The Girls' Senior School buildings form a single campus in Kings Road in the centre of Berkhamsted. The main building dates from 1902 and has been developed at various stages since then to incorporate an ever widening range offacilities. The 1980s and 90s saw major developments including the construction of a new science block, Sixth Form Centre and an impressive Centenary Hall capable of staging major drama productions and concerts. In 2004 the Duke of Edinburgh opened our new Sports Centre named in honour of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, an Old Berkhamstedian.
At the Girls' Senior School we aim to provide a well-rounded education for all pupils. We believe that pupils generally live up to what is expected of them and therefore set the highest standards of behaviour, responsibility and intellectual discipline. We place great store by our reputation for high academic achievement across a broad range of subjects. GCSE results are impressive with all our pupils encouraged to progress through to the Sixth Form and higher education. However, academic success is not achieved at the cost of premature specialisation or the sacrifice of all values except the academic. We believe that through encouragement and stimulus we can give each girl the best opportunity of developing her abilities, whatever they may be.
Our aim is to maintain good discipline within a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and to encourage the development of self-discipline. Senior girls can take leadership roles for others in their houses. Girls are expected to wear a uniform, appear clean and tidy and behave courteously and sensibly at all times. As a prerequisite for sending girls to the School parents are expected to support the School rules.
For the first three years all girls follow a common curriculum which may include: English, mathematics, science (later taught as biology, chemistry and physics), French or Spanish, Latin, classical civilisation, geography, history, religious studies, art, design and technology, music, drama, information technology and physical education. In the second year German is also offered and two languages are studied up to the end of Key Stage 3.
At GCSE level most girls will undertake up to eleven courses. To ensure a broad based curriculum, all girls take a central core of subjects consisting of English (language and literature), mathematics, religious studies, science (dual or triple award) and at least one modern language, together with three other subjects of their choice. Please note that the list of courses offered is subject to change at the Principal's discretion.
Pastorally and socially the School is composed of smaller units - houses - where every individual receives support and guidance. The houses are the centre of pupils' lives, giving a sense of belonging and encouraging self-confidence. The head of house, with help from tutors, takes responsibility for each girl's social and academic development and is the main channel of communication between home and school. We find that the happiest girls are invariably those where school and home act in close partnership.
The School is a Christian foundation. There is an assembly or service most mornings which all girls attend unless parents have agreed otherwise with the Principal.
