Academic
Senior
Agile, creative thinking is key to a Putney education. In every subject from mathematics and computing to languages and humanities, the approach to learning is innovative and forward thinking.
What is Modern Scholarship?
Modern Scholarship is a forward-thinking approach to academic study which is original and relevant to the modern world.
Take ownership of your learning, think critically and develop the skills and the vision to problem-solve, now and in the future.
From Years 7 to 13 students are taught by experts in their fields and encouraged to explore a broad academic curriculum, stretched and challenged within their subjects and beyond the classroom.
A wide choice of GCSE and A Level subjects enables individuals to pursue their passions and play to their strengths in readiness to excel as undergraduates and in their many interests and aspirations.
Beyond the Curriculum
You promote learning for learning’s sake, and this has awakened my daughter’s curiosity in the world, in education and in lifelong learning – Putney Parent
One of the things I would say that distinguishes a Putney leaver is that not only are they in possession of a remarkable brain, but they really know what to do with it! That is a testament to our Science of Learning curriculum.
Phoebe Bradley, Deputy Head Academic
The Science of Learning
Grounded in neuroscience, our Science of Learning programme helps students to understand the workings of memory and the human brain.
We develop techniques to help students to embed and retrieve their learnt knowledge.
It is part of our commitment to research and innovation, to ensure that we are using the most effective techniques across our teaching and learning.
“Putney’s Science of Learning curriculum fosters awe and wonder in the brilliance of the human mind, creating curious, self-sufficient learners who are comfortable with struggle rather than scared of challenge.”
Leading Learning Community
Python as a Modern Language
In June 2024, James Mutton, Deputy Head (Digital Innovation and Curriculum) and Chris Hopkinson, Head of Computer Science, went to the International Society for Technology in Education, the world’s largest conference for teachers and EdTech companies in Denver, Colorado, to share the work that Putney has been doing to increase the uptake of Computer Science amongst girls.
By changing the way we view programming, and adding Python as a programming language into our Year 9 Language Options, Putney has enabled half the year group to learning coding in addition to their Computer Science. This has led to a 131% increase in Computer Science at GCSE in the first year. This pioneering approach has already been adopted by another GDST school and hopefully others will follow.
Battling Perfectionism
Head of Physics, Helen Carrington presented her research at the Global Forum on Girls’ Education.
“Battling perfectionism: examining the impact of a “pencil principle” scaffold on girls’ confidence to engage with unfamiliar problems in the Physics curriculum” examines ways to combat ‘learned helplessness in girls,’
The project enables and encourages them to problem-solve both in Physics and beyond.
The Last Emperor
The History Department’s Dr Shawcross is a published author receiving critical acclaim for his latest book, The Last Emperor of Mexico. He describes the ignoble end of a Habsburg Archduke, aided by Napoleon III, who crossed the world to become The Last Emperor of Mexico. We are fortunate to have several published academics among our teaching staff.
