Private Boarding School in Plymouth, UK

Plymouth College Preparatory School, Plymouth:
Welcome to Plymouth College, one of the South West's leading independent day and boarding schools for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, with boarding facilities for Senior School students aged 11 to 18. Our school is based in the bustling maritime city of Plymouth in the south-west of England. As well as boarders from the UK, Plymouth and the surrounding area, we welcome pupils from all over the world including Europe, the Far East, Asia and the Americas.

Co-educational Day & Boarding School Programmes for Students Ages 3-18+
Core academic subjects include English, Maths and Science. We also offer a wide range of creative subjects and sports such as drama, dance, music, ballet, fencing and sketching.

English:
The College's English teaching is in line with National Curriculum requirements, using textbooks geared to National Curriculum objectives and the Framework for the Teaching of English. There is a wide range of novels, short stories and plays for classes in Years 7 - 9.

Oral work is a vital part of English teaching: as well as regular work in the classroom we hold an annual Spoken English Competition open to the whole school and a Poetry Speaking Competition for Years 7 and 8. In addition, we hold a Creative Writing Competition that reaches a climax in the summer term - this is also open to everyone. Outside adjudicators - normally published writers - judge these competitions.

French:
French is the first modern foreign language taught at the College. Most pupils will learn French over five years to GCSE. In Year 7 pupils learn in mixed-ability groups, assuming no previous knowledge. Thereafter, from Year 8, sets progress at varying levels of ability but to common targets.

We use the teaching course "Métro". Every pupil is equipped with a copy. In the final year of GCSE we also use a variety of specialised teaching and revision materials.

Maths:
Mathematics is a compulsory subject to GCSE and our aims are that at the end of his/her mathematical education at Plymouth College, each pupil will be able to:

1. Perform the mathematical skills needed in his/her chosen career or to be prepared for higher mathematical education.
2. Understand the mathematics likely to be encountered in daily adult life.
3. Approach problems systematically and identify patterns.
4. Reason clearly and logically.
5. Experience enjoyment of his/her mathematical achievements.
6. Obtain his/her best possible results at GCSE and at AS/A Level, if attempted.

Geography:
Geography is a resource based subject and the department's stock is both varied and expanding. Pupils use a mixture of resources in lessons, for example a variety of textbooks, videos, DVDs and Ordnance Survey maps and are encouraged to utilise others as they produce independent enquiry work. The department also holds a selection of fieldwork equipment which is used for teacher directed fieldwork and can be borrowed for coursework. Where the opportunity arises the department is keen to encourage the use of ICT in its teaching.

Classics:
Classics is the study of the language, literature, history and civilisation of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Over fifty percent of English words come from Latin: through the study of Latin and Greek, awareness of English and other modern languages can be greatly enhanced. At the same time, through the study of classical civilisation, one can gain an insight into the ancient world and compare its remarkably advanced culture with our own. 
Art and Design:
At Plymouth College, Art and Design is taught in an environment which provides a broad and humanising educational experience that nurtures intellectual and emotional development. By empowering students with an understanding of visual language art gives entry through its particular heritage to the common fund of experience. Through the teaching of direct personal expression we foster and encourage imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, observational skills, analytical abilities and critical understanding.

Students who go on to study Art subjects at exam level can expect to enjoy a highly stimulating course which has an excellent success rate. We offer GCSE, AS and A-level courses in Fine Art, Photography and Graphic Design.

Biology:
Biology is taught as part of the Key Stage Science Specifications. It is a modular course leading to two GCSE qualifications. In Year 10 pupils sit public examinations for the Core Science GCSE. In Year 11 they sit exams for the Additional Science GSCE. Some pupils take the subject as a separate Biology GCSE. They follow an accelerated course and sit extra public exams in January of Year 11.

Design Technology:
Design Technology is concerned with the made-environment, how it has been created, developed and lived in. Our courses are based on design projects which encourage pupils to be creative in solving design problems that add to and improve their own environment. 
This involves researching the problems, developing ideas through drawing and modelling, making and, most importantly, evaluating the solution. The pupils are encouraged to develop skills in both graphic and verbal communication, problem solving and craft skills using hand tools, power tools, machinery and equipment.

Physical Education:
The theory side of the course includes areas such as biomechanics, applied anatomy and physiology, psychology of sport and contemporary and comparative studies in PE and sport.

The practical side consists of choosing two activities from: athletics, judo, dance, invasion games, net/wall games, striking/fielding games, target games, gymnastics, outdoor activities, swimming. Normally, one double lesson a week will be a practical session and in three doubles a week the theory side will be covered. There will normally be three written pieces of work set each week following the theory lessons.