Years 9, 10 and 11 are one of the most important times in a child’s educational journey. During these years we develop a lifelong love of learning by going above and beyond the GCSE syllabus, provided by outstanding and passionate teachers who are invested in the education of every pupil.
With our innovative learning, pupils take part in a multitude of exciting, enjoyable and educationally stretching olympiads and competitions. Interesting and inspiring activities develop learning further, and foster teamwork, leadership and engagement in the wider world. Trips at home and abroad give a deeper insight into subjects, and are a highlight of the school year.
Our guidance on your child’s future is second to none – with subject choices helped along the way by the guidance of our expert Futures Team and external career specialists. Weekly assemblies, tutorials and one-to-ones develop pupils' study and revision skills, and we hold many year group and House events and competitions that develop the camaraderie and spirit that make being part of Brighton College so special.
We look forward to welcoming your child to our dynamic and wonderful Middle School.
Paloma Alisse
Head of Middle School
In Year 9 pupils get to know their peers and develop enduring friendships, whilst trying their hand at a number of subjects to discover what sparks their interest. In Year 10, pupils have the opportunity to focus on the things they enjoy most, to develop deep levels of skill and understanding, and to take steps towards fulfilling their ambitions in life. Pupils take more responsibility for their progress, and greater independence will be encouraged as they build the foundations for their future study.
Each lesson provides support for learning, and pupils are guided by dedicated form tutors and Housemasters or Housemistresses. GCSE subjects are chosen during Year 9, in conjunction with parents and based on pupils' passions and abilities.
Unique to Brighton College, this course covers practical skills such as speech writing, as well as the opportunity to study some of the great speeches of history. Posture, breathing and intonation are covered as well as voice modulation and speech analysis.
We teach the skills necessary for both formal and informal presentations, to small and large audiences, with props and without. Our Creative Learning Centre allows us to film and play back presentations so that pupils can assess and improve in both ability and confidence.
Our recently developed Artificial Intelligence course provides Year 9 pupils with an understanding of AI: how it works, how it can help them in their lives – now and in the future – and potential pitfalls and risks. With this in mind, the course is both practical and philosophical.
Pupils learn about how large learning models (LLMs) actually work by studying the underlying machine learning technologies. This helps them understand the limitations of the predictive 'thinking' of which AI is capable, and the issues which can arise if we place too much trust in what AI tools produce. Pupils also explore the ethical implications of these tools, including questions about AI in the workplace, the impact of 'deepfake' technology and biased training data.
Through their own hard work, and the guidance and support of our dedicated teachers, our pupils achieve nationally outstanding results in their GCSEs each year.
With over 100 activities to choose from over ten designated activity slots each week, our Lower School pupils have the time and space to enrich their academic lives and pursue their interests outside the classroom.
The best way to experience what life is like at Brighton College is to join us at an Open Morning, where you will have the chance to talk to pupils and teachers about what makes our school such a special place, and to answer any questions you have about life here.