Girls can participate in monthly A-Z biology quizzes, annual photography competitions, weekly enrichment sessions looking at topical news stories, and themed trips (ranging from the Old Operating Theatre and Hunterian Museum, London, to Costa Rica). We also encourage girls to enter the ‘Rosalind Franklin Prize for Academic Writing’ which is fully endorsed by the Rosalind Franklin Society, New York, who promote essay winners in their global newsletter. Meanwhile, MED:SEM is a programme of dedicated seminars covering a range of topics for those pursuing medical-related careers. The ‘Guest Speaker’ programme has secured talks from distinguished professionals including: Lord Robert Winston, President of the Genetics Society; Professor Laurence Hurst and wildlife campaigner, Virginia McKenna. Recent additions to the programme include the KYTOS Biology Podcasts (streamed in over 70 countries) and KYTOS Genetics Society.

In the first year, you will study ‘Marketing and People’ and ‘Managing Business Activities’. You will learn how businesses might improve their competitiveness and profitability by adapting their marketing mix, managing their employees and finances effectively, and by using their resources efficiently. You will also study the effects of changes in the business cycle and economic factors.

In the second year, you will study two additional themes of ‘Business Decisions and Strategy’ and ‘Global Business’. You will consider more complex business scenarios and focus on the strategies of global corporations. You will examine how multinational businesses operate to achieve their objectives and assess the impact of economic, social, political, ethical, legal, environmental and technological factors on these corporations. You will also analyse the ways in which businesses can manage change successfully when responding to changing external forces and a competitive environment.

The course is assessed by 100% written examination. Each exam is comprised of data response questions, extended open-ended response questions and essay questions.

Paper 1: Marketing, People and Global Business. 2 hour exam, 100 marks (35%)

Paper 2: Business Activities, Decisions and Strategy. 2 hour exam, 100 marks (35%)

Paper 3: Investigating Business Competitive Environment. 2 hour exam, 100 marks (30%)

Students are provided with a range of support, both in and out of the classroom, to enable every individual to realise their potential. In addition, the department will run a variety of trips in both the first and second year, including a proposed New York visit. The department aims to offer the opportunity for all students to attend a revision conference
with examiners, prior to sitting their A Level exam. We also offer several external speakers on relevant Business topics, for example global marketing, entrepreneurship and managing business change.

A Level Chemistry is a popular and academically-satisfying course of study. We follow the AQA specification which gives a wide-ranging view of the subject and sufficient depth to enable girls to develop excellent analytical skills. A practical approach is taken wherever possible so that concepts are underscored by physical experience and observation. Organic Chemistry is studied in depth and a range of chemical families, from the amines to aromatic compounds, are considered in terms of their reaction mechanisms, detection and synthesis. Problem-solving around structure determination forges the ability to consider information in drawing conclusions. Physical Chemistry is a core part of the course and the mathematical treatment of key phenomena supports understanding of the interlinked nature of the factors which drive chemical reactions. Inorganic Chemistry become very colourful at A Level as a large practically-based topic investigates transition metal complexes, as well as developing a macroscopic view of the elements in Periodicity and delving further into the reactivity of chemical groups. Lessons are delivered in small groups where collaborative and independent learning are both supported. All teachers are passionate about their subject and regularly extend learning into areas of higher level study. Some students choose to take the AS level at the end of the first year of study, while the majority complete the full two-year course. Students frequently go on to study the pure and applied physical sciences as well as gaining places at medical schools.

We participate in a range of activities and competitions throughout the year. Students compete in the RSC Top of the Bench competition and the Salter’s Chemistry Challenge, against other local schools. Year 10 pupils visit Science Live for lectures from well-known experts. In the Sixth Form, there are trips to the Bristol University Chemistry Department and we regularly send a team to compete in the RSC Young Analyst Competition. The Lower Sixth compete in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, a prestigious national competition awarding medals to the most talented. In the Upper Sixth, students pit their wits against the RSC Chemistry Olympiad. Many activities happen within the school each year with practical investigations offered as Beacon Challenges and a lower school Chemistry club offered by our Sixth Form Chemistry students.

Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation are offered at A Level. For Latin and Greek, students continue to study the language in more nuanced detail, with the option of composition into Latin or Greek. They study a prose author and a verse author to develop their knowledge of and personal response to the culture and mores behind the texts. Classical Civilisation (no GCSE requirement to study at A Level) involves the study of literature, art and culture, mainly of Ancient Greece. In the Lower Sixth, students study either Greek Theatre or Imperial Image. They also study Homer’s Odyssey. Both incorporate visual and material evidence as well as close reading of texts. In the Upper Sixth, students study Virgil’s Aeneid and Greek Religion. 

The Classics Department has run successful trips to a variety of Classical sites including Rome, Greece and Sicily. The Sixth Form take advantage of our proximity to London to visit the British Museum and to see dramatic productions. We have welcomed speakers such as Matthew Nicholls and Amy Smith (both from Reading University). We also have an enthusiastic Classics Society where students are encouraged to present on their own interests. 

We offer the Cambridge International A Level in Computer Science. This gives a natural progression from the IGCSE course. The subject can be studied without having the experience of the IGCSE – although such experience is, of course, hugely valuable. The specification is divided into the two strands of Theory and Problem Solving & Programming, at fundamental and advanced levels (In the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth, respectively). Topics from the IGCSE are revisited and expanded upon, giving a far deeper understanding of the workings of computer systems. Programming is developed to a higher level, using various paradigms, and contrasts are made between programming languages. 

Students are encouraged to develop their programming experience in a variety of ways including the use of Python  object oriented programming. The girls are also encouraged to engage with students lower down the school helping them with solving both programming and robotic challenges. 

Students follow the Edexcel Design and Technology Product Design course. The students are given the opportunity to come up with their own context and design brief giving them complete control over the project. A client must be identified and consulted throughout the design process which allows the girls to work in a similar style to how they would for a product design company. The theory work at A Level looks at commercial product design and manufacture and covers a wide range of areas related to engineering, architecture and design history. Students benefit from small class sizes which provide ample time for feedback on their work as they progress through the project, which is submitted as a manufactured product, supported by a design folder, and counts for 50% of the A Level. The other 50% is a written examination taken at the end of the Upper Sixth.

In the Upper School, students can attend Engineering Club where they solve practical problems as a team. Previously, girls have constructed a go-kart from timber and reclaimed bike parts. Sixth Formers take on the role of project managers in the Engineering Club, allowing them to improve their leadership skills.

The A Level course look at the totality of what makes successful theatre, from conception to realisation. Students will be provided with access to the best resources in contemporary theatre through regular theatre visits, workshops and the excellent facilities we have available in the purpose built JCS block and Performance Hall. Drama A Level at Tormead is very much a hands-on process where much time is spent thinking, creating and doing. Every component must be developed using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company. We also study the Eduqas specification in the 6^th Form and this helps students to build upon the practitioners studied at GCSE as well as study a wide range of new ones at A Level, such as Emma Rice, Katie Mitchell and Gecko. As at GCSE, candidates can be entered as design students with options such as make-up, costume, set design, lighting and sound available for assessment instead of performance. We aim to provide information for those that wish to continue with Drama in Higher Education and university prospectuses, information and advice are all available from the Head of Department. Information regarding Drama Clubs, courses, auditions, television agencies, events and opportunities, both in and out of school, are displayed on the TV screen and noticeboards in the JCS Foyer and are updated regularly. There is also a copy of The Stage and Television Today newspaper, which is the industry magazine and gives all manner of advice to amateurs, professionals, students and teachers alike, located in the library.

Component 1: (20% of A Level) involves the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a play eg perform a scene from an existing script but devise a new ending. This is a mixture of devising and scripted work so students get the best of both worlds!

Component 2: (40 % of A Level only) students take part in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre: a devised piece and an extract from a script.

Component 3: (40% of A Level) involves the study of three great plays: Machinal by Sophie Treadwell (AS and A Level), Love and Information by Caryl Churchill (A Level only) and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, directed by Marianne Elliott (A Level only). These plays will be explored practically throughout the course to prepare candidates thoroughly for a written examination.

We operate an inclusive ethos and stage at least two productions per year, involving girls from every year group within the Senior School. The style of each production varies to ensure we show a range of comedies, tragedies, modern and classics. Every other year, the school stages a musical. Recent productions have included Legally Blonde: The Musical, Little Women, Bright Young Things and The Tempest. Students are encouraged not only to act but also to help in other areas of theatrical production, such as stage management, costume, make-up, lighting and sound. Technical Theatre Club runs once a week to cater for these students and is regularly led by the 6th Form Technical Theatre Mentors. There is also a weekly Year 7 Drama Club, Year 8/9 Youth Theatre and an Upper School (Y10-13) Theatre Company as well as a Glee Musical Theatre Club and the work undertaken at these often leads to public performances in the form of assemblies, small scale productions or as part of the annual Music and Arts Evening. A week-long Drama School, run by the Head of Department, takes place at the end of the summer term with Tormead girls and RGS boys combining to devise a play in a week. Additionally, there is a hugely popular annual House Drama competition where entries are written/devised, auditioned and directed by the Sixth Form House Captains, with a cast selected from pupils in Year 8 and 9 under the supervision of a member of staff.

There are at least four theatre trips organised annually as GCSE and ‘A’ Level Drama pupils are required to experience live theatre performances as part of the course. Highlights have included trips to see ‘The Woman in Black’, Frantic Assembly’s ‘Othello’, ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’, Florian Zeller’s ‘The Son’ and‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’. The older pupils also take part in at least one bespoke workshop by an outside practitioner each year. Most recently, we have welcomed Splendid Productions, The Paper Birds and Frantic Assembly to Tormead. We also have good links with the wider community such as the Drama Departments at Guildford School of Acting and at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford and we often undertake joint ventures, such as workshops and productions with their students and staff.

The Drama department regularly enters nationwide initiatives, such as the National Theatre Connections Project, the Shakespeare Schools Festival or the Leatherhead Drama Festival in order for students to get the chance to perform on professional stages. The students are also guided through auditions for outside companies such as the National Youth Theatre, G Live Creative Company, Monologue Slam UK and for television work with casting agencies. Pupil initiative is also encouraged – the Sixth Form Drama Scholars sometimes co-direct students from Year 7, 8 and/or 9 in an annual production. Recent productions have included a performance of The Highwayman to the whole of Year 5 and 6.  Speech & Drama is a very popular extra-curricular subject at Tormead. Two highly-experienced and qualified teachers work with small groups of students in a dedicated examination space to develop their communication and performance skills. 

Students are encouraged to work creatively and sympathetically with each other to acquire knowledge, develop technical skills and have fun in a relaxed, positive atmosphere. The ability to express themselves articulately, whilst remaining relaxed and confident, is an invaluable life skill. LAMDA examinations are held at Tormead twice a year and Grades 6, 7 and 8 earn UCAS tariff points. 

A Level Economics balances a robust knowledge of theory with the ability to apply this knowledge to real world problems and issues. Every year, girls marvel at how even from the first lesson their understanding and appreciation of the world has improved. They find this exciting and exhilarating. At its most fundamental level, Economics is about how choices are made, the consequences of these choices and how these choices and behaviours may be influenced. All of this is set against what is called the fundamental economic problem – ensuring that resources are used as efficiently as possible. The course is split into two parts – micro and macro. Micro economics considers how consumers and producers take decisions, how prices are determined, the impact of monopolies, how labour markets work, and the distribution of income, poverty and inequality. Macro Economics considers how economies grow and how unemployment and inflation are determined. At the global level, the course focuses on trade, trade patterns and consequences. Key themes running through both parts of the syllabus are the role of governments and their policy choices and effectiveness, the role of financial markets in the stability and success of economies, the impact of technological progress and the rationality of economic agents in reaching their decisions.

Lessons always focus on the latest real world developments. Girls throughout the school receive a weekly update of economic items in the news and the Sixth Form Economists receive specialist daily updates during exam season. Lessons feature intellectual playfulness at any opportunity, using Lego to explore concepts or building oversized models in one of the pods. Creative cartoon videos and infographics are used to explain key concepts. Girls read Economics Today, which Tormead Economics contributes to, and the wonderful range of imaginative resources from Tutor2U. Girls attend talks, have the opportunity to enter essay competitions and watch a range of TED talks over lunch. Although not specific to Economics, the Young Enterprise Company programme, the CISI professional qualifications and the ICAEW BASE competition provide invaluable experience of the financial world.

The A Level course in English Literature is designed to develop the students into evaluative, critical readers, who are confident expressing their own views on texts and are able to write intelligent, interesting essays. By following the Edexcel A Level programme, the students are exposed to a wide range of writers from the 14th to the 21st Century. Through their studies, the students develop their analytical skills further and begin to consider a range of alternative interpretations that can be brought to bear on texts, including introductions to literary theory, alternative critical readings and the significance that historical, cultural and literary context plays in the creation and reception of texts. There is, of course, an expectation that students will continue to read for pleasure beyond the texts required on the course, and this reading may be of particular value in their coursework module which allows them to choose their own text to compare with a taught A Level text. The coursework is worth 20% of the A Level and is undertaken in Year 13, and the students will write an academic, referenced 3000 word essay for this which is excellent preparation for university and beyond. Overall, the course is challenging yet extremely rewarding, and students who sit A Level Literature go on to a vast range of impressive courses and careers given the breadth of skills the course nurtures. 

The English Department provides a wealth of opportunities for the students at all ages and levels to appreciate the wider benefits of the subject. We run the National Theatre’s playwriting national programme, offer a creative writing club for the Lower School, an Upper School and Sixth Form book group, a Shakespeare festival for Year 7, the ‘Poetry by Heart’ competition, RSC actor workshops and a variety of trips and visits to the theatre. The year culminates in our annual writing competition – the Toubkin Cup – which shows off the best of the girls’ writing. Every year group takes part and for the shortlisted students we hold an evening celebration and recitation of the writing, which is judged by a visiting author. Many of these clubs result in the pupils being entered for local and national competitions, and Tormead students have had great success in these. Through the school’s Beacon programme, there are opportunities for the girls to tailor their own learning beyond the classroom. We draw the girls’ attention to exhibitions, performances or talks we believe will be interesting and relevant, and many girls take up these opportunities, seeing the broad benefits of the subject in the process.

The A Level course enables the girls to develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the French language, the culture of France and other Francophone countries, as well as practical and valuable language and transferable study skills. We study one film and one literary text, together with authentic source materials from the French-speaking world. We focus on spontaneity and grammar, as well as independent and creative application of knowledge. The students are encouraged to develop their ideas, use language to persuade and analyse, and give critical responses in their writing and speaking. In addition to their timetabled lessons, the students enjoy weekly one-to-one sessions with our assistant.

At A Level the papers are as follows:

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing – 2 hours 30 minutes – 50% of qualification

Paper 2: Writing – 2 hours – 20% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking – 21-23 minutes – 30% of qualification

Topics:

Theme 1: Aspects of French-speaking society – current trends

Theme 2: Aspects of French-speaking society – current issues

Theme 3: Artistic culture in the French-speaking world

Theme 4: Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world

A highlight of the language-learning calendar is our yearly Language Week. We immerse ourselves for a week, both in and outside lesson time in activities ranging from song, dance and poetry competitions to language quizzes, French cuisine, and the opportunity to learn a completely new language. We are launching ‘La Plus Belle Voix’ competition in Year 8 (French version of ‘The Voice’) and looking forward to the pupils’ rendition of the French songs. French cinema is also a strong medium to be exposed to language and culture which is what ‘Ciné Ce Soir’ aims to achieve. Both the Library and the IT department also join in the fun with additional challenges for the girls. 

Speed Debating means our Sixth Formers are becoming quite adept at debating in French, enjoying the social contact with A Level students from other schools at our regular meetings, and discuss such hot topics as ‘What’s the point of getting married these days?’ and ‘Is it worth preserving French traditions?’ 

Year 10 have the opportunity visit Paris and absorb the French culture  whilst immersing ourselves in cultural visits, French language lessons and a trip to Parc Asterix. 

Lower School Language Club is a celebration of each individual’s cultural background and interests. We have had many fascinating sessions this year with girls finding out about Indian weddings and learning a little Hindi, life in Sweden, South Africa, Rome and Moscow. We also play games, watch cartoons and practise language skills. 

Francofilles is an Upper School and Sixth Form club which focuses on aspects of French culture such as singer Stromae and the popularity of Verlan. Visiting speakers also always prove to be a highlight of this popular club. 

The A Level Government and Politics specification is designed to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics. Students acquire knowledge of the institutions and processes within the political system of the United Kingdom and United States and are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how other political systems may differ. There is also consideration of key ideologies including Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialisms and Anarchism.

Students will develop a wide range of relevant skills including the ability to understand, synthesise and interpret political information. Furthermore, we will learn to identify connections, similarities and differences between the areas studied.

• UK government, politics and ideologies includes the following topics:
• Democracy and participation
• Political Parties
• Electoral Systems
• Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism
• Parliament
• Prime Minister
• The UK Constitution
• Anarchism
• US Government and Politics includes the following topics
• The President
• Congress
• The Supreme Court
• Political parties

Every year, the Department visits the Houses of Parliament and the UK Supreme Court, organised via the local MP’s office – Anne Milton MP also conducts a Question and Answer session. We also run a biennial trip to Washington DC to gain first hard knowledge of Congress, the Pentagon, the US Supreme Court and a range of highly impressive Smithsonian museums. Girls also can run Beacon sessions and enter competitions. In addition, they are regularly informed about relevant public lectures.

We study the OCR course, synthesising the Human and Physical aspects of Geography to provide a more holistic view of the world. Topics include Global Migration, Power and Borders, Coasts, Disease, Water and Carbon Cycles, Space and Place (Settlements), and Tectonics. We examine these topics by exploring up to date case studies and develop a deeper understanding on two residential field trips throughout the two-year course. The Independent Investigation (contributing 20% to the overall assessment for the A Level) is undertaken at the end of the L6 year and the girls are given the opportunity to design and carry out their own fieldwork investigation, related to some aspect of the course. This is a highlight of the course each year, as the girls produce work of a very high standard. All girls are expected to experience four days’ mandatory fieldwork in addition to that required for their Independent Investigation.

In the Lower School, the girls complete a river study on the Tillingbourne and have a chance to navigate in the countryside around Shere putting their map skills to the test. GCSE fieldwork is designed and timed to complement the topics being taught whilst enabling the girls to experience a range of data collection techniques. In the Sixth Form, there are residential visits to Dorset, Birmingham and Bristol where course content can be exemplified, and fieldwork skills are developed further. This allows the girls to gain confidence with the skills required for their own Independent Investigation. We hold regular Beacon sessions and there is a lunch-time Geography Club which is run by the Geography Mentor and open to all year groups in the Senior School. Current issues are presented and then fervently debated. The Sixth Form are members of the local Geographical Association and attend a range of lectures throughout the year related to aspects of the course. Each year, we invite a speaker to talk about a Geographical issue. This may be related to our ECO Schools accreditation to raise awareness of ECO themes of water, waste, energy, biodiversity and transport, or related to another current geographical issue.

We follow the AQA A Level in German. This new course is highly engaging, focusing entirely on the society and culture of the German-speaking world. The girls study a range of interesting topics: the digital world, youth culture, immigration and racism, cultural life in Berlin, as well as German reunification. The course also requires the study of German literature and cinema. We currently study Das Leben der Anderen and Der Besuch der alten Dame,  which are both very popular with our students, thanks to the support we give to begin studying works in another language. The students develop a number of other transferable key skills throughout this course: they are regularly tasked with researching and presenting their findings on the subject matter of the different topics, they are encouraged to think critically about these issues and the works they study and develop an advanced grasp of German grammar. In addition to their timetabled lessons, each student attends an individual weekly conversation class with our German assistant. This proves invaluable in the preparation for the A Level oral examination.

At A Level the papers are as follows:

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing – 2 hours 30 minutes – 50% of qualification

Paper 2: Writing – 2 hours – 20% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking – 21-23 minutes – 30% of qualification

Topics:

Theme 1: Aspects of German-speaking society

Theme 2: Multiculturalism in German-speaking society

Theme 3: Artistic culture in the German-speaking world

Theme 4: Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world

The German Department fully understands the importance of enrichment when learning a language, not only to boost linguistic competence, but also to broaden the students’ horizons to the cultural and social landscape in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. At Key Stage 3, all girls can attend the weekly Modern Languages Club. These sessions are often led by our Sixth Form language mentors. At IGCSE level, all students have the opportunity to take part in a visit to Germany, taking part in language workshops, as well as enjoying cultural trips to local landmarks. At A Level, we run regular visits to London where we take part in A Level workshops on our selected novel and film. We also enjoy building links with local schools, where we attend debating evenings and A Level conference days run by local universities. We are actively involved in the Guildford-Freiburg twinning association, where we enjoy taking part in the lectures and events provided for students following the A Level German course. All students are encouraged to read the many magazines on offer in the library.

We aim to offer an interesting and varied A Level which enables pupils to progress to university study with confidence. We believe that a combination of modern and early modern history provides a broad and engaging course and gives students the opportunity to work with a range of historical sources. In Lower Sixth, students study political, social and religious change under the Tudors, as well as examining the monumental changes Russia underwent with the removal of the Romanov dynasty and its replacement, initially by the provisional government but then by the world’s first communist regime. In the Upper Sixth, students complete a coursework unit on ‘Gender History’ which enables them to develop the research and independent learning skills that they will use in Higher Education. In addition, students complete a thematic study of popular culture and the witch craze in the early modern period. 

We seek to enrich the study of History at A level with a range of activities and trips.  There is a bi-annual, residential trip to Lancashire to study the Pendle witch trials, and outings to Hampton Court and ‘Six!’ the musical. Each half-term, we participate in the international digital debating work organised by the charity Parallel Histories on controversial historical topics outside the curriculum. We are members of the Historical Association, and girls can attend any of the local lectures free of charge.  Sixth Form students also run a range of whole school assemblies with historical themes, for example for Black History Month, and can act as mentors in our Lower School club, Past Times, when students engage in a range of activities, including a Jack the Ripper Escape Room, a recreation of the Battle of Hastings and scripting a Tudor dating TV show.  

Tormead mathematicians follow the Edexcel course. It is made up of two-thirds pure mathematics and one-third applied mathematics. The introductory applied modules for statistics and mechanics are studied.

Course units – description and assessment

Papers 1 and 2 Pure Mathematics (67% of A Level) Students study proof, algebra and function, coordinate geometry, sequences and series. trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, numerical methods, differentiation, integration and vectors. Assessed by written exams.

Statistics and Mechanics (33% of A Level) Students study applied mathematical topics covering both statistics and mechanics. In statistics they study sampling, data presentation and interpretation, correlation, regression, probability, statistical distributions and hypothesis testing. In mechanics, students study kinematics, forces and Newton’s Laws.

What can you do after the course?

Students with an A Level Mathematics are well equipped to go into almost any career. Many students go on to study mathematics, science or engineering-related degree courses, though business, computing and financial courses are also commonly chosen.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS A LEVEL

Examination Board Edexcel Course outline

This course expects students to use complex mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems. It is delivered at Tormead as a fourth A Level complementing the choice of Mathematics A Level which underpins this qualification.

Course units – description and assessment

The course has two compulsory components with students selecting two further options to be examined on.

Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1 (25% of A Level)

Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2 (25% of A Level)

In these units students study proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, and differential equations. Assessed by written exam.

Paper 3: Further Mathematics Option 1 (25% of A Level)

Students take one of the following four options:

A: Further Pure Mathematics 1

B: Further Statistics 1

C: Further Mechanics 1

D: Decision Mathematics 1

Assessed by written exam.

Paper 4: Further Mathematics Option 2 (25% of A Level)

Students take one of the following seven options:

A: Further Pure Mathematics 2

B: Further Statistics 1

C: Further Mechanics 1

D: Decision Mathematics 1

E: Further Statistics 2

F: Further Mechanics 2

G: Decision Mathematics 2

Assessed by written exam.

Further Mathematics A Level is designed for students who find A Level Mathematics highly accessible and who wish to devote over half their A Level study time to mathematics. It is a highly specialist and demanding qualification.

What can girls do after the course?

An A Level in Further Mathematics is targeted at students wishing to study Mathematics, Physics or Engineering courses at selective universities. It is advisable to offer Further Mathematics A Level in an application to Imperial College, Oxford or Cambridge to read subjects such as economics, mathematics, physics or engineering and for many Russell Group universities in applications to read mathematics.

Level 3 Mathematical Studies

The Level 3 Mathematical Studies course, often referred to as “Core Maths”, provides students with an opportunity to extend their understanding of Mathematics in L6, without studying A level Mathematics. The course is studied in addition to three full A levels during L6. It is a one year course that builds on the IGCSE and helps to develop students’ mathematical skills, especially statistical analysis and finance. It supports many A levels such as Psychology, Sciences, Geography and Economics as well as any future degrees courses, or other technical and vocational qualifications. Mathematical studies is a highly valued qualification, by both employers and universities. It is worth the same amount of UCAS points as an AS Level and works well in partnership with other courses for students who do not wish to take A level Mathematics. 

Puzzle Club and Chess Club are run by the Mathematics department along with regular competitions to promote problem solving skills. We also run a Mathematical Art competition to encourage the students to combine their mathematical and artistic skills in innovative ways. Annually, all Mathematics students participate in the UKMT Mathematical Challenge at Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels. Many students achieve Gold, Silver and Bronze awards depending on how they perform in relation to their peers across the UK. Selected students go on to participate in the Kangaroo and Olympiad competitions.  Mathematicians are also encouraged to take part in other national competitions including the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls and the National Cypher Challenge. 

A Level Music is aimed at those pupils who wish to pursue academic music to a higher level. It is not necessary to have studied GCSE Music to opt for the subject, though that is helpful. 60% of the examination comprises composition and performance coursework. Two compositions must be submitted by the May deadline, and these are marked externally. A candidate must submit a recorded performance of their playing one or more pieces, uninterrupted. Performance recordings take place under the supervision of the Director of Music who will normally provide the accompanying role. No ensembles are required at A Level. Minimum lengths for composition and performing coursework apply and students are sent a comprehensive policy document when they start the course. The department is justly proud of the standards of coursework, and recordings of the students’ performances are regularly broadcast at Tormead opening mornings. A written paper taken at the end of Year 12 or 13 comprises analysis questions on music from the following areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental, Music for Film, Popular Music & Jazz, Fusions, and New Directions. Students who study music at A Level progress to a variety of further education destinations. Some choose to pursue non-musical subjects, including Psychology, Economics and Modern Languages. Nevertheless, they continue to perform music to a high level as part of their extracurricular studies. Some students also take a more vocational route, pursuing Music at University or Conservatoire level. In recent years, Tormead Musicians have gained places to study Music Technology, Performance at the Royal College of Music and Music at Clare College, Cambridge (with an organ Scholarship).

The strength of the Music Department lies in its extensive extra-curricular programme. Numerous opportunities are available to the pupils to perform at all levels. Concert performances are available to both the virtuoso musician, as well as those who have less experience of playing a musical instrument. There are opportunities to perform in informal concerts such as those given in year groups during the school day and more formal concerts given at Tormead and other performing venues. In recent years these have included G Live, Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Church, Esher Parish Church, The Guildford Institute, Cranleigh Arts Centre and Guildford Cathedral. Tormead choirs also regularly sing Choral Evensong at cathedrals including Southwark, Chichester, Blackburn and Christ Church, Oxford. Tormead Choir travels to Manchester each year and broadcasts live on BBC Radio 4 as part of the long running ‘Daily Service’. Tormead Jazz band gives numerous performances in the local area and tours every two years. Recent tour destinations have included the Italian Lakes, Germany and the Netherlands. In recent years, members of the choir have performed in a professional recording of a song broadcast for the BAFTA video games awards ceremony, while the Choir and Orchestra performed in a chart-busting song which reached number 2 in the Classical iTunes chart. Other musicians have played in the Pit Band for the musical Singing in the Rain. Collaborations with professional musicians beyond school feature regularly in the program of events, and these include performing with the composer Will Todd, Vivace Choral Society, Southern Pro Music, Guildford Choral Society and Mosaic Chamber Choir. A typical year in the Musical calendar involves some twenty concert or public performances, in and out of school.

We study different modules in a number of different disciplines within the field of sports science. The course provides an excellent stepping stone for students wishing to go on to further study in any branch of the subject. The course is a mixture of theory and practical and students are encouraged to apply the theoretical knowledge that they acquire to the improvement of performance.

Students will develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the following theoretical areas:

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and society
• Exercise physiology and biomechanics
• Sports psychology
• Technology in sport

Performance and the written analysis of performance make up the coursework section of the qualification

Previous enrichment opportunities have included visiting speakers and excursions to sports science labs and the Wimbledon museum.

Students develop the higher-order analysis, thinking and mathematical modelling skills necessary to frame and solve physical problems. They gain an appreciation of how scientific theories need to explain the available evidence and are revised in the light of new evidence. A wide range of practical experimental techniques are learned as well as how to quantify the errors and uncertainties inherent in them. Students also develop their ability to write clear concise coherent and logical answers to questions. The course contains the following topics:

• Uncertainties in measurement
• Particle and subatomic physics
• Quantum physics
• Forces and momentum
• Materials
• Motion and projectiles
• Wave properties and optics
• DC and AC electricity
• Gravitational and fields
• Electric and magnetic fields
• Circular motion
• Oscillating systems (vibrations)
• Electromagnetism
• Thermodynamics
• Nuclear physics
• Astrophysics & Cosmology

Some of the above topics, such as particle physics, quantum physics, materials and projectiles are studied for the first time at A Level. Other topics which have been introduced at IGCSE, such as forces, DC electricity and nuclear physics, are explored in a wider variety of contexts and applications, as well as being treated in a more quantitative way.

The Physics Department leads a number of visits each year including: Year 11 Astrophysics, Engineering and college tour at Cambridge University; Year 12 “Inspirational Physics” afternoon of lectures at the University of Surrey Physics Department; Year 13 Particle Physics Masterclass at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire; and Year 12 & 13 Visit to JET Nuclear Fusion Research facility at Culham.

Older students are encouraged to attend public evening physics lectures at Surrey University & Royal Holloway (University of London)

All students are encouraged to learn how to use the Tormead Observatory and to join observing sessions after school in the winter months. Sixth Form students may be  offered GCSE Astronomy as an enrichment subject alongside their A levels.

The Physics Department encourages students to compete in the British Physics Olympiad competitions in Years 10,11,12 & 13. We also welcome Tormead Old Girls back to talk to current pupils about their university course and subsequent careers in physics, science engineering and related fields. In addition, the students are encouraged to consider applying for Smallpeice Trust & Headstart STEM subject short taster courses at universities. Finally, the students considering engineering as a career and/or as a university course are encouraged to apply for a national Arkwright Sixth Form Engineering Scholarship scheme in Year 11.

We follow the AQA A Level psychology specification. In the first year of AS study, we look at: human memory, child attachment, social psychology, psychopathology (OCD, phobias and depression), approaches and perspectives and research methods with human participants. For students continuing with the full A Level, we progress to study the following topics additionally: biopsychology, issues and debates in psychology, gender, aggression and schizophrenia. Within each topic, there are several subsections, and students are introduced to current (and sometimes competing) theories and explanations. We then evaluate these explanations by considering their strengths and limitations.

Although the department consists of one sole specialist, Mr Wilkinson is a prominent figure in Beacon activities, talks and lectures. Recent talks include: ‘The Oedipus Complex: Did Freud really fancy his own mother?’, ‘The girl with half a brain: The miracle inside your head’, and ‘The illusion of free-will and its implications’. The School Beacon website contains many other interesting psychology links and extra-curricular activities. For lower school members, the Psychology Mentor Charlotte D runs a psychology club aimed specifically at those with a budding interest in the subject.

The Religious studies A Level allows for a deep exploration of three components, each with clear and well-defined content and strong supporting materials. We rigorously investigate a range of topics under the banner “Philosophy of Religion”. The students debate, evaluate and analyse concepts from the ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle through medieval thinkers such as Aquinas and Augustine, to the Enlightenment with luminaries such as Kant and Hume, even up to modern scholars involved with issues surrounding epistemology and the philosophy of language. The debate is not limited to this stream of content however; there is a plethora of discussion to be had in the “Ethics” side of the course, from inquiring about normative ethical theories to the application of those theories to issues such as business, even sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs. We complete our A Level deliberations with a serious consideration into the “Development of Christian Thought”, wherein we have the opportunity to undertake a systematic study of key concepts within the development of Christian thought. Students explore religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections, how they have developed historically and how they are presently discussed. Overall, this is a thought-provoking programme of study which also acts as a rigorous course of scholarship for progression to Higher Education.

In the lower school, we have the opportunity to visit a functioning Thai Buddhist monastery in the heart of Wimbledon. Experiencing both the beauty of the architecture and symbolic interior decorations but also having the privilege to discover the life and work of Buddhist monks. The Sixth Form have the opportunity to go with the Religious Studies department on a trip to Krakow to visit the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps; a moving and valuable experience. Sixth Formers also have the option of attending conferences which deal with hotly debated topics surrounding ethical, epistemological and ontological issues in a formal academic setting held in London. The department also engages with the Beacon sessions throughout the year offering debates on economic justice, the origins of Christmas and contentious issues surrounding the ownership of the Holy sites in Jerusalem.

The A Level course is designed to delve deeper into the culture and history of Spain. We cover topics such as changes to family structure, Hispanic festivals, gender equality and the Spanish Civil War and move to democracy. The examination tests the topics across the four same skills. Class activities are varied, and students develop new skills such as translation and film and literature analysis. The students also benefit from a one-to-one weekly meeting with our Spanish assistant to help them prepare for the oral examination.

At A Level the papers are as follows:

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing – 2 hours 30 minutes – 50% of qualification

Paper 2: Writing – 2 hours – 20% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking – 21-23 minutes – 30% of qualification

Topics:

Theme 1: Aspects of Hispanic society

Theme 2: Multiculturalism in Hispanic society

Theme 3: Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

Theme 4: Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world

At all stages of your study of Spanish there are various enrichment opportunities. From MFL club to Spanish translation club and Speaking club as well as trips to the British Film Institute and A level study days. Closer to home you may also enjoy a salsa lesson as part of MFL week. During this week there are a plethora of activities organised for girls to explore Hispanic culture and have fun with language learning. You may take part in our very popular Spanish pen pal letter writing program and you will exchange letters and cards throughout the year with your very own pen pal.  There are various competitions girls can join such as short fiction writing, Linguistics Olympiad and our Christmas Card competition. In Year 10, pupils can go to Spain and discover the rich culture that makes up this amazing country and its people. In Sixth Form, students benefit from one-to-one contact with our Spanish Assistant and events such as Speed Debating with other A level pupils.