Academics
Overview
Peterhouse, as a Cambridge International Examination Centre, provides an internationally recognised academic program focused on rigor and excellence. This is supported by our annual pass rates at IGCSE, AS and A Levels. With our broad and well supported curriculum Peterhouse provides for a range of academic abilities.
Our highly professional, innovative and resourceful staff create dynamic learning environments where pupils are encouraged to become independent learners and thinkers! Small classes which promote imagination, problem solving and real hands-on engagement with the curriculum. Our active classroom spaces encourage pupils to be creative, accept challenge and seek solutions.
High performers are extended through project work and competitions. Participation in national and international competitions such as the Maths Olympiad, National Allied Arts, Eisteddfods and Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards both stimulate and reward our pupils.
Oversight of the academic program rests with Directors of Studies who coordinate subject choices, syllabuses, examinations and timetables. The Director of Academic Advancement is responsible for ensuring that our teaching and learning environment is both dynamic and contemporary.
Alpha Programme
The Peterhouse Group provides an all-embracing support system from “start” to “finish”. Springvale House, Peterhouse Girls and Peterhouse Boys all provide well-resourced, modern and comfortable learning centres with highly trained staff to see to your child’s learning needs. Each centre is staffed by NILD therapists with many supplementary qualifications such as RX Reading and RX Maths.
The ALPHA programme is not only about extra-lessons: it is about guidance, mentoring and learning complementary academic skills. Peterhouse welcomes a wide range of learning abilities and keeps a dynamic learning register to ensure systematic intervention, support and progress for each child in our system. Our emphasis – throughout the Group – is on small group, intimate learning lessons where “drop ins” are both welcome and encouraged.
And best of all, it is free…
Early intervention and then systematic structure is the key to our Alpha Centres. Our specifically trained teachers start assisting with pupils in need from the very start with the streaming tests each child sits within days of arriving at Peterhouse Boys and Peterhouse Girls.
Our curriculum is as flexible as possible in acknowledgment of the variety of abilities we actively embrace. Reduced loads at IGCSE and the hybrid AS/IGCSE year allow pupils to develop at their own pace without stigma or censure.
Apart from internal exams, pupils are given aptitude tests in C block (CAT4) to help guide IGCSE subject choices at the end of the year. Again, intervention before complication.
Above all, Alpha Centres are there for support and pupils are actively encouraged to take control of their own learning and seek that support. Exam pupils are given extra tuition at teachers, tutors and parents’ advice. However, it is the “drops ins” that show pupils are confident enough and comfortable enough to ask for help.
Peer-to-peer support groups are in place at both schools where mentoring programs with older pupils often achieve remarkable success.
Pupils and parents are welcome to approach our professional staff for advice to do with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
Our staff are trained NILD therapists and work closely with educational psychologists in identifying disorders and then setting up programs to facilitate your child’s academic progress. Our systematic and popular reader/scribe programs for every exam work within Cambridge guidelines and ensure that pupils have the best chance possible of achieving their potential in the classroom.
