Departments

The Art department is based in the Fauconberg Wing, with dedicated studio spaces, a large printmaking studio, textiles equipment, an art library and a traditional photography darkroom.

Studios remain open after school, giving pupils time and space to develop their work independently and make full use of specialist facilities. A programme of clubs and workshops - including Photography Club, LC Art Club and Life Drawing (SFC) - supports them further.

Biology at Cheltenham explores life at every scale, from whole ecosystems to the molecular processes that sustain them. Students are encouraged to question, investigate and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world through both practical and theoretical study.

Teaching takes place in six well-equipped laboratories, supported by experienced technicians.

Girls are exposed to the amazing variety of substances that make up our world in Chemistry classes. They appreciate why they are the way they are, why they behave as they do and how they can be adapted and exploited in modern life.

Girls will explore a body of chemical theories and facts, which enable them to identify patterns and themes fundamental to chemistry.

Classics invites students to explore the ancient world through its texts, ideas and material culture.

Working with sources in both the original language and in translation, students learn to analyse, interpret and question what they read.

Students follow a programme that covers both digital literacy and computer science. In the latter, an emphasis is put on algorithmic or computational thinking.

We teach girls to design and create code themselves, but we also give them the skills and understanding to solve problems in a wider context.

Based in the stunning Parabola Arts Centre, the Drama Department not only benefits from a beautiful 325-seat theatre but also a large number of rehearsal rooms. These are used for academic lessons,and for LAMDA and Trinity Speech and Drama classes.

In the main College building we also have a black box studio theatre, which is fully equipped with lighting and sound.

The great economist Milton Friedman said that societies run on greed, great achievements of civilisation do not happen at Government desks, and free enterprise is the best way to improve the lives of ordinary people.

By the end of A Level Economics at College, girls will have an opinion on whether he was right, as well as many other important discussions in the news today.

Engineering, Enterprise and Technology is taught through project-based, hands-on learning. Students design, test and refine ideas, developing practical skills alongside an understanding of how technology works in real-world contexts.

In English, students explore a wide range of voices, texts and perspectives. We recognise and value the diversity of experiences students bring with them, alongside the many forms of English they speak and encounter.

Reading is both broad and purposeful, supported by the development of clear, thoughtful writing. Students learn to construct and refine their ideas through discussion, feedback and independent work, building confidence in both analysis and expression.

Food and nutrition aims to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating.

Students learn a range of practical skills whilst preparing and cooking nutritious dishes. The knowledge and skills gained will enable them to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life.

Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.

Geography is taught with an emphasis on making the subject dynamic, contemporary and relevant. At the heart of studying Geography in College is the desire to find out more about why, and how, elements of the world work.

At Cheltenham Ladies’ College, we believe History is not a static record preserved in textbooks, but a dynamic and evolving dialogue between past and present.

Our very surroundings offer daily reminders of how history continues to shape the world we live in. Studying History here means learning to question, to analyse, and to challenge accepted narratives with academic rigour and an open mind.

Lessons in History of Art begin with close study of works of art and architecture, using visual analysis to develop understanding and discussion. Students learn how to look carefully, interpret meaning and place works within their historical and cultural context.

Taught at Sixth Form level, the subject does not require prior experience and does not involve practical work. It complements a wide range of subjects, from the humanities to the sciences, offering a broader perspective on visual and cultural understanding.

Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data.

As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time.

Modern Languages is a broad and interdisciplinary subject, spanning language, literature, film, history and politics. Through learning to speak, write, listen and read in other languages, students develop flexible thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

At CLC, the department is one of the largest in the UK. Core languages include Mandarin Chinese, French, Italian, German and Spanish, with Japanese offered in the Sixth Form. We also support students’ home and additional languages wherever possible, including Modern Greek and Russian.

College has a long and proud history of music-making. Its former Directors of Music include the composers Herbert Sumsion and John Sanders, and Music has always formed a vital filament running through the day-to-day life of many College girls.

Today, it continues to lie at the very heart of our community. Around 50 specialist and highly qualified staff teach over 1,200 individual lessons and groups each week.

From the earliest lessons in Lower College, girls will find topics are always related to the world around them. Pupils thrive when they can see the real-life relevance of a subject.

Problem solving is an innate aspect of physics, so students always need to be ready to think on their feet and voice their opinions and ideas.

Studying Politics at A Level helps students understand how power and decision-making shape society - locally, nationally, and globally. It develops critical thinking, debate, and analytical skills that are valuable for university and beyond. In today’s world of rapid political change and global challenges, Politics is more relevant than ever, equipping students to engage thoughtfully with the issues that define our future.

Psychology is a scientific discipline that looks at how human biology, family and environmental factors inter-play in determining our behaviour. Students will gain insight into the mind, brain and human behaviour as well as learning about the history of this multi-faceted subject.

With increasing awareness of the importance of psychological and mental health, there has never been a more important time to study Psychology.

We have put together an exciting programme of study that we believe gives pupils a more nuanced understanding of the beliefs and ideas held across the world, as well as the ability to evaluate critically these ideas for themselves.

From Plato’s Cave to the Pillars of Islam, from the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path to Social Contract Theory, from Hindu views of reincarnation to Plato’s approach to reality, pupils will be given the opportunity to encounter and engage with some of the most important ideas that have influenced the way humanity lives and thinks.

Physical Education is compulsory for all year groups and plays a major part in the life of College. Our programme gives every pupil an understanding and value of the importance of physical activity in her daily life. At the heart of what we do is creating confident and competent learners through excellent teaching.

We are only a part of each girl’s journey, whether she is a regular gym user, recreational jogger or international athlete. We aim for all pupils to be consistently active for their own reasons and we support them to flourish in their chosen sports or activities.

At CLC, we view Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) as a way to support our pupils to become healthy, safe, confident people, well prepared for the challenges and decisions they will face.

The curriculum addresses a wide range of pressing issues facing young people today, including relationships, mental and physical health, staying safe online, financial literacy, and future careers.

Research shows that students who complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are often better prepared for university, with many institutions making alternative offers to applicants who have undertaken one.