The Curriculum

Our Curriculum philosophy

Sherborne pupils are successful in public examinations - the facts speak for themselves - but this is not the main focus of the School's academic programme. Our primary aim is to help pupils develop lively, enquiring minds, self-discipline and a love of learning. We do not allow examinations to become oppressive or stifle intellectual curiosity - they are merely useful goals to work towards.

We believe in broad education rather than over-specialisation. Pupils are encouraged to explore many areas of learning and recognise that the boundaries between them are largely artificial.

Adaptability is vital in today's fast-moving world, where many people will have to change direction and re-train several times. Self-motivation is equally important, and pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own futures. Every boy has a personal tutor who takes a close interest in his academic progress and every other aspect of his life. In the Lower School, a boy is closely monitored and guided by his Tutor, but in the Sixth Form he is encouraged to evaluate his own progress and set his own goals in preparation for University and his future life.

Sherborne is a rewarding environment for staff as well as pupils, and the School attracts and retains some of the country's most talented teachers. Their enthusiasm and commitment is supported by first-class facilities, including the most up-to-date Information Technology.

I.C.T is integrated into the curriculum and boys learn to feel comfortable with computers from an early stage. Technology is evolving rapidly, and Sherborne is determined to stay abreast of the latest developments. The School has a powerful computer network, which connects over 150 workstations in the academic departments and boarding houses, and has the capacity for further expansion. The network provides multimedia facilities, Internet access and e-mail.

The School has many other exceptional facilities, including an extensive, professionally managed and recently computerised Library and a well equipped Design Technology Centre, where boys can explore the world of engineering and electronics and carry out ambitious design and development projects. The new Art School, completed in 2002, offers first-class facilities for a range of work in a variety of two and three dimensional media. With the opening of the Pilkington Laboratories in May 2000 our Physics, Electronics and Chemistry laboratories are now among the most up-to-date in the country.

Education also takes place away from Sherborne. Many of the departments include field trips as an essential part of their courses and the Modern Language Department arranges study tours to France, Germany and Spain. Lower Sixth boys have the opportunity to compete for Travel Grants which gives them the opportunity to travel during the holidays and visit places which are relevant to their Sixth Form studies.