Year 9 Inspire Programme
9 inspire is Sedbergh’s dedicated academic and co-curricular programme for Year 9 pupils. It’s purpose is to provide a curriculum that is challenging, engaging and inspiring at a crucial stage of pupils’ educational journey.
Progression from prep and a springboard for GCSE
The 9 inspire programme is designed to:
- Challenge pupils academically while nurturing confidence.
- Expose pupils to a wide range of disciplines, opening doors to new passions and potential future pathways.
- Instil Sedbergh values through every subject and experience.
- Equip pupils with independent learning skills, resilience, and ambition.
By the end of Year 9, pupils will have not only a broad foundation of academic knowledge but also the skills, habits, and values needed to thrive as they progress into their GCSE years.
The 9 Inspire curriculum is appropriate to pupils coming to Sedbergh from any traditional Year 8 course. As with learning across all years at Sedbergh, it includes opportunities to challenge and extend our most talented pupils, ensures pupils achieve required learning targets and gives pupils access the early stages of our Pathways programme.
9 Inspire Curriculum
The 9 Inspire curriculum balances academic rigour with personal development. Each subject is designed not only to develop knowledge and skills, but also to connect learning with real-world contexts and Sedbergh’s values.
Core Subjects
- Mathematics: From building strong foundations in algebra and probability to applying concepts through real-life problem-solving.
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics emphasise practical skills, experimental design, and early exposure to GCSE themes, supported by opportunities such as the CREST Award.
- English: A diverse programme spanning Shakespeare, modern texts, poetry and creative writing, underpinned by the Accelerated Reader scheme.
Humanities & Languages
- Geography and History: Pupils investigate global issues, local heritage, and cultural change, developing critical thinking and research skills.
- Religious Studies: Themes include Christian practices, world religions, philosophy, human rights and social justice, encouraging empathy, reflection, and debate.
- Modern Foreign Languages: French and Spanish curricula focus on communication, culture, and future pathways, while Latin offers insight into classical civilisation.
Creative & Performing Arts
- Art, Design Technology, Drama and Music: Pupils explore creativity through painting, printmaking, silversmithing, musical theatre, composition and physical theatre, with an emphasis on problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.
Additional Curriculum Areas
- PE: A focus on resilience, ambition and lifelong physical development through athletics, swimming, gymnastics and fitness.
- Computer Science: Pupils progress from coding basics and cyber safety to AI, Python programming, and data modelling.
- Classics: Exploring archaeology, mythology, Roman history and literature, offering context, culture, and academic challenge.
Literacy Development
Literacy sits at the heart of the programme.
- Each lesson begins with five minutes of silent reading.
- Pupils follow a structured reading programme through English, supported by curated book lists and dyslexia-friendly texts where required.
- Reading progress is monitored through Accelerated Reader, fostering both skill development and a genuine love of reading.
Strong literacy is a foundation for academic success and personal wellbeing. Pupils are supported to become confident, thoughtful readers in a nurturing environment.
9 Inspire Days
Across the year, pupils participate in six themed enrichment days designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen bonds within the cohort.
Examples include:
- A field trip to the Earth Sciences Department at Liverpool University.
- Workshops and lectures with former Winter Olympians.
- A dawn summit of Winder, featuring teamwork challenges led by an Everest mountaineer.
Pupil involvement in planning ensures ownership and investment in these experiences, while activities continually reinforce the school values of HARK.
Building Confidence and Curiosity
- Setting & Support: Maths, English and Science are set by ability, with movement possible during the year. Some pupils may access additional learning support via a reduced timetable.
- GCSE Readiness: Many subjects – particularly science and maths – introduce some GCSE-level concepts in Year 9. This early exposure helps pupils grow in confidence, develop familiarity with GCSE expectations, and build the strong foundation needed to thrive as they move into their GCSE courses.
- Languages: All pupils study French and Spanish. Latin is available for those wishing to pursue this at GCSE.
- Evening Prep: Pupils follow a structured prep timetable, equating to 1.5 hours each evening. Prep consolidates classroom learning, encourages independent study, and builds skills essential for Year 10 and beyond. Pupils complete prep in communal study areas within the boarding house with staff support available.
- Values: Every subject and co-curricular activity is connected to Sedbergh’s core values of Humility, Ambition, Resilience, and Kindness (HARK).
- Inspire Days: Six whole-cohort enrichment days take pupils beyond the classroom, offering opportunities to apply their learning in new contexts, explore cross-curricular themes, and engage with challenges that develop teamwork, leadership, and creativity. These days also strengthen the sense of community across the year group.