Academic
‘Being here means I have developed a curious and enthusiastic attitude to a wide variety of subjects.’ — U8th former
The school has a strong academic tradition to which our staff are committed. Our pupils can often be found exploring topics outside set syllabuses as part of the broad curriculum of which we are justly proud.
Our staff are scholars and their enthusiasm and commitment to their subjects is infectious, opening up a vista of opportunities for exploration in both the classroom and extra-curricular activities. At the heart of what we do lies the idea of active learning: pupils are encouraged to develop their own passion for learning and critical enquiry.
Tutors are always able to assist boys in balancing their commitments and home life, and academic staff are happy to offer further assistance with a subject if required, as well as encouraging outside reading for pupils who have a particular interest in a subject area.Academic Performance
St Paul’s regularly topped A level and GCSE league tables before it co-founded a movement among leading schools to withdraw from them because, in the words of the High Master, ‘League tables make Heads do bad things’.
We rather like the mix of breadth and depth provided by A level. We see the International Baccalaureate as restricting pupil choice, but we favour the International GCSE for its greater rigour — such rigour brings the best out of bright boys.
We think exam success (which we acknowledge as essential for our pupils) is a by–product of teachers and pupils who are passionate about what they study. A third of pupils usually go on to Oxford or Cambridge.
Core Subjects at GCSE
All boys take these subjects to GCSE:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics
Options for AS and A Level
These include the subjects for GCSE together with:
Computing, Economics, Further Maths, Politics, Theatre Studies and a range of Extended Projects
Options for GCSE
Boys can also choose from the following subjects at GCSE:
Ancient History, Art & Design, Drama, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Italian, Latin, Music, Religious Studies, Russian, Spanish, Technology (Electronics, Systems & Control, Resistant Materials)
Academic News
University news
Offers for current applicants and outstanding achievements by two recent leavers. More
Duke University scholarships
Tom Cole and Saif Islam awarded Robertson Scholarships. More
British Mathematical Olympiad
Exceptional performances by three Pauline mathematicians. More
Cambridge Chemistry Challenge
St Paul’s won more top awards in this year’s competition than any other school. More
LSE Schools Tournament
Rahul Dev and Joe Levin score another debating success. More
