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At RMS, we believe education should be a personalised experience, tailored to ignite every pupil’s unique passions and ambitions. For us, personalised learning isn’t just a buzzword; it is the very mindset, ethos, and identity that underpins our school.
This philosophy is never more evident than during the transition to GCSEs. We understand that this phase is a pivotal chapter, but crucially, it is not the whole story. By giving our pupils a hand in shaping their own academic path, we empower them to succeed not just in examinations, but in life.
Putting Pupils in the Driving Seat
A key feature of the RMS approach is maximising pupil choice and ownership. We want our pupils to select subjects they are genuinely excited about, not just follow predetermined paths.
While all pupils build a strong foundation with our Academic Core subjects; English Language, Mathematics, and at least one Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), they then add six optional subjects to complement their studies.
This extensive choice is what makes the RMS curriculum unique. It allows our pupils to craft a truly individual portfolio from a wide range of academic, creative, and technical disciplines, including:
- Humanities and Languages: History, Geography, Latin, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Religious Education.
- Creative and Technical: Art, Design & Technology, Drama, Music, Textiles.
- Business and Digital: Business, Computer Science, Creative iMedia, Food Preparation and Nutrition.
By keeping the core light and the choice wide, we ensure every pupil’s curriculum is a reflection of their strengths and their future aspirations.
Beyond Grades
Our commitment to personalisation stems from a desire to move beyond a singular focus on examination results. As an academic community, we advocate for an educational model that prioritises the development of skills over simply memorising content for a mark scheme.
We’re giving pupils greater choice, greater ownership and greater personalisation because we know that when you feel in the driving seat and in control of your learning, it reduces your stress, it increases your happiness and ultimately increases your learning
- Ms Hardy, Deputy Head Academic
We believe that when pupils feel in control of their learning, it delivers profound benefits:
- Reduced stress: Taking ownership of choices significantly reduces the anxiety often associated with the GCSE years. Our supportive staff, including dedicated form tutors, are crucial in guiding pupils and providing perspective during this time.
- Flexibility for ambition: We go to great lengths to ensure a pupil’s timetable never prevents them from pursuing a genuine passion. Whether it is elite sports training, professional acting commitments, or highly specialised interests, our teachers offer dedicated catch-up sessions and flexibility to ensure no learning is missed.
- Growing confidence: Our focus is on nurturing an aspirational work ethic and the confidence needed to thrive in any future endeavour.
The second I came to RMS, I never looked back... I know that I belong here, I know I have a place here
- Current RMS Pupil
The results speak for themselves: this individual care and expansive choice leads to exceptional academic achievement, with our pupils going on to consistently attain better grades at A-level than 90% of other UK independent schools.
At RMS, our GCSE options process is more than a list of subjects; it is a promise of a truly individualised experience, empowering every pupil to feel supported, happy, and confident as they move forward.