We offer a wide range of subject choices (see Academic Handbook), with Spanish, Home Economics & Physical Education having been recently added to the main options list.

Non-native speakers are taught English Language separately from native speakers. Students may add extra subjects such as Music, Drama, Law etc., to their normal timetables. We also offer a reduced one year GCSE Programme to students in Form V.

Students are pushed to achieve academic potential through a variety of tactics: weekly drill tests in each subject, completing the infamous red file of topic notes at Christmas break in Form V, preparing for mock GCSEs in January and indeed mock re-takes in February.

Coursework can often be the albatross around certain students’ necks as deadlines loom – Buckswood dedicates Saturday morning teaching in Forms IV & V solely to subject coursework sessions, thereby getting coursework finished early and making sure that the main teaching timetable does not suffer from coursework fall-out and fatigue.

Form V GCSE students have the chance to join a school initiated revision camp at May half-term.

Form V is treated very much like a “crammer” and the Form V Tutors exert influence and control over a group of teenagers at a crucial time in their education. GCSE students do not miss out on educational visits, with the History, Geography, Business and Art Departments prominent on the trips calendar. GCSE students are given the chance to hone their debating skills annually with their participation in a Model United Nations Assembly day.

GCSE students are encouraged to participate as much as possible in all aspects of school life: sports teams, prefect duties, after school clubs, the performing arts and community service. Careers & further education advice, including A Level Options presentations are offered in Form V.