Learning Resources

Concord has modern, purpose-built classrooms for most subjects. There are also a few sympathetically designed teaching spaces in the College’s historic Main Hall building. All are fully equipped with interactive whiteboard technology and have more than enough space for our small classes.

Our purpose-built science building has 22 fully equipped laboratories, 7 for each of the three branches of science and a “Special Projects Laboratory” equipped for experiments beyond school level. Equipment includes, for example, 3D printers, a laser cutter, a furnace, a centrifuge, wire melting point apparatus, UV spectrometer, IR spectrometer and muon detector.

The Science department also has 2 large and fully staffed prep labs that are on display to students and museum grade displays in the foyer. Displays include a short-faced bear skeleton, an interactive periodic table, interactive giant DNA helix, a giant wave pendulum and a corridor timeline of scientific discoveries. There is also a circular LED display – photo displays, inside of the cell, coral reef and more.

Our Library provides exceptional study space, with a choice of working environments. The silent “pin-drop” room is popular for revision and individual working, there are also spaces for collaborative working.

With over 7000 books and access to a broad range of periodicals, both in print and online, the library provides everything needed for effective independent study.

Professional librarians are on hand during the day to help students who need directing to useful resources or indeed those who need a book recommendation for reading for pleasure. Our librarians produce a regular newsletter and maintain the library’s SharePoint page on the Concord network. Students can use this to find many resources even when they are away from college during holidays.

Concord is proud to have been awarded Microsoft Showcase School status for its use of technology in teaching. Many of the resources teachers have created for their lessons are available afterwards to students via dedicated subject SharePoint sites. Teachers all have access to a wide range of educational software and support each other in ensuring that use of technology is both innovative and effective. 45% of teaching staff are now Microsoft Innovative Educators (MEIs) and 15% are MIE experts.

Technology use is driven by what teachers find effective in supporting student learning.

The Morris building is a purpose-built performing arts space. The theatre has professional lighting and sound staging and is supported by expert technical staff. The main drama classroom is extra-large and has large windows on two sides providing a bright and spacious space for practical lessons (although many of these make use of the main stage just a door away).

Click here to visit our Performing Arts Enrichment page.

For music, there are dedicated classrooms which contain a piano and drum kit and a classroom with a bank of keyboards for class work. There are also individual sound-proofed practice rooms for private practice or individual lessons.

The recording studio is available for students to record their work, and to learn about recording and podcasting.

Click here to visit our Music Enrichment page.

Sport at Concord is for health and fitness, and for fun. It is also a timetabled requirement for students. Facilities include a running track, football pitches, tennis courts, squash courts and multi-sport Sports Halls which provide for badminton, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, and indoor hockey.

We have an indoor heated swimming pool with changing facilities. The fitness suite includes a dance studio, cardiac machine collection and weight training equipment (both machines and free weights, which students can use under appropriate supervision depending on their age).

Click here to visit our Sports Enrichment page.