Academic Programme
School Management > Strategic Plan 2008-2018 > Academic Programme
The school will continue to strive to achieve the highest possible academic standards. This reinforces its national and international standing as one of the five leading boys' boarding schools in the UK. Tonbridge takes advantage of its independence, innovating in curricular and other areas as appropriate. The academic programme is designed to engage and challenge able boys, equipping them for later life. The Curriculum Aims are articulated fully in a separate document.
- The school will promote teaching beyond exam specifications to foster academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and independent learning. The pursuit of excellence includes ambition to provide suitable challenges for the gifted and talented.
- The school is supportive of A levels because they preserve choice and allow boys to play to their strengths. They are also compatible with academic rigour and a broad educational experience. The school will continue to monitor national developments closely.
- The IB is not appealing at Tonbridge because of its prescription (six specific subject areas must be studied) and its indirect threat to the overall breadth of education offered, notably beyond the curriculum.
- The effective use of ICT to enhance teaching and learning must be further embraced positively by staff and boys. Good practice must be shared and innovation encouraged. Appropriate facilities will be provided.
- To maximise prospects, teaching and learning will take place in appropriate settings. There are inadequacies in facilities for the English and Modern Foreign Languages departments, and some refurbishment is desirable in Chemistry.
- A positive culture of professional development is being fostered amongst the teaching staff. This is being strengthened further and extended to all staff as appropriate. Tonbridge should be seen as a national centre for professional development.
- Appraisal, and teaching and learning across departments is regularly reviewed.
- The overall curriculum is subject to ongoing review to ensure the delivery of soft skills as well as academic rigour.
- Enrichment and extension activities are provided to challenge the gifted and talented.