Art
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Design and Technology
Drama
Economics and Business Studies
English
Games
Geography
History
ICT and Computing
Mathematics
Modern Languages
Music
PE
Physics
Science
Theology and Philosophy
The primary aim of the Art Department is to excite, inspire and develop a delight in the artistic creative process. We start by developing our pupils' ability to draw from observation and imagination, gradually broadening their artistic experience by introducing them to new activities. All Lower School students learn drawing, painting, black and white photography, sculpture (including clay), graphic design and a range of printmaking and ICT skills. Upper School students develop their abilities in these activities as well as having the opportunity to study film making, animation and life drawing.
Return to top
During the last century our knowledge has expanded at a staggering rate, and we now take for granted many of the greatest advances in biology and medicine, which have improved our health and general lifestyle. So what will the next century bring? We are certain to see a continuation of the genetic revolution started by Crick and Watson when they worked out the structure of DNA. The completion of the Human Genome Project will enable us to ascertain exactly what individual genes do, and how they control growth and development. This will open the door to all sorts of exciting possibilities!
Chemistry is "The central, useful and creative science." (Ronald Breslow, President of the American Chemical Society). It is crucial in providing many of the materials of everyday life, the knowledge to offer better health care and better food and to solve environmental problems.
At the heart of the subject is the desire to understand fundamental principles and apply them into known and novel surroundings.
As such, Chemistry remains a thriving and exciting department at Whitgift School. As the second largest A-level department in the School we are keen to develop good practical chemists who have a sound grasp of principles as well as ability to put them into practice. Such good habits must be developed throughout the year groups to promote a lively academic interest in this important scientific field.
A young, dynamic team teaches Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation with sympathy, humanity and rigour throughout the School. The department's success both empirically (outstanding public examination results, 'Oxbridge' entry, popularity of the subjects in a very competitive option system etc.) and educationally (the linguistic, literary and cultural development of our pupils) cannot be overstated. The plethora of regular activities undertaken both internally (two Classical societies, visiting lecturers, conferences, competitions etc.) and externally (trips to Rome, Athens, Bath, St. Albans, Fishbourne etc.) also complement and enrich the classical experience for a large number of Whitgiftians.
Whitgift has a long-standing established national reputation for excellence in Design and Technology.
We are a dynamic and progressive department where students across all ages learn to apply and develop a variety of skills. In addition to designing and manufacturing a product, students involve themselves in the wider aspects of the subject by studying marketing, promotion, corporate identity and general product development.
All our students are encouraged to identify 'real' problems within the local community. Students working in this way are often surprised to find how combinations of technologies can be used in radically new ways. Our curriculum is challenging and diverse where it allows for far-reaching solutions to individual problems. This in turn offers our students a realistic perception of technological developments, both now and for the future.
The Whitgift School drama programme is the equal of any in the country.
Each year Whitgift puts on two musicals and at least four plays (or evenings of play extracts) which ensure that every single year group has the opportunity to take part in live theatre. These performances are enjoyed by boys and parents alike and have attracted considerable critical acclaim. Recent productions include: 'The Caretaker', 'Uncle Vanya', 'Grease', 'Cabaret', 'Oh What A Lovely War!', 'Hamlet' and 'When We Are Married'.
Pupils from throughout the School are currently preparing for performances of David Edgar's adaptation of 'Nicholas Nickelby': an ambitious project typical of a vibrant department.
This exceptional co-curricular achievement, backed up by a buoyant academic department, ensures that Whitgift drama takes a 'leading role' in the overall life of the School.
The Economics and Business Studies Department offers Economics at GCSE and a choice of Economics or Business Studies at IB Diploma & A level. These courses are supplemented by a wide variety of activities, which give pupils the opportunity to discover and develop the subject outside the classroom. Such activities include an HSBC school branch which is run by the pupils, a share game which helps the pupils understand how the stock market works, numerous visits to companies and conferences as well as receiving distinguished guest speakers.
The English department aims to equip our students with the skills needed to speak confidently and fluently, and to write with accuracy and sophistication; we also aspire to instil in students a lasting enthusiasm for literature. In the Lower School we follow our own syllabus; students are introduced to a wide range of both classic and modern literature and are taught how to speak and write fluently, accurately and engagingly. All year groups participate in the annual public speaking competition; in the Lower Third all classes present excerpts of various Shakespeare plays before an audience at the Lower Third Shakespeare Evening. At GCSE our students take both English and English Literature (AQA); at A level English Literature (OCR) and the International Baccalaureate are offered. We regularly take advantage of the many theatrical productions in London and the South East; the Dover Wilson Shakespeare Lecture, presented by a prominent academic, is an annual event, as is the visit of a poet in residence over half a term.
The possibilities for a Whitgift pupil are many and varied. Whether he is a National rugby, hockey or cricket player or a recreational sportsman who enjoys activities such as judo, badminton and water polo, he will find his niche at Whitgift.
Fancy a trip to Iceland or the Italian Dolomites or perhaps just a better understanding of your local area? The geography staff have developed a modern and exciting programme of study, which boys follow from the Lower First through to the Upper Sixth using up-to-date fieldwork techniques and computer software. The aim of the department is to give the boys an understanding of the often-complex inter-relationship between man and his environment. Think global, act local . . . do Geography!
All pupils study History up to the U3rd year, covering a range of British, European and World topics from the middle ages to the 20th century. A majority of pupils go on to study GCSE Modern World History; A Level History and Politics are popular options in the sixth form and the department has an impressive track record of Oxbridge entrants. There are a number of History-related trips, from Bodiam Castle in the U1st to Washington, DC in the sixth form.
The ICT Teaching department teaches ICT and software skills to all boys up to the end of Year 9. All boys have their own account on the School portal, which is used to transfer work between School and home. GCSE ICT is an optional subject which teaches boys to create ICT systems to solve problems. In the Sixth Form, A Level Computing is offered which looks at the architecture of computers and teaches systems design.
Click here to view the ICT School portal page.
Mathematics is central to the boys' education at Whitgift, and nearly two-thirds of the pupils continue the subject in the Sixth Form. The Department is particularly strong, with eleven full-time graduate mathematicians who have a variety of specialist interests within the subject. This leads to a rich and stimulating approach to study throughout the School, and the ability to offer the full range of Pure and Applied Mathematics courses to Advanced Level, Further Maths and Oxbridge.
Modern Languages are central to the Whitgift School curriculum and pupils have the opportunity to choose from four European and two Oriental languages. The Department boasts a fully-integrated digital languages laboratory and satellite television, allowing pupils of all ages to be exposed to the culture of the relevant country. The department offers an unparalleled programme of annual exchanges to France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan, and language events, such as Japanese Taiko drumming or European theatre and food-tasting, take place frequently at Whitgift during the school day. Over half of the Modern Languages department staff are native speakers, and keen linguists have the chance to join the unique Bilingual section, whereby pupils receive extra tuition in Geography and History through the medium of French, German or Spanish.
We believe that music is a strong part of the life of every Whitgift boy and thus Whitgift School offers boys the opportunity of making music at the highest level. We aim to give every student unforgettable experiences of participating in major musical events as well as giving them a solid understanding of all types of music. The Director of Music leads a team of four full-time music staff, an administrator and twenty eight visiting instrumental teachers in a purpose built Music School that encompasses a fine Concert Hall, three classrooms, percussion, guitar, brass and strings suites, 8 practice rooms and an up-to-date recording studio that offers boys the opportunity to work with the latest in digital recording technology. All of these facilities, including a comprehensive library of music, compact discs, and a large selection of orchestral instruments and pianos are available to boys at Whitgift.
All boys follow a stimulating and varied programme from the Lower First to the Upper Fifth. This will ensure that pupils leave Whitgift with an understanding of personal health and fitness, ball games, racket skills, swimming and athletics. The department's philosophy is based on participation for enjoyment.
Pupils may also choose to study Physical Education at GCSE and 'A' Level in order to further their understanding and interest in sport. This is coupled with a high degree of specialisation in their chosen sports and could eventually lead to a career in the ever-increasing field of sport and physical recreation.
Physics is taught by a strong team of specialist staff whose enthusiasm leads them well beyond the confines of the timetable. The subject matter taught ranges from simple properties of matter through to theories at the cutting edge of Cosmology and Particle Physics. Students are encouraged to develop scientific curiosity and practical ability and they are helped to achieve at the very highest levels of secondary education.
The department is exceptionally active both in and out of lessons. The weekly programme of Sensational Science lectures and demonstrations is open to all members of the School on Friday lunchtimes, while evening lectures organized by the Science Society are for boys, staff, their families and members of other local schools. As part of their Science lessons, boys in the Lower School follow a course designed to enhance cognitive ability through scientific activities. Those in the Middle and Upper Schools benefit from the rigour afforded to them by the study of separate sciences.
The main aim of the Theology and Philosophy department is to give pupils the opportunity to discover truth for themselves so they can look at, question and understand the world and their place in it. We seek to consider the role and implications of truth and belief, specifically in religion, and generally in life. As far as possible, this is done by exploring how key existential questions connect with world events and society at large from three main worldviews: theological, secular and post-modern.
