School Prospectus - The Marlborough School

Learning
Our commitment to high quality teaching and
learning in a secure and supportive environment
is paramount. As an inclusive comprehensive
school we are committed to meeting the
educational needs of students of all abilities and talents. All students, therefore, follow a broad and balanced
curriculum which complies with the National Curriculum, and includes Citizenship and PHSE.
At Key Stage 3 students are largely taught in Tutor Groups. Tutor Groups are carefully constructed to
ensure a range of ability, friendship groups and individual talents. There is close liaison between The
Marlborough School and feeder primary schools to ascertain the specific learning needs of students on
transfer. In some subjects, groupings are determined by subject departments. Changes to a student’s
teaching group is always carefully considered and parents will be informed.
Towards the end of Year 9 students are guided in making their Key Stage 4 course choices. Students opt for
GCSE courses, or a mixed package of GCSEs and vocational courses. Our aim is to enable every student to
build a combination of subjects in which they genuinely wish to achieve a qualification. Specific provision can
be made for students to learn at college or other institutions offering recognised vocational courses, and for
some this may involve an element of work experience.
At Key Stage 5 a wide range of A and AS level courses is offered as well as Applied A levels and some
GCSEs. Full details of these courses can be obtained from the Sixth Form Prospectus.
The school’s aim is to provide in-class support for students who encounter difficulties in particular areas
of the curriculum. This includes those who have problems with literacy or numeracy skills as well as
those who have other specific learning difficulties. The Ormerod Department provides high level
specialist support for students with physical disabilities, language and communication difficulties, and
those on the autistic spectrum. A wide range of further support is offered to students through
school-based external agencies.