English is a varied subject and most pupils are talented in at least one aspect of it. Our choice of books, methods and subject matter recognises talents and encourages pupils to teach their full potential.

Pupils are taught to speak and write in a variety of different modes and the study of literature plays an important part in the course. The continuous assessment of written coursework is important throughout the five years of the course. Students are also taught how to write effectively under timed conditions in preparation for public examinations. Oral skills are emphasised and students are taught to listen and respond in a variety of different situations.

All pupils study a GCSE course appropriate to their own interests and abilities. Careful setting here, as elsewhere, enables us to match the demands of the course and the chosen texts very precisely to the needs of pupils.

'A' level English is a very popular course. Students study a syllabus, which has a coursework element and an open book examination. Charters was the first school in Berkshire to follow this syllabus and has achieved excellent results.

There are also many extra-curricular activities including theatre visits, poetry workshops and public speaking competitions.

The Mathematics Faculty aims to help all pupils experience success in Mathematics. We also want pupils to develop an awareness of the fascination and power of Mathematics as well as a confidence in their own ability so that they achieve high standards.

Mathematics lessons include problem solving, investigational and practical work both with and without calculators (which may be scientific or graphical) as well as more traditional work.

Our aim is to make our pupils aware of the challenging, but rewarding, and enjoyable nature of the unique subject that Mathematics is.

In Year 7, pupils work for half a term in mixed-ability groups before being put into sets. From then until the beginning of Year 10, in each half-year group of five sets, there will be twice-yearly movements between sets to reflect any changes in the relative performance of pupils.

All pupils take their National Curriculum test at the end of Year 9 and their GCSE at the end of Year 11.

Mathematics is a popular subject at 'A' level, where we study Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics modules, and we also offer a one year course for those in the Sixth Form who wish to improve their GCSE grades.

The Faculty of Science aims to make Science Education interesting and relevant and to enable all pupils to reach their potential. We help our students to share the excitement and enjoyment which scientific discovery and increasing scientific knowledge can bring.

In the Lower School, we have a modular course. Students begin with three induction modules which develop their experimental and scientific reasoning skills. These include the use of datalogging and computer modelling. Fifteen units of work are then studied, culminating in the National Tests at the end of Year 9. In each Year, students receive a balance of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

In Years 10 and 11, the Science Faculty offers two courses, NEAB Co-ordinated Science and NEAB Modular Science. Although the organisational and assessment arrangements differ, both courses are broad and balanced in content, lead to a dual GCSE award and occupy 20% of the students school time.

Success in these courses could lead to further scientific study at GCE Advanced level in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

The Faculty organises and supports many extra curricular events ranging from Electronics Club and Environment Club in Year 7 to Work Experience for Sixth Form students. In addition, students will have the opportunity to meet and work with scientists from industry and other areas during the course of their studies.

The Faculty aims to provide introductory language courses, which are both enjoyable and relevant, to enable pupils to communicate on a basic personal level with native speakers and to generate an enthusiasm for the study of foreign languages in general.

Pupils are taught to understand, speak, read and then write in the foreign language using a variety of teaching strategies to take account of differences in pupil ability.

French is the first foreign language taught to all Year 7 pupils and this is being done via a number of topics - an approach continued through successive years. In Year 8, all pupils begin additionally to learn Spanish.

It is a statutory requirement that all pupils study at least one modern language to GCSE level and, where appropriate; they are encouraged to continue with the study of both. Both languages are also taught to 'A' level.

Charters is fortunate in having French and Spanish native speakers in the Faculty, in addition to two foreign language assistants from the same countries.

Because of the communicative nature of these subjects, it is essential that pupils be given opportunities to reinforce their language learning abroad and, accordingly, there are day study visits, exchanges and work experience placements.

The work undertaken in this Faculty is in line with the latest developments in GCSE and National Curriculum.

ART

Art activities are designed to promote the development of skills enabling pupils to express themselves creatively. A comprehensive range of technical competencies is taught within the context of critical and historical studies. Drawing from observation, imagination and experience are the basis of all work.

DRAMA

Creating drama - by exploring texts, researching, improvising and structuring ideas - challenges pupils to respond actively, developing modes of self-expression and confidence through performance. Imagination, problem-solving and decision-making are fostered. Group work encourages social interaction skills, improving awareness and consideration for others. Examination courses widen study to the technological aspects of Theatre Arts.

MUSIC

We aim to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Music through active involvement in listening, performing and composing. This is a practical course in which the pupils experience a variety of musical cultures and traditions and have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities and concerts. Peripatetic support is provided for those pupils who wish to learn an instrument.

In Art, Drama and Music, study visits are made to relevant places of interest to support examination coursework.

Special Educational Needs, PSE, Careers, Work Experience, Community Service, and National Records of Achievement.

At Charters we provide for the individual needs of pupils. Those pupils with Special Educational Needs are identified and assisted throughout their School career by Specialist Teachers overseen by the Head of Special Educational Needs. A system of support, including assistance from outside agencies, helps pupils who have learning problems.

Statemented pupils with disabilities are usually integrated in all aspects of the curriculum and all statemented pupils will receive some NTA support in the classroom and help from the Sixth Form Community Service programme. Full-time welfare assistants are employed to cater for the general welfare of the physically disabled and are based in the Resource Centre.

All pupils follow a tutorial programme. Additionally, Personal and Social Education is part of the Core Curriculum in the Upper School. In Year 7, the tutor period is taught by form tutors and in Years 10 to 13 an experienced team is responsible for an extended programme which includes Careers, Work Experience and National Records of Achievement which prepares pupils for adult life. Outside agencies such as 'The Careers Service' support the School's programme.

Modules of work involving personal relationships and drugs education follow Statutory Guidelines and are taught in appropriate contexts.

This curriculum area includes some of the subjects that help to understand people: Geography, History, Religious Education, Sociology and Psychology. It aims to provide all pupils with knowledge and understanding that will enable them to take an active and informed part in society.

Geography will enable pupils to understand major problems and issues in the world and to acquire useful skills for work and leisure. History promotes understanding of the past, leading to an understanding of the modern world. Geography builds fieldwork skills using the local area, Tirabad and further afield e.g. the South of France. History visits places such as the Somme battlefields and Kentwell: a Tudor house in Suffolk.

Geography and History are taught as separate subjects in Years 7 to 11 and are options in Years 10 and 11. They are popular and successful 'A' levels.

Religious Education is provided in accordance with the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education adopted by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Parents may request that their child be withdrawn on those occasions when Religious Education is taking place.

Religious Education helps to explain many aspects of History, to define beliefs and values, and to contribute to moral development. Above all, it helps a pupil gain understanding different beliefs, experiences and practices.

Religious Education is timetable in Years 7 to 9. It is an option in Years 10 and 11 and part of the PSE programme. It is also an expanding 'A' level.

Sociology and Psychology are increasingly popular 'A' levels.

The Business Faculty brings together those subjects from the school curriculum that relate directly to the world of work.

The I.T. department is responsible for ensuring all pupils will learn and develop I.T. skills throughout their time at school. The groundwork is laid in Year 7 with dedicated lessons, but skills are developed in each curriculum area until Year 11. Some students opt to take a specialist I.T. GCSE course in Years 10 and 11. The I.T. equipment available is up-to-date and replicates that which is found in industry.

Business Studies is a very popular option at GCSE and provides a good general introduction to the 'world of work'. Pupils can then opt to take a range of Business Courses in the Sixth Form. All of these provide an excellent basis for entry onto degree courses or employment.

Economics is studied only at 'A' level and has an excellent track record in terms of examination results. It is an extremely popular option for Sixth Form students and many students choose to study Economics at degree level.

This curriculum area includes some of the subjects that help to understand people: Geography, History, Religious Education, Sociology and Psychology. It aims to provide all pupils with knowledge and understanding that will enable them to take an active and informed part in society.

Geography will enable pupils to understand major problems and issues in the world and to acquire useful skills for work and leisure. History promotes understanding of the past, leading to an understanding of the modern world. Geography builds fieldwork skills using the local area, Tirabad and further afield e.g. the South of France. History visits places such as the Somme battlefields and Kentwell, a Tudor House in Suffolk.

Geography and History are taught as separate subjects in Years 7 to 11 and are options in Years 10 and 11. They are popular and successful 'A' levels.

Religious Education is provided in accordance with the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education adopted by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Parents may request that their child be withdrawn on those occasions when Religious Education is taking place.

Religious Education helps to explain many aspects of history, to define beliefs and values, and to contribute to moral development. Above all, it helps a pupil gain understanding different beliefs, experiences and practices. Religious Education is timetabled in Years 7 to 9. It is an option in Years 10 and 11, and part of the PSE programme, and it is an expanding 'A' level.

Sociology and Psychology are increasingly popular 'A'levels.

The Physical Education Faculty aims to encourage all pupils to take part in a wide range of physical activities and to encourage a positive attitude towards health, fitness and physical recreation.

In Key Stage 3, pupils will participate in a range of sports and also have the opportunity to participate in outdoor pursuits at Tirabad Residential Centre.

During Years 10 and 11, pupils are able to experience new activities not previously offered including weight training, squash and step aerobics. Students will also have the opportunity to choose 3 sports, which will be covered in more depth. Alongside these opportunities, pupils can also opt to study GCSE Physical Education (Short Course) and the Junior Sports Leader Award (JSLA) Course.

All Sixth Form pupils take part in Physical Education and a wide range of activities is available on and off the school site.

As a department we can also offer Physical Education to 'A' level in the Sixth 'Form. As an extension to the JSLA Course, pupils can gain the Community Sports Leader Award in the Sixth Form.

The Physical Education Department aims to encourage a lively interest in all physical activities, which will allow each pupil to develop his/her potential in a number of different area. This can hopefully be achieved not only within PE lessons but during extra-curricular activities where a diversity of after school clubs are available, as well as the opportunity to represent the school in the many school places offered.

Work within the PE curriculum is designed to complement, contribute to and support the aims of the school. It offers a comprehensive range of experiences to meet the needs of individual pupils who are encouraged to participate, irrespective of their abilities and to become actively involved.

Design Technology, through the areas of Resistant Materials, Food Technology, Graphic Products and Textiles, aim to prepare pupils for effective living in a fast changing technological society and in so doing equipping them with the flexibility needed to cope with life and independence.

Through a wide-based curriculum pupils learn to overcome unforeseen problems and adapt their ideas in the light of constraints imposed by the materials, tools and processes available to them. Consideration is also given to the impact of technology on the way we live.

A wide selection of materials are used and pupils learn about the properties of these and methods of combining these to enhance their characteristics. In all areas of this subject, pupils are encouraged to produce practical work of high quality.

Food Technology focuses on using food creatively, nutrition, health and hygiene, consumerism and appliance testing.

In Textiles, pupils investigate different textile materials leading to an understanding of the creative use of colour, texture and pattern in textile items.

Resistant Materials concentrates on wood, metal and plastics. Other areas covered include the use of mechanisms, structures, electronics and the use of I.T. Control Technology to achieve desired outcomes.

This approach is used throughout all years, including GCSE and 'A' levels.