FAQs
Parents are welcome to submit questions to our FAQs section.
You should mark your e mail (sglazier(at)channing.co.uk) or letter: "For the attention of the Head's FAQs page"
Every month these will be reviewed and the most frequently asked ones will be answered!
If you have a particular query or concern, please do e mail or write to the relevant member of staff for a personal response.
Q. Could you clarify the reasons why Channing currently only offers the double science award at GCSE, and what are the factors that might cause this policy to change in the future?
A. The Science department feels that the double award allows all girls to study all three sciences in good depth. Sitting the double science award also ensures girls have a wider range of other GCSE subjects. Sitting the double award in no way disadvantages girls who go on to apply for Medicine or other Science degrees at University. We are, however, currently reviewing our provision and may change what we offer in future.
Q. "I understand that Channing currently enters students for IGCSE in modern languages, and that other schools are, similarly, taking a "pick and mix" approach to those subjects where they believe IGCSE offers the better syllabus. Does Channing plan to offer this option in other subjects in the near future, and if so, in which subjects would this be seen as most appropriate?"
A. Each Head of Department continually monitors the alternative GCSE boards’ specifications and chooses which exam is most appropriate for the needs of Channing girls.
Q. "To what extent are AS level examinations in Year 12 a function of choice of subject or examining board at 'A' level? - in other words, can they be avoided?"
A. The timing of all AS exams follow the structure that the exam boards dictate. AS module exams could be ‘delayed’ until Y13, and taken alongside A2s, but this would increase significantly the burden of exams taken in one sitting. We do them ‘instead of’ end of year exams, and this way, the girls do have the chance of re-sitting if they wish.
Q. "Could you outline the school's likely position on the adoption of additions or alternatives to 'A' levels, such as Pre-U and the IB in the next few years, and the reasons behind that position?"
A. We feel Channing girls do very well indeed with the current A-level system. They find the courses, and particularly the teaching, stimulating, results are invariably high and Channing girls have an excellent record of reaching their first choice University with their A-level qualifications. The Pre-U and IB systems would actually place more restrictions on girls’ sixth form subject choices. Currently, they can choose any combination of A-levels and we feel this is a strength of Channing’s sixth form.
Q. "I know of a number of schools that offer trips to Year 11 students just after completion of their GCSEs, which are linked to development projects in less economically developed countries and give the pupils the opportunity to work as part of those projects for a short time. Is this something that Channing might offer in future years?"
A. We encourage girls to do some form of “work experience” during the summer holidays following both GCSEs and AS levels. Girls also are often involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme is some way at this time. We always respond positively and creatively to requests from girls to extend their learning experiences and would be happy to discuss any proposals.
Q. "How do Channing's figures for the uptake of science subjects at 'A' level compare with other comparable schools, and are there any initiatives being undertaken to increase the appeal of science options?"
A. Channing School has one of the most “balanced” take up of A level subjects of comparable schools, and there are always good numbers taking Biology and Chemistry. Physics attracts fewer candidates but this can vary greatly from one year to the next. We have strong numbers for all the subjects that are highly valued by the top universities and have an enviable tradition of girls going on to degree courses in Maths, Economics, Natural Sciences and Engineering.
