Lower School - Mr K Clark, Head of Years 7 to 9

Boys in Years 7 to 9 are looked after by a Head of Year and a team of tutors who create an environment where the boys are encouraged to discover their potential, are recognised for their achievements both in and outside of School, and enjoy school life. It is this approach that makes Derby Grammar School unique and successful.

Through their participation in lunchtime and after School clubs and activities, the boys discover new skills that help them as they move through the school and into later life. There are opportunities to represent the School in national competitions, and activities including music, science and debating. The House system creates further opportunity for all boys to compete for their House in a number of activities including art, essay writing, chess, basketball, swimming and rowing to name a few.

The curriculum is broad and yet sufficiently demanding to stretch the most able. Year 7 start with a common curriculum and as the boys progress through Years 8 and 9 a limited 'Options' system is introduced in the expressive arts and in languages. This flexibility maximises the boys' strengths and allows them to receive extra support in areas where it may be needed.

The subjects studied in the Lower School are: Art*, Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology*, English, French, Geography, German*, History, ICT, Latin*, Mathematics Music*, PSHE, Physical Education and Games, Physics, Religious Studies and Spanish*.

Subjects marked with an * form part of the 'Options' system.

The tutor and House system ensures that all boys have an extended support group in the Lower School, encouraged by pupils in the Upper School and Sixth Form. In Year 7 boys have their Housemaster as a tutor to help develop House identity and make the transition from primary to senior school easier. There are approximately 10 boys in each tutor group. In Years 8 and 9 this pastoral support continues with the same tutor working with the boys as they move toward making their GCSE choices (tutor groups of approximately 13 boys).

Tutors meet each boy twice a day and there are two full School assemblies per week, which are broadly Christian in content. However, we are an inclusive community, which respects the cultural and social backgrounds of every boy. A commendation system rewards boys for excellence or endeavour in any area of school and home life.

Boys receive a generous entitlement of PE and Games, totalling 3 hours 20 minutes each week. In Games pupils are able to develop their playing skills in Rugby, Hockey and Cricket. Inter-school matches focus the more able, whilst the understanding of the game and the enjoyment of physical activity are considered important factors for all pupils. The School has a developing reputation for providing county and regional squad players.

In Physical Education emphasis is placed on understanding how physical activity is part and parcel of a healthy lifestyle. Through a variety of activities boys learn how to choose, refine and apply skills; how the body responds to exercise and to develop co-operation and teamwork.