Upper School
At Michael Hall, pupils continue their educational journey from Middle School to Upper School; from Class 8 into 9. This transition is also an excellent time to join the Michael Hall community as the educational approach intentionally changes to meet the needs of the Upper School pupil whilst the introduction of nationally accredited courses allow the students feel a connection to their peers outside of Michael Hall.
In anticipation of Class 9, students choose from a range of foundational GCSE subjects to study, alongside English, Maths and Science. Likewise, in Class 11 and 12, we offer all the primary A-Level subjects to prepare our students for Higher Education and employment. Alongside these courses, we offer a broad curriculum of non-accredited subjects and experiences that support our students as they grow through these four years.
Through Music, Eurythmy, Drama, Gym & Games, Ethics, Arts & Crafts and various educational trips, we look to meet the needs of each student and help provide them with opportunities that support their development, answer some of their questions, and open new doors of discovery that brighten their future paths.
Through this broad four-year programme, we aim to help each student develop independent thinking, sound judgement and social responsibility.
The school day begins with the Main Lesson. The themes and subjects covered during this precious time are immensely varied and can range from learning practical skills in Repair Shop via a block on Trigonometry, to addressing the multi-facetted challenges inherent in putting on a musical. The daily rhythm of the Main Lesson allows each student to become immersed in the current theme or subject, some of which enhance their accredited subjects. This programme also helps provide much needed context to the exam specifications that students have chosen to follow.
Following Main Lesson, the school day consists of GCSE and A-level lessons interspersed with artistic subjects which provide a holistic balance to the academic learning. Altogether, half of the weekly timetable consists of GCSE or A-level subject lessons.
The Crossfields Institute Level 2 Integrated
Education Certificate
At Michael Hall, we now offer the Crossfields Institute (CFI) Level 2 Integrated Education qualification in the Upper School. This qualification complements our Waldorf curriculum by formally recognising the breadth of learning our students already engage in — creative, practical, and intellectual.
About the Qualification
The Level 2 Integrated Education Certificate is regulated by Ofqual and aligned with the European
Qualifications Framework (EQF), making it a nationally and internationally recognised qualification at the
same level as GCSEs.
Rather than relying on a single exam, students are assessed through a portfolio of evidence built
over time. This allows them to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and creativity in a broader, more
authentic way.
Internal Quality Assurers (IQA) at Michael Hall oversee and verify all assessment decisions, while
Crossfields Institute’s External Quality Assurers (EQA) ensure standards are robust, consistent, and fair.
A Holistic Approach
The Crossfields qualification is designed to nurture autonomous learners with intellectual rigour,
practical capability, and social responsibility. It develops a wide range of transferable skills that prepare
young people for higher education, employment, and life beyond school, including:
• Clear and confident communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Creative and critical thinking
• Problem-solving and innovation
• Self-awareness and reflection
Recognising that traditional exams do not always capture the full picture of a student’s abilities, this
programme values the journey as much as the outcome. Students can refine and improve their work
throughout the year, ensuring room for both support and stretch.
Its “low floor, high ceiling” design makes it accessible for all learners, from those who find exam
methods challenging to those who excel through extended intellectual exploration.
How It Fits Alongside GCSEs
Michael Hall currently implements the CFI qualification alongside GCSEs, particularly in English and
Mathematics.
Students can also include up to 20% of outside-school work or personal projects as part of their
evidence, recognising that valuable learning happens in many contexts.
Each module typically requires three pieces of evidence per learning outcome, with ongoing feedback
and improvement built into the process.
“This qualification meets the needs of the modern-day child, going into the future workplace whilst
recognising the different learning styles, neurodiversity, and academic brilliance of our current students.”
Rachel Gatehouse, Class 7 Teacher and IQA, Michael Hall
Art in the Upper School
