Departments

The study of English, from the child’s first smudged comma to ‘Marlowe’s mighty line’ is about the production and discriminating consumption of meaning. Language is the defining activity of the human race, and while everyone is involved in using it with various degrees of care, it is in their English classes students are called upon to refine and develop their own, and to decipher with increasing sophistication the language of others. See @RSEngDept

The aim of the Mathematics Department is to help all students understand and appreciate the elegance, as well as the utility, of the subject. There have been impressive recent advances in software development and interactive whiteboard technology that we use extensively in our teaching; at the same time we are clear that confidence in Mathematics must be built on the firm foundations of basic numeracy and algebra skills.

Our choice of syllabus and vision for the department is to develop all students into scientifically literate global citizens, and to lay the technical foundations and inspire others to become leaders in science.

We aim to deliver the course content through practical work as far as is possible, teaching the key principles of the scientific method. We believe this approach builds transferable skills that encourages our students to view the world in a critical way and develop resilience and creativity in the pursuit of solutions to problems. See @RSBiology

ICT is more than about learning what all of the buttons do or what happens when you press every icon; we ask students to think about what they are aiming to create and enable them to use the software in the best way to achieve their goal. In Computing, we go one step further and provide students with the ability to create their own software. The skills learnt here will prove useful for the rest of their life, even if they do not choose to follow a programming career. 

The aim of the Modern Languages Department is to promote interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning. Central to our teaching approach is encouraging all our students to be independent, no matter what their level and give them the tools to further their linguistic skills and cultural knowledge outside of the classroom. Whilst communication remains at the forefront of day to day work, a rigorous approach to grammar plays a central role in many lessons. We value all skills equally and stretch all students in every lesson. See @rugby_french

A Classical education has always been an important part of Rugby’s provision. Housed within a unique setting in the oldest part of the School, the Department occupies a suite of rooms which includes Dr Arnold’s original schoolroom, Upper Bench, and the very well stocked Arnold Library.

We are keen to emphasise the traditional values of language and literature as well as an understanding of the historical contexts in Latin and Greek, whilst also encouraging an appreciation of literature, history and culture in Classical Civilisation. See @ClassicsRugby

The History Department seeks to develop a passion for historical research and academic curiosity amongst students. Whilst exams are important, we believe that a broader interest in the subject is cultivated by lively, well-informed argument.

The Geography Department prides itself on making the Geography we teach both interesting and relevant to students of the 21st century. We aim to develop skills of critical enquiry as well as a firm understanding of concepts through a variety of key questions which run from year 9 through to the sixth form. The opportunity for fieldwork and practical experience is seen as an important part of the learning experience and the Department is committed to providing a varied programme that involves work at home and abroad.

See:

@RSGeogDept 

@HistoryRugby

@RugbyPolitics

Music is a rigorous subject developing skills in instrumental/vocal performance, composition and musical analysis. Listening to a wide range of Music from Baroque to Rock and Pop, with optional areas of Music Theatre, Jazz, Folk and Film, students develop analytical skills enabling them to write about each of these with authority and confidence. Students dig deep around familiar areas of interest and will be introduced to new styles and techniques as they develop skills in analysis, evaluation and synthesis. Alongside academic study, students work towards an ambitious programme of coursework, for which they receive bespoke and structured coaching at every stage.

Drama and Theatre Studies continue to develop and thrive at Rugby. Students push the boundaries of imagination in their practical work and break new ground in creativity. Devising work themselves, they explore ideas that are important to them and demonstrate these with intense theatricality. Students are conversant with modern theatre practice, attending regular theatre trips to the Birmingham Rep, Warwick Arts Centre and Leicester Curve. These diverse experiences of dance, physical theatre and texts inform their own work and help to inspire a contemporary approach to making theatre.

The Art Department prides itself on providing students with a wide range of opportunities in a highly creative environment with outstanding facilities.

Skill development, creative thinking and independent learning are integral and pupils explore their artwork and ideas using a wide range of media, processes and methods.

See:

@macready_theatre

@music_rugby