Academic Departments

Art is a vibrant and ambitious subject, where pupils explore disciplines, from drawing and painting to ceramics, printmaking, photography and digital graphics. Supported by specialist teachers, pupils develop technical confidence alongside their own creative voice.

Hampton artists regularly achieve recognition in local and national competitions, with recent successes including the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show and exhibitions in leading galleries. Many pupils go on to study art, architecture and design at top institutions.

The department is housed in purpose-built studios, including dedicated spaces for ceramics, printmaking and photography, alongside a Sixth Form studio and gallery.

From Lower School to A Level, pupils follow a varied and engaging programme that balances skill development with increasingly independent, personal work, culminating in a final exhibition in the School Gallery.

Biology explores the living world at every level, from human physiology to global environmental challenges. Pupils gain a strong scientific foundation alongside an understanding of the subject’s relevance in everyday life.

Lessons combine theoretical insight with practical investigation, enabling pupils to engage confidently with scientific ideas. Opportunities to take part in national competitions further extend interests beyond the classroom.

The department is based in well-equipped, purpose-built laboratories that support a wide range of practical activities, including advanced techniques at Sixth Form. Access to specialist resources, alongside opportunities to observe and study living organisms, helps to develop curiosity and scientific confidence.

Many pupils go on to study biology and related subjects at university, building on the strong academic foundations established at Hampton.

Chemistry is a popular and highly successful subject at Hampton, studied by all pupils to GCSE, with many continuing into the Sixth Form. From the First Year, boys develop a strong understanding of the chemical principles that underpin the world around them.

Teaching is driven by curiosity and experimentation, with practical work at the heart of the course. Pupils consistently achieve excellent results and gain awards in competitions such as the Chemistry Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.

The department is based in ten fully equipped laboratories, where practical work is central to learning and pupils are encouraged to investigate, experiment and think independently.

Across all stages, the curriculum builds confidence and depth of understanding, preparing pupils for further study in chemistry and related scientific disciplines.

Classics offers a rich and engaging exploration of language, literature, history and philosophy. Pupils are introduced to Latin in the First Year, with many continuing to GCSE and A Level, often alongside Greek or Ancient History.

Lessons introduce pupils to the ancient world while developing analytical thinking and cultural awareness. The study of classical civilisation encourages an appreciation of ideas that continue to shape modern society.

Greek is offered from Third Year and Ancient History from the Fourth Year, with both available through to Sixth Form. Pupils interested in pursuing Classics further benefit from extension work and preparation for university-level study.

Across all courses, Classics strengthens critical thinking and opens up a broad intellectual landscape.

Computing equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand and shape the digital world. From First Year onwards, boys develop strong digital literacy alongside an awareness of safe and responsible technology use.

Lessons introduce the principles of how computers work and provide a foundation in programming, with pupils progressing to more advanced coding in languages such as Python. Practical, project-based work is central to the curriculum, with opportunities to create games, websites, apps and robotics projects.

The department also promotes computational thinking and cross-curricular collaboration, reflecting the growing importance of technology across all subjects.

Through Computing, pupils gain the confidence and capability to engage critically with an increasingly digital society.

Drama provides a dynamic and collaborative environment in which pupils explore performance, direction and technical theatre. Through academic study and co-curricular productions, they develop confidence, creativity and communication skills.

Teaching introduces a wide range of theatrical styles and approaches, supported by opportunities to perform regularly to live audiences. Theatre visits enhance understanding of professional performance and production.

Facilities include the Hammond Theatre, a professional-standard performance space, alongside the Drama Hall and a dedicated dance studio, all supporting a wide range of practical work.

Across all stages, from devised pieces in the Lower School to scripted and original performances in the Sixth Form, pupils develop independence and a deeper understanding of theatre-making.

Design and Engineering challenges pupils to think creatively and solve real-world problems through practical, hands-on work. From the First Year, boys develop skills in design, making and innovation supported by strong technical foundations.

Our specialist staff create an environment where curiosity and independence are valued, with pupils designing and producing their own projects using a wide range of materials, tools and technologies. Work is recognised at a high level, with pupils regularly achieving success in prestigious awards such as the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.

The department is based in purpose-built workshops and computer suites, supporting work in areas including CAD/CAM, electronics and prototype development.

From early design projects through to Sixth Form study, pupils build the skills, confidence and creativity needed for further study in engineering, architecture and related fields.

Economics offers a rigorous and engaging Sixth Form course, examining how markets, governments and global systems operate. It attracts pupils with a wide range of academic interests.

Lessons are discussion-led, encouraging pupils to analyse current events and apply economic theory to real-world contexts. Pupils develop analytical thinking, confidence in debate and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

The course covers both micro and macroeconomics, including markets, competition, inflation, unemployment and government policy, providing a strong foundation for further study.

Economics supports progression to a wide range of degrees and careers, particularly in finance, business and public policy.

English develops pupils’ engagement with language and literature, encouraging them to read widely and express ideas with clarity and precision. From the First Year onwards, lessons combine analytical and creative approaches.

Teaching is tailored to support and challenge pupils at every stage, with opportunities to develop both written and spoken communication in a lively, discussion-based environment. Pupils encounter a broad range of texts, from Shakespeare and pre-1914 poetry to contemporary and global literature.

At GCSE and A Level, courses in English Language and Literature deepen analytical skills while refining pupils’ ability to construct and articulate ideas with precision.

Across all year groups, English equips pupils with the skills to interpret, analyse and communicate effectively.

Geography brings global issues into focus, examining the physical and human processes that shape our world. Pupils engage with topics such as climate change, migration and sustainability, developing a clear understanding of their global significance.

Lessons encourage enquiry and analysis, enabling pupils to interpret information and develop independent thinking. Teaching combines theoretical understanding with a clear focus on contemporary relevance.

Fieldwork is central to the subject, with opportunities to investigate environments at first hand through a range of day trips and residential visits in the UK and overseas.

Through Geography, pupils gain the knowledge, skills and perspective to make sense of an interconnected world and to consider their role within it.

History offers a stimulating and challenging exploration of the past, helping pupils understand the forces that continue to shape the modern world. Through the study of different periods, societies and ideas, pupils develop a deeper awareness of how people, events and decisions influence one another across time.

Pupils develop the ability to analyse evidence, evaluate interpretations and construct balanced arguments. Lessons emphasise critical thinking and clear written expression, alongside the ability to question sources and reach balanced judgements.

History is a popular choice at GCSE and A Level, where pupils build on these skills through the study of varied and engaging topics. Sixth Form historians are encouraged to read widely and think independently, preparing them for further study.

Across all year groups, History equips pupils with intellectual discipline and a broader perspective on the world around them.

Mathematics is a widely studied subject, with many pupils continuing into the Sixth Form, including a significant number taking Further Mathematics. From First Year onwards, boys develop strong numerical fluency alongside the ability to think logically and solve complex problems.

Lessons emphasise precision, resilience and problem-solving, encouraging pupils to approach unfamiliar challenges with confidence. Core techniques are balanced with deeper conceptual understanding.

Provision supports and stretches pupils at every level, with extension opportunities through competitions, enrichment sessions and preparation for university entrance assessments.

Across all stages, Mathematics builds essential analytical and transferable skills, equipping pupils for further study and a wide range of academic and professional pathways.

Modern Languages develops pupils’ linguistic confidence and a deeper understanding of other cultures. From the First Year onwards, boys study French, German or Spanish, with opportunities to continue these and to take additional languages including Russian and Mandarin Chinese.

Lessons are conducted primarily in the target language, building fluency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. A strong emphasis is placed on using language in real-world contexts.

Pupils also broaden their cultural awareness through an extensive programme of exchanges and trips, strengthening both their communication skills and global outlook.

Modern Languages remains a popular and successful subject at GCSE and A Level, equipping pupils with valuable skills for further study in an increasingly international world.

Music plays a central role in School life, offering pupils opportunities to perform, compose and develop their musical understanding across a wide range of styles.

Teaching takes place in the Garrick, a purpose-built facility equipped with specialist rehearsal spaces, practice rooms and music technology suites. Pupils explore music from different periods and cultures, alongside co-curricular sessions supporting theory and aural skills.

Performance opportunities are extensive, with concerts taking place throughout the year in a variety of settings. Through Music, pupils develop creativity, discipline and an appreciation of performance that extends beyond the classroom.

Physics investigates the principles that govern the natural world, from everyday phenomena to complex scientific ideas. Pupils study the subject as a separate science from the First Year, with many Hamptonians continuing into the Sixth Form.

Lessons combine theoretical understanding with a strong emphasis on practical work, enabling pupils to develop confidence in data analysis and scientific reasoning. Well-equipped laboratories and specialist facilities support a wide range of experimental work.

Across all stages, pupils are encouraged to approach problems logically, question ideas and apply their learning to real-world contexts. Physics provides a strong foundation for further study and equips pupils with analytical skills relevant to a wide range of future pathways.

Politics is a dynamic and discussion-led Sixth Form subject, offering pupils insight into the ideas, institutions and events that shape the modern world. The course covers UK and US politics alongside key political ideologies, providing a broad and relevant foundation for understanding contemporary affairs.

Lessons focus on analysis and debate, encouraging pupils to engage critically with current issues and to consider differing perspectives. Pupils examine the roles of governments, political parties and pressure groups, while also exploring ideas such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism and anarchism.

The subject develops the ability to interpret events, construct well-reasoned arguments and form independent judgements and is excellent preparation for a wide range of degree courses, as well as careers in public service, journalism, business and beyond.

Psychology introduces Sixth Form pupils to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. The course covers a wide range of theories, research methods and practical applications, offering insight into how and why people think and behave as they do.

Pupils examine biological and social influences on behaviour, alongside topics such as mental health, cognitive development and the role of the brain. Lessons combine discussion, independent research and practical investigation, building confidence in analysis and evaluation.

Psychology offers a strong foundation for further study and provides insights relevant to a wide range of careers involving people and decision-making.

Religious Studies and Philosophy provides pupils with the opportunity to explore a wide range of beliefs, ideas and traditions, encouraging thoughtful engagement with some of life’s most important questions.

Lessons encourage careful analysis of arguments alongside reflection on personal viewpoints. The curriculum moves from broad enquiry in the Lower School to more detailed theological and philosophical study at A Level.

Visits to places of worship and other sites enrich learning through direct experience. A dedicated Fourth Year ‘Life Issues’ course connects philosophical thinking to everyday life.

Across all stages, pupils develop open-mindedness, critical thinking and the confidence to engage with different perspectives.