Together we enable, empower and support pupils to aim high and stay grounded.
Pg. 06
Year 9
Pg. 12
Joining Year 9
Pg. 22
The Cocurriculum
Pg. 28
Facilities
Pg. 30
Science
Pg. 36
Mathematics
Pg. 38
English and Modern Languages
Pg. 46
Classics
Pg. 48
Humanities
Pg. 52
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Pg. 54
Sport & Games
Pg. 56
Music & Drama
Pg. 60
Art, Design &
Technology
Pg. 64
Learning Support
Pg. 66
Choices
This booklet gives you information about the wide range of subjects that you may study in Year 9.
Many of these subjects are compulsory but, in addition, you will study other subjects of your choice. Making these choices may not be an easy decision and it is very important that you spend time exploring the options to gain an understanding of what is involved in the study of each subject. If you are finding it difficult to decide what is best to do, then please contact Christa Clark (Deputy Head Academic) or any member of the Admissions Department and they will be happy to discuss the options with you.
Dr Tim Greene Head of College
Year 9 is a year of significant academic progress during which pupils learn to become more independent and develop attitudes to learning that will carry them through their Upper School careers.
Year 9 can also be seen as a foundation year in which goals achieved in pupils’ previous schools are further developed and broadened in preparation for GCSE and IGCSE courses.
The key decision selecting which subjects to study at GCSE and IGCSE is taken after Christmas in the Lent Term.
Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum sets out the programmes of study for pupils in Years 7 to 9 (ages 11 to 14), and all departments are mindful of its content and direction.
It is an exciting time in a child’s education when pupils are inquisitive and eager to learn, and at Clifton we recognise the importance of encouraging and nurturing this natural enthusiasm.
We pride ourselves on the individual care and attention given to pupils. Strong and well-established systems of tutoring and pastoral care provide an environment in which individuals flourish both personally and academically.
We seek to inspire each and every pupil at Clifton to maximise their potential and to prepare the next generation of thought leaders who will change the world in which we live.
Our belief that each individual pupil has the capacity to excel academically underpins everything we do at Clifton.
It drives the highest standards of teaching and learning within our classrooms and the breadth of enrichment opportunities we offer our pupils.
With groups ranging from the Scientific Society to the Modern Foreign Language Film Society, regular guest talks by leaders in academia, business
and the voluntary sector, subject conferences and inspiring trips, each pupil can find their true academic niche at Clifton.
While in a real sense all our pupils are scholars, for those who are particularly able and motivated to shine academically, there is our sector-leading Academic Scholarship Programme developed around the principles of ‘Growth, Opportunity and Accountability’.
Any pupil demonstrating the traits of an academic scholar can join this elite group at set points each year, and through continued excellence remain part of it, during their time at Clifton.
The benefits: a coherent bespoke programme of academic challenge, scholarship, and mentoring that will equip them with the knowledge, mental agility and skills required for the top academic environments around the world.
Clifton College’s spectacular 19th century buildings reflect our long history and share their architectural style with many of Britain’s other great schools and universities.
Behind these façades, we have superb modern learning facilities. Classrooms are equipped with the latest IT resources and our recently refurbished science block, with more than 10 laboratories.
The Percival Library is a beautiful Grade II listed building that houses more than 15,000 books and periodicals; this and other specialised buildings, such as the Joseph Cooper Music School and the Redgrave Theatre, provide our pupils with inspiring surroundings and are central to the Clifton educational experience.
Our pupils are individuals with their own abilities, talents and levels of confidence, but whatever their starting point we encourage them to aspire to the very highest standards they can achieve.
We provide a wide range of additional tuition as needed, including support where English is a student’s second language, Learning Support and accelerated learning opportunities.
In 2024, 73% of A Level grades were A*-B and 54% of GCSE grades were 9-7.
Almost all our pupils go on to higher education and in 2023, 88% of pupils won places at their chosen universities, including places at both Oxford and Cambridge and other highly competitive universities such as Durham, Exeter, Edinburgh and UCL.
Clifton provides a safe, attractive and challenging environment for young people to become well-rounded personable and capable individuals.
The extensive offering of sports, activities and events that take place outside of the classroom are more than add-on extras. They form part of the wellrounded education that is part of the Clifton lifestyle.
Throughout the Year 9, pupils’ days are busy, active and fulfilling and they learn valuable skills and discover new enthusiasms and talents. Alongside their lessons, they take part in compulsory sports and outdoor sessions, as well as the Terriers programme where
pupils engage in a diverse range of activities.
Our programmes, such as sport, music and drama, cater for pupils of all abilities, giving them opportunities to take up new interests, hone their skills and compete or perform.
Many pupils take up activities during their time at Clifton that become lifelong passions, while recent alumni have also left to pursue careers as professional musicians, actors and sports people.
As in any organisation or community, we welcome a vast range of personalities, as well as pupils of different nationalities and religious faiths.
Clifton pupils learn how to value and respect ‘difference’, how to find the common ground that invariably outweighs it, and how to live and work successfully with others in the many roles and environments that form part of school life.
The House system is central to the College’s approach.
It engenders a sense of belonging in all our pupils and delivers outstanding individual care. Each pupil is allocated to a single-sex House which becomes their home from home. Both day and boarding houses benefit from the same pastoral care structure, creating a House family to provide support and guidance to each pupil.
For boarding pupils, the Housemaster or Housemistress and their family live in the House. All houses benefit from having an assistant, a matron, tutors, and sometimes a pet to form the House family unit.
Within the House system, there are a range of boarding options to meet the ever-changing needs and requirements of each family. This added flexibility allows for the choice of boarding seven nights per week, flexi boarding up to four nights a week, or occasional boarding on a pernight basis.
Discover more about our Day and Boarding Houses in our film:
“The House system also forms the bedrock for pupil welfare. The Housemasters/mistresses are all experienced Clifton teachers.”
In the Year 9, all pupils follow the core curriculum.
They also choose one option from a range of subjects which are primarily made up of Modern Foreign Languages as we believe that an all-round academic education should include a language option.
Those who have already been learning a Modern Language or Latin at their previous school should normally continue with one of these subjects at this stage.
For those who have a more limited experience of studying languages, we facilitate lessons in French, Spanish,
Clifton offers flexibility in a pupil’s choice of languages, both ancient and modern.
German and Latin from beginner’s level. Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) are available to those who have a need for them.
Where possible, the College will help to provide extra tuition in academic subjects. In some cases, pupils can be prepared for examinations in other languages, such as Russian, Hebrew, Japanese or Polish. The cost of all such lessons is to be found on the fee sheet, with reduced rates for pairs or groups.
The Core Curriculum
English
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Geography
History
Religious Studies
Art
Design and Technology
Drama
Music
ICT
PSHE
The Modern Foreign Languages that we offer are French, German, Spanish and Mandarin, and pupils may choose a maximum of two of these. Mandarin is not available to non-natives.
Latin is also available; we cater both for those who have studied Latin before and for enthusiastic linguists who want to start studying Latin for the first time.
For some, the choice of EAL (English as an Additional Language) or Learning Support may be more appropriate, though Learning Support is not available for those without identified learning needs.
Please read carefully through the descriptions of the individual subjects before making your subject selection.
Options
Classical Greek
Mandarin Chinese (native speakers only)
French German
Spanish
Latin
EAL
Learning Support
Pupils and parents may find it helpful to consult the summary of the academic curriculum for Clifton College.
We keep the curriculum under constant review in order to take into account changes in society and national developments in education.
In the Year 9, we aim to provide a programme of continuity from previous work done that will give a broad foundation from which GCSE* choices may be made, and, in a number of subjects, begin the actual GCSE course content.
In Year 10 and 11, the GCSE years, most pupils will have the opportunity to take up to 9 GCSE examinations. GCSE choices are made during the Lent Term of the Year 9. At this time, pupils will need to focus on areas such as their
strengths and weaknesses in particular subjects, personal preferences, and the implications of future career aspirations. The GCSE curriculum is created based upon pupil choice, allowing as broad a range of options as possible.
In Sixth Form we offer a wide range of A Level and BTEC courses.
At the heart of academic enrichment in the Sixth Form is the Extended Project
Qualification. Open for all Lower Sixth students to join, the EPQ consists of two parts: a taught course, through which those enrolled receive instruction in indispensable academic and research skills, and the opportunity to apply those skills through completing an independentlydriven research project.
*Throughout this booklet, ‘GCSE’ is used to refer to both GCSE and IGCSE unless referring to a specific GCSE or IGCSE course.
Core Curriculum
English Literature and Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Personal, Social & Health
Education
The Higher Project
Qualification
Applied Psychology (BTEC)
Art and Design (Fine Art, Textile Design, Photography or Art, Craft and Design)
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Classical Greek
Computer Science
Art and Design (Fine Art, Textile Design or Art, Craft and Design)
Business
Classical Civilisation
Classical Greek (off-timetable only)
Computing
Design Technology - Resistant Materials
At least one of these must be a Modern Language.
Drama
Economics
English as an Additional Language
French
Geography
German
History
Latin
Learning Support
Mandarin (for native speakers)
Modern
Hebrew
Music
Physical Education
Religious Education
Spanish
Design and Technology (Product Design)
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Language
English Literature
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
German
History
Latin
Mandarin
Mathematics
Music
Music Technology (BTEC)
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Russian
Spanish
Sport (BTEC)
Please note: this information is provided as a guide and may be subject to change.
Appropriate setting is a key part of the educational development of pupils.
It is a function to which we give considerable attention, taking account of standardised testing, exams taken on entry and performance once in the school. English, Mathematics and Science are all separately streamed, usually into one of three bands. Modern Languages is set by ability. Pupils study the rest of the core subjects in their ‘G’ or
The weekly lesson timetable is made up of full and half days.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons contain timetabled lessons, whereas Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays are half days, with sport and activities in the afternoon.
Pupils in Years 9-11 have three preps per weekday evening, each of about 30 minutes. The weekend is for consolidation and catching up, ready for a fresh start on Monday morning.
‘H’ group, which is set more broadly.
It is therefore entirely possible for a pupil to be in set 1 for English, set 2 for Mathematics and set 3 for Science, as appropriate. Set sizes are smaller for lower ability sets.
There are in-class assessments at the end of the Michaelmas Term and end
of year exams in the Summer Term. The results of these examinations are reported to parents via the Parent Portal, and setting is reviewed periodically and certainly by the end of the Michaelmas Term. We try to avoid set changes too early to allow a settling-in period for pupils.
“We take account of standardised testing, exams taken on entry and performance once in the school.”
In Year 9 the Assistant Housemaster/mistress or another member of the House team acts as the pupils’ academic Tutor as well as providing pastoral support.
Tutor groups vary in size, but the average is about 10 pupils. Tutors work closely with the Housemaster or Housemistress monitoring the academic and social progress of the members of their tutor group and play an important role in ensuring that school life runs smoothly for the tutees in their care.
Tutors co-ordinate the administration of the monitoring, reporting and recording of progress of pupils through effort and behaviour grades, praise points, assessment results and reports. They are also kept informed of any disciplinary or other issues by the Housemaster or Housemistress where appropriate. Praise points can be awarded in any area of school life, and build up to earn postcards home and tokens to be spent in the school shop or cafés. Tutors also play an important role in
helping the members of their tutor group with decisions about subject choices when it comes to making GCSE option choices at the end of the Lent Term.
Each year group at Clifton has a Senior Tutor, who guides the tutorial programme, has oversight of the academic and pastoral progress of each tutor group, and organises certain whole year events.
Parents are encouraged to liaise with tutors at parents’ meetings and at any other time if they have concerns. Housemasters/mistresses and tutors are always happy to discuss the progress and the welfare of individual pupils.
The imaginative use of ICT across all subject areas enhances motivation and creativity and improves the quality of work. It also promotes independent learning and helps to extend the mind beyond the examination syllabuses.
The Head of Academic ICT works with Heads of Department to identify and meet the ICT needs of subjects and pupils, and to see that pupils’ understanding of ICT and its potential is developed fully.
Year 9 careers education is delivered via tutor group sessions as well as PSHE lessons
We have made a substantial investment in touchscreens, projectors, interactive whiteboards and tablets, applying the technology appropriate for individual subjects.
Effective use of ICT in our teaching is a priority, as is the provision of digital resources via our extensive Collegewide computer network and Google Apps for Education.
The school has two central ICT suites, and in addition, there are several smaller departmental suites and networked facilities which extend across the College. Access to the Internet and email accounts is available to all pupils.
All pupils register with Unifrog, a careers platform supporting students to make informed career choices, to explore a range of careers and pathways as well as recording careers activities/ employability skills. During the Lent Term in particular, pupils are encouraged to identify careers of interest and to begin to understand pathways to possible future
jobs. This exploration is closely linked to GCSE option choices, which are made during the Lent Term. The Head of Years 12 and 13 and Head of Careers (Level 6 Career Guidance trained) are available to offer advice to pupils throughout the year. Pupils also have access to a well-stocked careers library and plentiful web-based resources.
“Pupils are encouraged to begin to understand pathways to possible future jobs.”
All pupils in Year 9 take PSHE as an additional nonassessed subject.
Pupils learn how to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, how to form and maintain healthy relationships, and how to become tolerant and politically-engaged members of society. This subject offers an opportunity to learn about themselves
and the wider world in an environment that favours group discussion and encourages personal curiosity.
The PSHE Department operates a spiral curriculum (commencing in Year 4 up to Years 12 and 13), comprising of these main topic areas: diversity, society, relationships, sex, health, drugs, work and careers, with the specific content becoming more age appropriate as they progress through the school.
To encourage discussion, we use group work, as well as topical videos and anatomical models for teaching specific topics. Pupils are regularly reminded about the help and
support available, including the House system, the Health Centre, the school counsellors and organisations such as Childline.
Our current PSHE curriculum is based on the PSHE Association’s recommended topics and the lesson materials and booklets have been updated to reflect the 2019 statutory changes to relationships and sex education (RSE) in schools. We listen to the views of the pupils when designing and modifying the curriculum.
On an annual basis, we invite parental feedback on the curriculum through survey and feedback events. We also host
several information events for parents throughout the year. Parents are given the opportunity to withdraw their child from RSE specific lessons before the age of 16.
The Percival Library is a beautiful Grade II listed building.
It was originally built between 1870 and 1874 as a library and natural history museum at the expense of John Percival, Clifton’s first Head Master.
The main library houses more than 15,000 books, including many books authored by Old Cliftonians. Recently the entire collection has been extensively reworked to ensure that the stock is both broad and relevant in its scope. The core collection is complemented by a variety of periodicals, DVDs, Manga, and an extensive graphic novel collection.
The library comprises three main rooms: the Council Room, the main library and a multi purpose space that functions as a reading room and events space.
The library is staffed by three professional librarians. In addition to providing library services, they teach research skills and offer information literacy training. The library staff aim to inspire a love of learning and joy in reading and, to this end, the library organises group activities and hosts a variety of events and author visits throughout the year.
Library stock can be searched via our library catalogue system, Reading Cloud. Students are able to access this from anywhere on the College network as well as from home via the College website.
Students have access to a large eBook and audiobook library, the JSTOR database where they can access thousands of academic journals and many other subject specific digital resources.
There are also a number of departmental collections of books and other resources. The largest of these is the Stone Library which serves the Science School. This remarkable school science library houses modern science texts and journals as well as an excellent collection of rare books and manuscripts.
The ‘co-curriculum’ describes the wide variety of activities that are very much part of the Clifton experience.
These complement and enhance the learning that goes on in our classrooms. Music, Art and Drama play a large part of life at the school, as do sport, outdoor pursuits and, for Year 9 pupils, the Terriers programme. All of these activities are more
than just add-on ‘extras’; rather, they form a central part of the well-rounded education on offer to pupils. There are opportunities to develop leadership skills, to take on responsibility and to broaden interests.
Participation is compulsory in some areas of the cocurriculum and we strongly encourage pupils to take part in the wider, optional activities as well.
Our city location allows us to draw on links with the universities, businesses and cultural centres of Bristol, further enriching the overall educational experience at Clifton.
The plethora of opportunities available to the pupils is available on SOCS and this system can be used to see each individual’s options.
All Year 9 pupils participate in the Terriers programme. This introduces pupils to a wide range of outdoor activities that may be new to them.
Skills learned in Year 9 are built upon in subsequent years, as pupils move up through the school. The Terriers Programme is a range of adventurous activities designed to effectively cultivate leadership, develop resilience and courage, improve physical fitness and enhance teamwork.
In addition, pupils pursue at least one activity per week throughout their Years 9 and 10 that is generally not related to their academic programme or games option.
The activities will change through the year which will include: Indoor bouldering and climbing, navigation skills, outdoor First Aid, outdoor foraging and cooking, bushcraft and survival training, physical training, problem solving and the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition Training.
As part of the Year 9 programme, in the Summer Term, pupils enjoy a formal black tie dinner with a disco. A professional photographer is present to capture the moment.
The Terriers programme offers Clifton pupils new experiences, as well as opportunities to develop valuable life skills for the future and to build a sense of identity within their year group.
Each year towards the end of the Summer Term, pupils in Year 9 are invited to attend an adventurous trip to the Alps. In addition to the wide variety of activities and challenges, teachers use the week to educate the pupils important threads to their education including wellbeing, sustainability, resilience, outdoor education amongst others.
Activities included: rock climbing, hikes, mountain biking, art projects, a Climate Change workshop and local glaciologists, digital editing, nutrition, multisport.
This provides opportunities to engage in creative and physical activities over and above the requirements of the normal academic and games curriculum (see Music and Activities lists on p22).
Pupils also take at least one sport option per term and we particularly encourage participation in a team sport.
Year 9 pupils may join one or more of the thriving societies that take place at different times throughout the week. The number and choice of clubs and societies available to pupils will grow as they move up through the school.
Music is an important element of the co-curricular programme; there are many different music groups that cater for different skill levels and musical preferences. Pupils may also participate in drama productions, both House and school-based, as well as House competitions.
“Terriers offers Clifton pupils new experiences, as well as opportunities to develop valuable life skills for the future.”
Clifton offers a range of sport options across a variety of disciplines.
In Year 9 pupils are guided to participate in traditional termly sports because these activities uphold longstanding school traditions, foster a strong sense of community through regular fixtures, promote integration within their peer group by encouraging teamwork and shared experiences.
Michaelmas Term
Hockey and Rugby
Lent Term
Netball, Hockey and Football
Summer Term
Cricket and Tennis
Alongside the traditional termly sports offering, Clifton provides a huge variety of sports, physical activities and inter house competitions to cater for all pupils.
Clifton aims to provide a sports programme which inspires, challenges and supports all pupils to reach their potential.
Clifton’s coaching team has a wealth of experience, be that playing or coaching at international and professional level. Clifton has developed pathways and links with professional clubs for pupils looking to pursue a career in sport.
These cover interests as varied as Astronomy, Christian Forum, History of Art, Model United Nations, Creative Writing and LAMDA.
A number of academic departments run societies, which include Business & Economics, Classics, English Literature, Geography, History, History of Art, Modern Languages, Philosophy & Law, Psychology and Science.
There are also a large number of different musical groups and several thriving discussion groups.
The different societies and groups meet at least two or three times a term and often on a weekly basis. Whilst a member of staff oversees each society, pupils are central to their success, organising meetings and frequently leading the discussions that take place.
Participation in the many societies available is optional and most are open to all year groups.
Clifton College offers a wealth of Performing Arts opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
In the Upper School, students have numerous performance opportunities in drama, including the annual school musical. This is a fully realised production, co-created with a professional team of designers and technicians, and staged in the College’s own 300-seat theatre.
A particular highlight of the year is the House Play Festival, where houses present short, fringe-style pieces to a panel of experts. This is followed by an “Oscars-style” award ceremony in Chapel. Other opportunities to get involved include the annual school play (previous productions have included The Trials
As well as 1:1 lessons in everything from jazz piano to classical guitar, there is a multitude of co-curricular musical activities available to pupils.
For the enthusiastic singer there is the Chapel Choir, which is open to all pupils in the school singing everything from classic anthems to jazz and gospel. Additionally you might want to join one of the numerous bands or
and A Monster Calls) and our spotlight evenings such as our newly created cabaret night and a showcase event at the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bristol.
Dance is a growing part of Clifton College’s offer. There are various clubs and opportunities to get involved, and for those who wish to perform, our House Dance Competition, part of our glamorous Commem event in the summer, is a hugely popular event.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) classes as
an extracurricular activity from Year 9. This provides additional qualifications as they develop their skills and progress to more challenging exam work. Students can choose Acting, Speaking in Public, or Musical Theatre, with the potential to achieve Grade 8 or even the higherlevel PCert LAM over their five years in Upper School.
Throughout the year, many clubs and workshops are available to all students. We also benefit from close links with arts venues and organisations across the city.
rock workshops. For real choral enthusiasts, there is the Chamber Choir and other, smaller close harmony groups which perform to a very high standard. We also encourage singers who like the idea of being on stage to audition for the musical (Made in Dagenham in 2025 and Oklahoma! in 2024). You can even work with our studio engineer to record yourself in our vocal studio!
For instrumentalists there are ensembles that cater for all interests - popular, classical, rock, jazz, technology: there are numerous rock and pop groups, our ‘elastic band’ for new learners, senior orchestra, string orchestra, concert
wind band, brass group, swing band and chamber groups (Baroque quartet, quintets, trios): performing opportunities for musicians at all levels. We will help pupils who wish to play in such a group to find other players of an equal standard with whom to rehearse and perform. As well as high-profile performing
opportunities for the regular ensembles including an annual visit to internationally renowned concert hall St George’s and the annual Band Night in the Redgrave Theatre, there are many informal concerts throughout the school year including the ever-popular open mic nights in the crypt!
Our combination of heritage and modern facilities make for a magical learning environment that inspires our students and offers resources to develop their individual skills and talents.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught as separate subjects to all pupils and are given equal priority. Students begin the GCSE course in each science in Year 9. These will lead either to separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs, or to two GCSEs in Combined Science (Trilogy). This decision is not made until the end of Year 10.
All Sciences have fully stocked, subject dedicated labs to allow for great practical experience. The computer labs on the Physics and Biology floors are always available for use. Students also have access to The Stone Library, a dedicated science library which contains more than 5,000 scientific books. Volumes date from the 16th century to the present day, including subscriptions to all of the main scientific periodicals and a first edition of Principia Mathematica by Isaac Newton (1687). The collection also features books recommended on reading lists for university applications.
Biology is a fascinating subject that looks at living organisms and life processes at all levels, from the molecular, through cells and individual organisms, to populations and whole communities of animals and plants. Biology gives us valuable insight into ourselves and there is something to excite everybody.
Importantly, studying Biology leads to a wealth of careers and is at the forefront of many modern developments. Manipulation of genetic systems in both animals and plants to increase food supplies or produce medicines, for example, has enormous potential to revolutionise our lives. It will also require biologists to further develop technology and devise safe applications.
In the Year 9, pupils begin to develop an essential knowledge and understanding of biological concepts and scientific methods. We follow the AQA GCSE course syllabus, which pupils will pursue in Years 10 and 11.
Topics covered in this preparation year will include cell biology, exchange of substances, communicable disease, in addition to digestion and circulatory systems. There is also a strong practical focus, concentrating on fields such as laboratory work and data analysis.
The Biology Department has six teachers based within the refurbished Science centre, equipped with five modern laboratories, an ICT suite and a lecture theatre.
We have an impressive collection of zoological specimens and live animals, as well as a developed pond and wildlife garden outside.
A Biology teacher holds drop-in sessions in the department every week for anyone wishing to have some extra help or tuition. Pupils are also encouraged to take part in the Biology Challenge run by the Royal Society of Biology. This rewards pupils who have a natural curiosity for the natural world
Chemistry is known as the ‘central science’ and brings together logical, mathematical thought alongside more conceptual ideas. It links the macroscopic world around us to the sub-microscopic structure of the atom.
Exploring the subject helps us to explain the more tangible causes and effects of everything from biological systems to smart alloys. It also lays the foundations for a vast array of scientific (and other) careers and encourages the development of many transferable skills, such as critical thinking and practical methods.
The Chemistry Department bases its teaching on the AQA GCSE course syllabus which is designed for pupils of all abilities and aspirations.
It covers topics such as atomic structure, chemical changes, energy changes, rate of reaction, organic chemistry and chemical analysis. There is also a strong practical element, including demonstrations and supervised assignments using the equipment in our modern laboratories.
The Chemistry Department is made up of experienced and enthusiastic subject specialists who are passionate about chemistry and teach at all levels within the school. We teach in a well-resourced Science block that has five modern laboratories and superb technical support.
Pupils also use the Science ICT facilities and there is a well-equipped lecture theatre, as well as the Stone Library, a dedicated science library with a superb collection of books, periodicals and online journals.
Every week, a member of the Chemistry Team holds a dropin session in the Department, where pupils can ask questions and get additional help with their work. A Junior Chemistry Challenge national competition is held annually open to years 9-11. This aims to stretch and inspire a passion for the subject.
“Chemistry is known as the ‘central science’ and brings together logical, mathematical thought alongside more conceptual ideas.”
Physics sits at the very centre of the universe, explaining everything from the structure of the atom to the Big Bang. As you study the subject you will get an insight into how the world works, why things happen the way they do, and how Physics is all around you all the time. It also helps to develop logical thinking and a problem-solving mentality.
As with all three of the sciences, in Physics, we work towards the AQA GCSE course, which is designed for pupils of all abilities and aspirations.
The topics we study include: energy and energy resources, electric circuits, radioactivity, forces and motion, waves, and electromagnetism.The ideas we study are all backed up with experimental work, both to reinforce what is being learnt and to develop investigative thinking.
Five experienced, enthusiastic subject specialists teach Physics at all levels within the school. We are based within the science block that has five modern, professionally run laboratories, excellent science ICT facilities and a lecture theatre.
Educational visits and Physics workshops are encouraged where possible in the Year 9; this has included an ‘Ever Wondered Why?’ Science Show.
Most universities and employers require a grade 4 in Mathematics at GCSE, with many asking for a grade 5, and some even higher. As a core subject, studying Mathematics is mandatory, but for all pupils, it is important to look beyond the common question of ‘when will we ever use this?’ towards the analytical, research and problem-solving skills they will gain while learning new topics, however abstract they may appear.
During Year 9, pupils explore some of the subject’s key concepts and make a start on the IGCSE specification, in advance of their Year 10 and 11 work.
We make sure that each pupil is taught at an appropriate ability level. Teachers regularly monitor progress through tasks and regular assessments. Informed by patterns in results in assessments, pupils may at times need to change to another set to match their pace and independence of learning.
For those at the most gifted end of the mathematical ability range, there is a specialist Set 0. Members are taken out of their regular lessons for one period per week for more advanced studies and take part in the UKMT Junior Mentoring Scheme throughout the Year 9. Mentoring continues in subsequent years to Olympiad level and beyond.
Dedicated Learning Support is available for pupils who need extra help with their Mathematics. This is provided by a Mathematics specialist, who will work closely with the class teacher to create an individual programme. Pupils of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend weekly Maths Clinics, where they can get help with their specific questions.
There are currently 12 members of staff in the Maths department, many of whom hold other areas of responsibility within the school. As well as contributing a wealth of experience, knowledge and interests, they share a passion for innovative
teaching, subject development and helping every pupil achieve their full potential.
The department offers pupils a fantastic environment within which to study. Every classroom is equipped with a Smartboard, whiteboards, and spaces that support cooperative learning. We use ICT in class alongside more traditional teaching methods.
The Bradley Room contains a well-stocked Mathematics library and a conference table for seminars and meetings.
Our top two or three Year 9 sets enter the UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge in the Lent Term. Many pupils qualify
for the prestigious follow-on rounds (the Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad or the Intermediate Kangaroo). We have also become accustomed to finding success in the UKMT Team Mathematics Challenge, where we join forces with the Preparatory School to put forward our best mathematicians in a national competition.
Pupils are also involved in the broader Mathematics life of the school activities, such as Pi Day and Junior House Maths.
English is the foundation of all other subjects and we expect pupils to study the subject throughout Years 9, 10 and 11. Year 9 provides the essential foundation for study at IGCSE.
Pupils in Year 9 study both English Language and Literature. This develops key skills such as analysing language and meaning, expressing oneself clearly in writing, and using grammar and punctuation effectively, all of which will equip them well for their future studies and career.
Teachers select texts for study based on their own areas of expertise and interest, as well as the ability and interests of the class. These selections are deliberately diverse, and will cover a range of fiction and non-fiction, prose, drama and poetry, including at least one Shakespeare text, one other pre-1900 text and two texts from the 20th century.
There are two formal examinations during the Michaelmas and Summer Terms, as well as whole year group formative assessment points each half term to ensure that pupils are making good progress. Teachers work closely with each pupil, setting them individual targets to help them work towards their full potential.
The school has a team of experienced EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers, who cater for pupils who require extra support with their English. The team provides excellent tuition in both general and academic English, enabling pupils to progress in all their subjects and work towards First and Second Language IGCSE exams.
The department comprises 11 full and part-time teachers, housed in the new English and Modern Foreign Languages building at 4/5 Worcester Road. Our teaching spaces and resources encourage lively, interactive lessons and we have a close working relationship with the school’s enthusiastic librarians.
The library plays a vital role in the life of a pupil studying English at Clifton. Our librarians encourage pupils to develop their enjoyment of reading, as well as their library research skills. They are always happy to discuss literature or suggest a good book, and they run several popular Year 9 Reading Competitions throughout the year.
The department and school run many societies, clubs and activities that encourage expression, whether through creative writing, drama, discussion or debate. There are also author visits, special events and competitions, including the Public Reading Competition, to inspire pupils throughout the year.
The EAL option provides additional English language lessons and support for pupils for whom English is not their first language. The course guides pupils towards using the correct grammatical structures and gaining greater fluency of expression, both orally and in written work.
Pupils are tested on entry into the school, or on transfer from the Preparatory School, and advised whether they should take EAL as an option. The majority of pupils for whom English is not their first language will be recommended to attend EAL lessons in either Option Block X or Y.
Additionally, some pupils for whom English is not their first language will be placed in an EAL set for English, since the smaller class sizes enable us to give more tailored support. The EAL option course will supplement these studies.
The Year 9 EAL option covers every aspect of English language, including grammar, writing skills, reading skills and intensive listening, as well as discussion, debate and presentation. These are all skills pupils need to perform well in other subjects across the curriculum.
Pupils sit Cambridge English exams at the end of the summer term in Years 9 and 10. According to ability, students will either sit the B1 Preliminary for Schools or the B2 First for Schools in Year 9. In Year 10, students sit the next qualification (i.e. B2 or C1 Advanced).
In their EAL option class in year 11, pupils will prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE in English as a Second Language examination, which covers skills in reading for content, writing accurately and precisely, and extracting information from listening tasks.
English classes in the EAL sets mirror as far as possible what is taught in mainstream
English classes, including involvement in all the activities and competitions run by the Library. In this way, if a pupil’s English language progress is particularly fast, he or she may be able to move to the mainstream English language set in Year 10.
In Year 10, most students will start preparing for the English as a First Language EdExcel IGCSE, which emphasises skills in language analysis as well as writing precisely and for a specific purpose/ audience.
The EAL Department has two teachers who are qualified to teach both English and EAL. The department is housed alongside the English and Modern Languages departments on Worcester Road. The classrooms allow for small group teaching in a friendly environment.
We follow modern, up-todate coursebooks, and have a good selection of class reading texts to supplement language lessons. Pupils regularly visit the Percival Library to choose their own books to read and they can choose books from the main section or the ‘Quick Reads’ section, which contains shorter novels specifically written for EAL pupils.
Whether for a future career, for holidays or just for the pleasure of it, French is an extremely useful, enjoyable and accessible subject for all pupils at Clifton.
Our aim is for pupils to become confident French speakers and to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of the language and culture.
We have Year 9 sets for students who have studied French prior to joining the
Upper School and all abilities will all be catered for. Lessons are based on the five topic areas covered by the Edexcel International GCSE syllabus which starts in Year 9. There are three exams, which pupils sit at the end of Year 11.
Study focuses on how the language works, grammar and vocabulary, listening and reading exercises, extended writing, translation and conversation practice. Pupils enjoy the variety, as well as the opportunity to study real French films, songs and festivals.
The department has five teachers, supported by an assistant who will help out in lessons and focus on speaking practice with the students, and is based in the new Modern Languages building.
We have the latest classroom technology and use chromebooks regularly in lessons to support students’ learning and to carry out independent research activities. There is a café on the ground floor where pupils can spend break times and get together for our film nights and other co-curricular events which are organised regularly.
Over the Year 9 year we organise events such as film nights, French bake off competitions, inter-class speaking activities and boules competitions. We also organise a biennial trip to Paris.
German skills are highly sought after in the workplace: German is the most useful foreign language in the view of UK employers and the most in-demand additional language in UK job ads. It is also the second highest paid of all additional languages in the UK and Germany is the UK’s second largest trading partner. Over and above this, learning German provides a fascinating insight into the cultures of the German speaking world and helps develop pupils’ creativity and communication skills.
Year 9 German lessons are aligned with the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus and its five main topic areas. Pupils practise listening and reading skills, extended writing, and conversation.
Language lessons are lively, build German-speaking confidence and support pupils in laying the vital foundations of vocabulary and grammar.
German studies progress throughout Years 9, 10 and 11 and culminate in formal IGCSE examinations at the end of the Year 11.
We have Year 9 sets for students who have studied German prior to joining the Upper School and all abilities will all be catered for.
The department has two teachers, supported by an assistant with degree-level German, and is based in the brilliantly equipped Modern Languages building on the edge of the Close.
Our classrooms each contain touch screen computers with sound bars and we regularly incorporate the use of Chromebooks into our lessons.
There is a café on the ground floor where pupils can meet at break times and which provides the space for the various German-related events we hold throughout the year.
Over the Year 9 year we organise a gingerbread house competition and Christmas quiz, a film night, inter-class speaking activities, a crossCollege collaboration project with the Art Department, a Fasching/Carnival night, and a digital exchange with a school in Germany via the UK-German Connection Project. There is also a biennial trip to either Berlin or Cologne.
“Studying German provides a fascinating insight into the cultures of the German speaking world and helps develop pupils’ creativity.”
As one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, Spanish is an excellent choice for pupils at this level. It is a very enjoyable, expressive language to speak and it offers the key to a fascinating world of culture, history, literature, art and world wide business; being the United States the place where Spanish is spoken widely amongst the main business global players. This offers plenty of future opportunities in a world to come.
In Year 9, lessons offer an introduction to the five topics established by the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus, which pupils will study in Years 10 and 11 to obtain their formal Spanish language qualification. Students who have never learned Spanish, and who demonstrate a strong desire and commitment to learn it, are welcome to choose the subject in Year 9 as their language.
Language lessons are dynamic and are designed to foster confidence. Pupils practice listening and reading skills, conversation and extended writing, while building the vital foundations of vocabulary and grammar.
The material studied builds steadily over the course of three years, with pupils sitting the IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11.
The department has five full-time teachers supported by a teaching assistant whose first language is Spanish. We are based in the new Modern Languages building, with its excellent classroom technology and a language laboratory that features the latest language software.
We have a café in the building where pupils can relax at break times and meet for cocurricular Spanish and Modern Languages events.
We have inter-class activities and film evenings not only to help pupils develop their appreciation and enjoyment of all things Spanish, but also to show how many doors might be opened in the future for them.
“We have a café in the building where pupils can relax at break times and meet for co-curricular Spanish and Modern Languages events.”
Chinese GCSE is offered to native/near native speakers in Year 9 as structured and timetabled lessons.
Year 9 lessons align with the Edexcel GCSE syllabus, and pupils will sit their GCSE examinations at the end of Year 9. They practise speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as translation, in relation to the following five themes:
• Identity and culture
• Local area, holiday and travel
• School
• Future aspirations, study and work
• International and global dimension.
Cantonese pupils must use Modern Standard Chinese, Putonghua, in their speaking and listening exams. This is to ensure that pupils are fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin.
We also offer a Hebrew GCSE class and the pupils start the course from Year 9 and sit the exam at the end of Year 11.
Depending on the maturity and readiness of the pupils, they are welcome to sit an early GCSE native language exam. So far, we offer Welsh Second Language (WJEC GCSE), Russian (Edexcel GCSE),
Portuguese (Edexcel GCSE), Italian (AQA GCSE) and Arabic (Edexcel IGCSE). Pupils have to be well-equipped with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Instead of lessons pupils will have to attend exam guidance sessions.
Mandarin and Hebrew teaching are based in the fantastic new Modern Languages building, where pupils can make full use of the language lab facilities and Café. We have two Chinese native speaker teachers, and teachers of Russian, Hebrew and Portuguese.
“Mandarin Chinese has become one of the most important languages in the world.”
English and Modern Languages lessons are taught in bright, spacious, well-equipped rooms, all boasting state-ofthe-art interactive boards, and stunning views of The Close and the College.
We also benefit from a separate meeting room for lectures, seminars and visiting speakers, as well as a language laboratory with extensive ICT facilities, enabling students to complete independent research and practise speaking and listening tasks.
There is an ML café on the ground floor where pupils can go at break times, which also serves as a good location for our film nights and cocurricular events.
Classics has a proud history at Clifton College, with a long list of eminent Classics staff and students who frequented the corridors of the Tribe building. Classics is unique in that it not only teaches linguistic, cognitive, analytical, and rhetorical skills essential for succeeding in modern life, but also provides a rich interdisciplinary cultural knowledge which is invaluable to understanding how modern societies evolved and function in a global interconnected world.
The Classics Department offers a fantastic range of enrichment opportunities which include annual trips to Greece and Italy, visits to Roman sites around the UK (such as the Roman villa in The Newt in Somerset, Bath, Caerleon, Cirencester, Oxford and London), a popular Classics masterclass series and social events throughout the year.
GCSE results have been superb, with almost exclusively A* and Level 9 grades since 2012. Beyond GCSE, there is the Ancient Greek A Level,
again available on a full complement of lessons. The Classics Department has enjoyed notable Oxbridge success, with nine places for Classics at Oxford and Cambridge in the last seven years.
There are three teachers in the Classics Department, all highly qualified and contributing a range of individual interests and skills. This means that all aspects of the course are taught with specialist subject expertise.
Classics is taught in spacious quarters on the ground floor of the Tribe building, which is equipped with the latest Smartboards and Wi-Fi. The department has an extensive library of books, photographs and DVDs.
Some are drawn to Classical Greek by the myths, philosophy or ingenuity of the ancient Greeks, others by the conundrums and beauty of the language. The study of Greek is reasonably challenging but richly rewarding, and whilst
pupils work at a high linguistic level, they also have access to the delights of Classical Greek culture and society.
Classical Greek complements the study of Latin very well, but this should not put off those who wish to study only Greek.
There is a focus on foundational grammar and vocabulary. Lessons are lively and stimulating, and pupils who take the subject in Year 9 can study for the GCSE
in Years 10 and 11 outside the timetable, which offers considerable flexibility to those who wish to study other languages.
Latin is a stimulating, valuable and highly regarded subject. It opens up the astonishing world of Roman mythology, history, thought and life, and it offers unparalleled assistance towards mastering modern languages (including our own).
Perhaps most importantly, Latin trains the mind. We encourage pupils to think independently and express themselves persuasively. Classicists are highly employable and work in many fields: law, management consultancy, accountancy and journalism, to name a few.
Latin is popular in the Year 9, both with those who have studied it previously and those who wish to take it up from scratch.
A two-pronged approach is followed in our lessons. There is a rich language content geared towards a lasting knowledge and understanding of the building blocks of Latin, and we also study Roman life and history, especially the history and daily life of the Roman Republic from its foundation to its fall in the 1st
Classical Civilisation offers the opportunity to consider some of the thorniest questions of our modern era through the lens of our ancient past. What makes a hero a hero? How does one become a good ruler, or shape a good political system? Is war ever justifiable? What is the divine? How do humans conceive of their identity?
Classical Civilisation encourages critical thinking, analysis of the self and of an issue, and the ability to argue objectively on deeply subjective matters through an understanding and acknowledgement of our own cultural baggage. It is a subject that welcomes diversity of thinking, and shapes
perceptive and thoughtful students who hold curiosity and understanding as some of their highest values.
The course covers approximately 2000 years of Greece and Rome and challenges students to interact with a wide variety of media, from Roman curse tablets to the archaeology of Mycenae and from the stories of the Greek myths to ancient comedy. It focuses on building skills of historical inquiry, visual analysis and literary appreciation, with personal development placed at the forefront.
century BC. The two strands often merge, for example, with pupils reading and discussing the stories about Aeneas’ travel from Troy to the shores of Italy and studying works of art and literature which reference stories from early Roman civilisation.
Latin is available as an option for those who have no prior experience of Latin. Whatever a pupil’s prior experience, we aim for everyone to be at about the same level by the end of Year 9.
All written material is studied in translation, and no knowledge of Latin or Greek is required, though the subjects of course complement each other extremely well.
Students do not need to take Classical Civilisation in Year 9 in order to choose it at GCSE, although naturally it serves as a useful introduction. Classical Civilisation pairs exceptionally well with many subjects, from Geography and History to Art and Sculpture, and GCSE grades are consistently high.
Geography is an important and relevant subject to study. We live in a dynamic and fast changing world and studying Geography helps us to examine many of the aspects that affect us on a daily basis - from weather and climate change, through to international conflict and the resulting migration streams.
Geography also teaches key skills including data presentation and analysis, evaluation of issues and decision-making.
The Year 9 Geography syllabus is focused on global issues, with its foundation bedded in books such as Prisoner of Geography (Marshall, 2015). We teach key geographical skills and concepts, with the course covering a range of up to date case studies. The year is designed to prepare students for the Edexcel IGCSE course, but leaves room for change as events in the world happen.
The year is broken down into a number of small topics. Pupils will have the opportunity to study issues such as wilderness areas, plastics in the ocean, our unequal world focusing on development and welfare within Africa making links to conflict, slavery. Through a variety of activities pupils will discuss the causes of such issues, the range of impacts they have and the way to manage them in the 21st Century. Pupils are encouraged to be passionate about these topics and look further at any issues that interest them.
There are opportunities for pupils to develop their writing and analytical skills, but the year also provides opportunities for presentations, making videos and the use of geographical information systems (GIS) within their work.
We have four specialist Geography teachers based at the heart of the College campus. All with their own dedicated classrooms. All teaching areas have interactive whiteboards and Wi-Fi, and we have a wide range of specialist fieldwork equipment, as well as a large collection of Geography text books, journals and magazines for pupils to read. There is also a dedicated Geography section in the Percival Library.
The Geography Department is involved in the Bristol Geographical Association and regularly participates in the World Wise Quiz which the G.A. organises.
The department also runs a field trip for the year group. In 2025, we went on a day trip to the Eden Project in Cornwall to visit the biomes and take part in a workshop on sustainability and the role plants play in the natural world.
“Pupils are encouraged to be passionate about global issues and look further into any that interest them.”
Studying a period very different to our own is inherently fascinating, and it gives us an opportunity to put the presentday world into proper context.
As one of the humanities, History tries to make sense of human actions and achievements. In doing so, it encourages awareness of diverse beliefs, values and societies, alongside inculcating valuable skills such as analysis, evaluation and constructing reasoned arguments.
History is a core subject at Clifton, and compulsory in Year 9. Our course has evolved to reflect engagement with continuing academic and public debates surrounding
what History is and can inspire. Pupils will investigate events of the twentieth century in Britain and globally to find answers to the overall enquiry ‘What did power look like in the twentieth century?’.
This begins with an examination of how far Edwardian Britain was a golden age, before studying the Great War and the fall of democracy in inter-war Germany. Our course culminates with the stories of how the British Empire fought Nazism in the 1930s and 40s, and ended in the latter half of the century.
The course is designed to equip pupils with critical reasoning skills and the understanding to enable them to take active part in modern society.
The department has a team of five teachers who, between them, have a wealth of teaching experience at all levels. We are aptly located in the historic part of the College, on the ground floor of the Percival building.
Our recently refurbished classrooms are equipped with state of the art interactive whiteboards. Pupils can use the school’s two ICT suites to pursue the curriculum in creative ways, such as producing presentations and videos or through collaborative essay projects.
The Percival Library offers a very wide range of historical materials, with the History section regularly updated.
Historians can also access JSTOR, an enormous online archive of academic articles and books.
Year 9 pupils can take part in the annual trip to the First World War Battlefields in the Ypres Salient and the Somme. The trip has become a core feature of the Clifton calendar and offers Cliftonians a unique opportunity to engage in the school’s, and therefore the pupils’, own history as they track the progress of Old Cliftonians and family members across the battlefields.
Religious Studies will appeal to anyone with an enquiring mind. We examine the ultimate questions about life and the world, as well as the various belief systems and philosophies that shape billions of lives.
It is an interdisciplinary subject that helps pupils develop deeper insights into humanity and their own existence, as well as valuable, transferable skills such as analysis, evaluation, critical thinking and expressing complex ideas.
The AQA GCSE course covers a broad range of topics that explore many relevant and exciting areas. It is a top tier academic discipline and is highly regarded by the universities.
The Year 9 course provides a strong foundation for future GCSE exam success. We explore philosophical, ethical and religious ideas. Pupils will consider arguments for the existence of God and will examine the concept of revelation. Ethical issues will include human rights, prejudice, discrimination and poverty. Religious and secular views will be discussed.
We encourage pupils to engage in debate, conduct research and practise their independent thinking and writing skills.
The department has some very experienced subject specialists and has excellent resources. We have our own library of academic literature and further collections of articles and periodicals in the school’s main Percival Library.
“Religious Studies will appeal to anyone with an enquiring mind.”
All students have access to a high quality e-learning package and they also benefit from the study opportunities provided by JSTOR with its extensive archive of supportive materials.
The departmental staff maintain close contact with Trinity College, Bristol, which provides us with access to its considerable collection.
Information and Communication Technology is the digital foundation of our world. This subject explores the tools, systems, and concepts that shape how we live, work, and connect.
Being a competent ICT user means you have the essential skills to confidently navigate, create, and innovate in a technology-driven society.
In Year 9 ICT, pupils build upon their foundational understanding of digital concepts and applications, developing a more sophisticated and practical skill set crucial for the modern world. This course is designed to empower pupils to become confident, responsible, and effective users of technology across various contexts.
Understanding the Digital World - Pupils discover how computers process all kinds of information, from the smallest details like binary code to how they handle text, images, and sound. They’ll also explore the key components inside computers, like the CPU and RAM, to understand how they all work together to make your devices run efficiently.
Building Digital Skills - Pupils will learn to write code and create functions which are like mini-programs that help to solve a bigger problem efficiently. These skills will be put into use in our game development unit, designing and building a simple game in a fun and creative way.
Being a Responsible Digital Citizen - It’s crucial to be smart and safe online. Pupils will learn vital e-safety practices to protect themselves from online risks. We’ll also look at ethical computing, discussing important topics like data privacy, online behavior, and the wider impact of technology on society.
The course is taught by two subject specialists, in dedicated computer rooms. The College has extensive, modern ICT facilities throughout the campus, including a super-fast Wi-Fi network.
Throughout each term, Year 9 ICT work is linked to pupils’ projects in all their subject areas, so that they can practise their skills and apply them in a variety of contexts.
“In ICT, you won’t just learn about technology, you’ll learn to use it effectively, safely, and creatively to solve problems and express yourself.”
Pupils at Clifton College enjoy fantastic sports facilities and coaching. Pupils can try out many sports and develop their skills to their full potential.
Alongside the obvious health and fitness benefits, our Physical Education and Games programme encourages pupils to develop qualities such as team spirit, leadership, perseverance and coping with both success and setbacks.
We hope every pupil will embrace the value of physical activity. It is our aspiration that pupils will pursue a lifelong interest in health, exercise and sport.
Heads of Sports, teaching staff and professional external coaches deliver our sports programme. They have vast experience and come from a variety of sports. Included in the coaching staff are exprofessional players and past and present internationals.
The school’s impressive sports facilities at Beggar’s Bush total 90 acres, providing pupils with international-standard indoor and outdoor sports facilities, with a notable new addition being the fantastic Chellaram Sports Complex. On-site facilities include a 25m indoor swimming pool, fully equipped fitness suite, sports hall and ‘The Close’, arguably one of the most imposing and impressive sports grounds in any school in the country.
There are endless opportunities for pupils to participate and excel in a range of sports through our extensive games programmes. In addition, the pupils have access to the facilities throughout their time at school.
There are a large number of current students who are playing prominent roles in national representative sides in a range of different sports and it is now not uncommon for pupils to leave Clifton ready for successful careers in professional sport.
Everyone is interested in listening to music and lots of pupils sing or play an instrument, so why not learn more about how it really works in cultures across the world from the songs of Navaho tribes to Scandivian symphonies and compose own music along the way!
Music is in fact one of the oldest academic disciplines to be studied at university level and it teaches both analytical and creative skills in a fun way.
Year 9 pupils have three Music lessons per fortnight on an eight-week carousel, rotating with Drama, Art, and Design & Technology. This rotation is repeated in the second half of the year. Across the course, pupils will learn subject-specific terminology, listening and
appraisal skills, composing and music production techniques, as well as improvisation, notation and keyboard skills. Using musical traditions from different times and placesclassical, popular, folk, music theatre, film and jazz - your learning will not only be transferable but also prepare pupils who choose Music or Music Technology as a GCSE option.
We are based in the stunning Joseph Cooper Music School, which has 16 practice rooms, a recital hall and a four-room recording suite.
The Director of Music works with the Assistant Director of Music, Teacher of Academic Music and the Studio Engineer who is also Teacher of Music Technology.
There are also 26 visiting music teachers who specialise in a wide variety of instrumentseverything from bassoon to jazz piano.
The department owns many instruments, including 15 Yamaha upright pianos, two grand pianos, a harpsichord, an electric organ in the recital hall and, of course, the stunning Harrison and Harrison organ and Fazioli grand piano in the Chapel.
We also have a variety of guitars and keyboards, and various orchestral instruments.
The possibilities are endless, both during and outside of lessons. Please see above for information about cocurricular music - 1:1 lesson and ensembles. We also have visiting speakers (in 2024 from legendary multi-platinum pop-song writer Nicky Chinn and in 2025 from a film music composer), run concert trips to venues in Bristol to hear live music, as well as tours for performers outside of Bristol and abroad (the Loire Valley in France for 2026).
“Whether music is a hobby or a vocation that you want to pursue as a career later in life, Clifton can prepare you for any possibilities.”
Drama and Theatre Studies is a highly rewarding and enjoyable subject that fosters valuable, lifelong skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, and effective communication in public settings. Students also explore the art of theatre, and have moments to hone their creative and expressive ability, harnessing the transformative power of creative thought to bring new ideas to life and communicate stories.
Year 9 pupils have three drama lessons per fortnight on an eight-week carousel, rotating with Music, Art, and Design & Technology. This rotation is repeated in the second half of the year. Across the course, pupils will learn subjectspecific terminology, dramatic techniques, improvisation skills, character development, script interpretation, and performance development. These elements not only cultivate transferable skills but also prepare pupils who choose Drama as a GCSE option.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) as an extracurricular activity from Year 9. This provides additional qualifications as they develop their skills and progress to more challenging exam work. They can choose Acting, Speaking in Public, or Musical Theatre, with the potential to achieve Grade 8 or even the higher-level PCert LAM over their five years in Upper School.
The department is staffed by a Head of Department and a drama teacher, supported by many visiting expert practitioners. The department utilises the College’s own 320-seat proscenium-arch theatre,dedicated drama spaces for both theoretical and practical work, and a purposebuilt dance studio
The department maintains strong links with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Theatre Royal Bath, Shakespeare’s Globe in London, and numerous South West-based designers, devisers, and directors.
“The department has use of the College’s own 300-seat prosceniumarched theatre and purpose-built dance studio.”
Our journey through art invites students to see the world with fresh eyes, think critically about the messages conveyed through various mediums, and discover their own creative voice. Art is a powerful tool for communication. It is a universal language that records history and can transcend cultures.
The Year 9 Art and Design curriculum is designed for students to experience, learn, understand and flourish. They will explore the diverse forms and functions of art, from the classic masterpieces of history to the contemporary creations of today. During lessons we focus on traditional drawing and painting
skills which form the core of visual expression. Ideas and designs are developed using a range of media and techniques. We draw from the experiences and work of other artists and designers whilst challenging our own creative output.
Year 9 Art and Design is delivered by experienced members of staff. With specialists in Fine Art painting and drawing, Photography, Ceramics and Illustration, we are an enthusiastic team who are passionate about our subject. Our studio spaces house a ceramics studio with a kiln, a large scale printing press and photography dark room.
Classroom experiences will be further enhanced with extension activities and sustained projects during specialist workshops in Photography, Ceramics, Animation, Fashion and Textiles. Students will hone their skills with these enrichment opportunities.
Designers are the makers of the built environment. They change lives and shape the world around us, for example through industrial design, product design and architecture. Design and Technology starts with the wants and needs of people. Our students will go on to pursue careers that do not even exist yet and so many of them will be in the creative sector.
Studying Design and Technology not only nurtures observational, analytical and communication skills, but also develops an awareness of design trends through history and how things may develop in the future. It offers the gateway to many challenging, fulfilling and influential careers.
In Year 9, pupils are introduced to the world of Design and Technology through design and make projects. Pupils will be taught and trained to work on and with a wide range of machines and tools. They will be working in timber, metal and plastics exploring a range of processes such as hand wood skills, pewter casting and brass acid etching. Pupils will design and manufacture a range of practical outcomes. Students will also be taught graphic skills leading them to design their own personal monograms . Students will then be introduced to a range of graphic software and CNC machinery such as the laser cutter and vinyl router enabling them to create 3D versions of their designs.
The Design and Technology Department is led by Victoria Jackson. Clifton’s reputation for excellence in the Design and Technology Department is ever increasing and we have a highly experienced team of staff who are trained in a variety of media and practise as designers and makers themselves. We also have a full time technician who supports the students.
Clifton has a well-equipped Design and Technology Department that includes design studios with two computer rooms. We have a multimedia workshop, a metal workshop, including an aluminium foundry, and a CaD/CAM and plastics workshop, where we have a laser cutter, equipment for the manipulation of plastics and our CNC Router. We also have a new textiles workshop which includes access to a number of computerised sewing machines, over-locker, heat press and sublimation printer.
Learning Support is offered as a timetabled subject for Year 9 pupils who require extra curriculum support. These lessons normally replace an additional foreign language option.
There is also the opportunity for private study and individual, one-to-one support lessons.
There are six timetabled group Learning Support lessons a fortnight. Four of these structured classes focus on study skills, English and science and the other on mathematics support. All lessons are tailored to an individual pupil’s needs.
The College is able to make provision for pupils who have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, or who have a need for specialist or additional help in certain areas of their learning.
Many pupils requiring learning support will have been identified before joining the school and may already be receiving support. Parents of such pupils are asked to contact the Head of Learning Support before their son or daughter joins the school. It is essential that we are provided with any existing documentation, such as Educational Psychologist reports.
Documents held by our own Preparatory School will be transferred as part of the normal liaison procedures to ensure a smooth transfer and continuity of support teaching.
Clifton has its own in-house screening procedures and all new pupils are assessed for literacy difficulties when they enter the school. Where further assessment is required, the Head of Department will contact the pupil’s parents to suggest an Exams Access Arrangement or Educational Psychologist assessment.
These assessments are necessary to secure extra time and other access arrangements, should the pupil qualify. Pupils must demonstrate that they have received continued support from the school and that there is teacher evidence of need.
The Head of Learning Support and the College’s educational psychologist will conduct these in-house assessments. This will be charged at a competitive fee. It is a stipulation of the examination boards that
Pupils may receive one-to-one learning support lessons with a specialist teacher at an extra cost (see fee sheet). These lessons are normally arranged in the pupil’s free time, or in dedicated learning support lesson time.
Those wishing to make external arrangements for one-to-one support are welcome to do so. There are Dyslexia Centres in Bristol and Bath. However, we do ask parents to keep us informed of any support their children are receiving, so that our teachers can liaise with the provider and submit evidence of continuing support to the examination boards.
assessments are carried out by a qualified assessor who is approved by the College.
Where a pupil has a medical condition requiring special exam arrangements, a consultant’s letter must be provided.
The Learning Support Team has nine members: the Head of Department/SENCo; an Educational Psychologist; an administrator; one full-time teacher; and five part-time teachers.
The Learning Support Department is situated in the Fyffe Centre. It uses one classroom for group learning support and six classrooms for individual teaching. In addition, there is a Learning Hub which houses 12 PCs. The location
of the Learning Support Department places it in the heart of the school, allowing greater liaison with other departments, and in particular the English Department.
The College aims to offer an inclusive and supportive environment, and encourages students to discuss mental health issues.
The PSHE curriculum highlights the importance of taking care of our mental health and gives information about commonly experienced mental health issues.
Students who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health can get support from
a range of people within the College, including their House staff, tutors, teachers and the Chaplaincy. The College has undertaken mental health training with teaching and support staff.
The College has qualified counsellors who offer ongoing one-to-one therapy to all years. The Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School can access this with a referral from staff or parents. In the Upper School, students are also able to self refer.
Boarders can also access a doctor through the College’s Health Centre, where referrals can be made to external mental health services. The staff in the Health Centre can help to coordinate support with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
The College also has Peer Supporters, who are members of Years 12 and 13, who meet weekly and are overseen by a member of the teaching staff who works closely with the
Wellbeing Team in the Health Centre. The group works on initiatives to promote awareness of mental health and encourage members of our community to look after their mental health.
The College requests that new students advise them of any pre-existing or ongoing mental health support needs to ensure appropriate services can be put in place.
The following subjects are planned to be offered in the Year 9 at Clifton College in September.
Please follow the instructions on the form provided to make your choices. If you do not have a form, please email admissions@cliftoncollege.com to request one.
