Learning

The English Department fosters creativity, a love of reading, literary appreciation, and strong technical writing skills. Pupils follow a flexible syllabus that mirrors the National Curriculum whilst reinforcing skills and challenging the most able.

In Forms 2 and 3, pupils explore advanced literature and prepare for pre-tests, building critical thinking and analytical skills. By Form 4, they are equipped for Common Entrance, with experience in reading, writing, and expressing ideas clearly.

Enrichment includes Book Week, poetry competitions, author talks, theatre trips, plays, and debating. Pupils read daily, supported by dedicated staff and collaboration with the Skills Development Department.

The Mathematics Department aims to build pupils' confidence and develop their skills in calculation, logical thinking, problem-solving and data interpretation. Mathematics is essential for future employment and everyday life and we strive to inspire our brightest pupils while supporting those who find it more challenging.

Our curriculum combines traditional methods with innovative ideas from the National Numeracy Framework, focusing on numeracy, algebra, geometry, and data handling.

We aim to make mathematics enjoyable, relevant, and thought-provoking, fostering creativity, flexibility and an appreciation of its interconnected nature. Ultimately, we seek to inspire a lifelong love of mathematics.

The Science Department nurtures natural curiosity, encouraging children to question, explore and marvel at the world and universe. With two dedicated science laboratories, pupils engage in hands-on research, collaboration, and experimentation to absorb knowledge actively rather than passively.

In Forms 1 and 2, the focus is on developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. In the final three years, pupils follow the Common Entrance syllabus, studying biology, chemistry, and physics with a single specialist teacher, ensuring seamless connections across disciplines.

Aysgarth pupils consistently excel in science, with many pursuing it at A-level, driven by a passion ignited here.

French is the modern foreign language taught at Aysgarth, offering pupils access to a truly global language spoken by 300 million people across five continents. It enriches knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary while opening doors to cultural, travel, and career opportunities.

Many pupils learn Latin in Forms 4 and 5; this helps to develop critical thinking and facilitates a deeper understanding of the mechanics of language. We also offer classical civilization to those pupils receiving additional literacy support. 

Our curriculum promotes a love of language, an understanding of linguistics, and higher-order thinking skills, preparing pupils for success at senior school and beyond.
 

The History Department at Aysgarth is dedicated to inspiring pupils to enjoy and learn from this fascinating subject. Following the National Curriculum at Key Stage 2, we transition to the Common Entrance syllabus in Form 3, studying events from 1066 to 1900 in chronological order.

We encourage pupils’ natural curiosity, fostering enthusiasm for historical figures and events while developing an appreciation of their challenges and achievements.

Using varied teaching methods, we focus on building skills in analytical essay writing and source evaluation, ensuring pupils are well-prepared for GCSE, A-level, and a lifelong love of history.

Geography offers a unique insight into the world, studying people, places, and the physical landscape. At Aysgarth, we explore topics like flooding in Bangladesh, earthquakes in Italy, conservation in the Yorkshire Dales, and industry in South Wales, helping pupils understand different cultures and environments.

With the Yorkshire Dales on our doorstep, we make the most of outdoor learning, using our extensive grounds for practical studies such as mapwork and environmental investigations. From Form 3, pupils begin the Common Entrance syllabus, culminating in a fieldwork assignment based on a study of the River Swale. We aim to equip pupils with the skills to become responsible global citizens.
 

The Art and Design Technology programme at Aysgarth offers a broad and inspiring curriculum fostering creativity and critical thinking. Our purpose-built art block, opened in 2019 and recently enhanced with 3D printers and upgraded IT equipment, allows pupils to explore fine art, contemporary painting and drawing, ceramics, printmaking, metal casting, enamelling and woodworking, working with both traditional and modern techniques.

The popularity of the subject is reflected in the many pupils who visit the department daily to pursue personal projects or relax with a creative outlet. Regular activities like Crafty Club and Creative Arts Day, featuring workshops with visiting artists, encourage imagination and result in lasting, beautiful artwork around the school.

Most recently, one of our pupils received a prestigious Art Scholarship to Harrow.

At Aysgarth, we equip pupils with essential IT skills for both their education and future careers. Starting in the Pre-Prep, pupils develop their abilities in areas such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, programming, and web design.

The school has a robust network, including wired and wireless access, interactive whiteboards, and audiovisual facilities in every classroom. Pupils use Chromebooks for learning, with class sets available across all age groups, and personal Chromebooks for Form 4 and 5. Controlled internet access and private email accounts allow pupils to use technology during lessons and free time to enhance their learning.

At Aysgarth, we combine Religious Studies and PSHE to deepen pupils' understanding of both subjects. Examining religious perspectives on PSHE issues enhances discussions on topics such as discrimination and multi-culturalism, starting with stories like the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Understanding Martin Luther King’s pursuit of equality through his belief in doing 'God’s work' is another example. The curriculum follows the Common Entrance RS syllabus, with PSHE elements integrated. Although pupils no longer sit for Common Entrance in Religious Studies, they engage in internal exams, RS projects, and develop empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to express balanced opinions.

Every child performs in drama, progressing from Christmas nativity to senior productions like The Lion King and Matilda, staged in our fully equipped 200-seat Reynolds Hall Theatre. Optional LAMDA lessons consistently achieve 100% merit or distinction results, with recent pupils securing drama scholarships to Stowe, Shrewsbury and Ampleforth.

For more information visit our DRAMA page

Music is central to life at Aysgarth. Each day begins with rousing hymn singing in the chapel, accompanied by our magnificent pipe organ. Weekly congregational hymn practice (CONGO) ensure hearty participation, the result is rousing hymn singing that could lift the Chapel roof.

Over 80% of pupils learn an instrument, with strong take-up in the lower years and many also enjoy singing lessons. All pupils have daily 30-minute timetabled practice.

Performances shine, from senior productions like The Lion King and Matilda to junior musicals such as The Jungle Book. Regular workshops with schools like Shrewsbury inspire our musicians, many of whom secure prestigious scholarships.

For more information visit our MUSIC page

Aysgarth welcomes pupils with diverse abilities and learning needs, recognising that these are independent of intelligence. Learning support is integrated across all lessons. Staff work closely with parents to identify and build on each child’s strengths, helping them reach their full potential in a caring, secure, and stimulating environment. Celebrating each pupil as an individual, we commit to early identification, assessment, and a graduated approach to support, whether through individual lessons, small groups, or in-class support. Aysgarth ensures every pupil receives the necessary help, empowering them to be the best they can be.