Core subjects like English, maths and geography were studied by both boys and girls. English was very much geared towards practical life skills like writing job applications and letters. Students also studied biographical writing and their exams included a short oral presentation. Project work started to appear in this era.

Maths consisted of practical exercises: measuring up for carpet or wallpaper, weighing and costing produce and some algebra while geography involved naming rivers and towns, identifying physical features such as evidence of glaciation, meandering rivers and studying the local landscape.

Job prospects: Solicitor's clerk, council office works, apprenticeships for boys. Secretarial work for girls

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Today, English tests student's ability to formulate and express ideas, listen and respond, use correct vocabulary and grammar, read accurately and fluently, analyse texts and use written English appropriately in a wide variety of contexts.

Maths involves algebra and geometry, using some problems drawn from real life, eg VAT calculations, use of statistics in society, choosing ICT tools to solve everyday problems.

Geography has also developed and, while it still helps students to develop an understanding of landscapes, it also concentrates on human activities such as settlement, agriculture and industry, which affect them. Pupils will examine geography in context of the real world, looking at how environments are interdependent, and the consequences of different ways of managing and developing them.

Job prospects: IT and office work, media, travel industry, university