A zest for learning

It is a pleasure to teach and to inspire students at SHSG. We engage in an evidencebased approach to learning and teaching, ensuring that students are exposed to “ leading-edge techniques that are proven to work.

Wendy Schofield

As one of the top-performing schools in the country, we set the bar high and expect a great deal from our students. Your teachers are passionate about their subjects and experts in their fields. We are very ambitious for every learner and aim to make lessons and learning experiences dynamic, engaging and challenging.

Learning in the classroom is supported and driven by:

A classical education model 21st century, leading-edge technology First-class, research-led teaching

At Southend High School for Girls, we meet but also go far beyond the ambitions of the National Curriculum. Learning is supported outside the classroom with a wealth of opportunities, trips and visits, bringing learning to life. For example, Language exchanges to Germany, France and Spain; Physics trips to CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research; and a range of field trips and arts visits.

As a student in Year 7, you will study and learn:

~ The separate sciences of Physics,

Chemistry and Biology ~ English and Mathematics ~ Coding in Computer Science ~ Latin, Philosophy and Classics ~ Two modern foreign languages ~ Art, Drama and Music ~ Geography, History and Religious Studies ~ Design and Technology ~ PE ~ Relationships, Sex and Health Education.

You will also engage in:

~ A comprehensive tutor programme ~ Leadership opportunities ~ Careers programmes ~ Reading for pleasure ~ Clubs, teams, competitions, trips and so much more.

Learning at Southend High School for Girls is structured around the Trivium.

The Trivium of Grammar, Dialectic and Rhetoric formed the basis of a classical education from ancient Greece to Shakespeare’s time at school and beyond. It is tailor-made for bright, high-attaining students who are rich in cultural literacy.

The pedagogical concepts linked to the three Trivium pathways are exemplified below:

STAGE 1: GRAMMAR – Knowledge & skills

~ The subject-specific knowledge that students need ~ Learning by heart ~ Connecting ideas ~ Building cultural capital. STAGE 2: DIALECTIC – Enquiry & exploration

~ Debating, questioning and challenging ~ Experimenting and experiencing ~ Analysing, enquiring, critically evaluating and problem-solving ~ Developing understanding. STAGE 3: RHETORIC – Communication

~ Promoting oracy & literacy ~ Learning how to present through high-quality academic essays and speeches ~ Performing, making and showcasing the products of learning ~ Contributing to the discourse about the values shared in the school and the wider community ~ Connecting ideas and applying them across subjects.

Life at SHSG is dynamic, challenging and inspiring. We strive constantly for academic excellence for all students whilst enabling them to learn the life skills necessary to be independent, successful, socially responsible and fundamentally decent human beings! It is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the SHSG team and to support this process. “ Jo Neil

Head of Year 12

In the 21st century, the Trivium remains a powerful framework for formulating ideas about learning, pedagogy and the curriculum, and it embodies the pursuit of wisdom from a knowledge-rich foundational curriculum.

At Southend High School for Girls, the ambitions of the Trivium underpin our core purpose and values as articulated in our curriculum intent and school motto:

‘So enter that daily thou mayest become more learned and thoughtful.