We understand the curriculum extends beyond the classroom. The wider opportunities offered to students at Heathfield are considerable and ensure the continued entitlement to a broad rich education. The wider Curriculum at Heathfield is integral to delivering of the vision of:
Ambition and breadth; to ensure a high-quality experience bespoke to our students, developing the knowledge and characteristics to be able to access, succeed and thrive at the highest levels (Excellence as a habit)
We believe in giving our students the best start in life by offering them as many opportunities as possible to try new things, discover their passions and grow. Whether through clubs, visits, trips or in-College experiences they develop leadership and become articulate, confident young people. The experience of school must involve far more than the number of qualifications they have gained.
Engagement in these wider curriculum experiences is closely tracked to ensure equity of access for all groups of students, intervention ensures all Heathfield students are able to gain their full entitlement.
All experiences outside taught lessons are designed to support and fulfil the intent of the subject or whole College through:
- Collapsed Curriculum Days devoted to different learning experiences for all students ranging from careers experiences to ensuring the continued entitlement for all students up to 14.
- Educational visits are many and varied, both local and abroad.
- STEM: there is a wide range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) experiences and opportunities available for all students. These provide interactive, challenging, thought-provoking and exciting windows into the possibilities that exist both in the College and in the wider world within this field of knowledge, understanding and work.
- Extra-Curricular Arts: As well as a broad range of clubs and wider curriculum opportunities the College supports individual lessons for anyone who wants access via peripatetic teaching in both Music and Drama. See your Drama or Music teacher for more details.
- Enrichment Week offers a variety of activities to students giving them a chance to face a personal challenge taking them out of their “comfort” zone, develop new or established skills
- Super Curriculum providing experiences and opportunities to deepen knowledge and understanding. This is accessed outside of lessons by all year groups and Year 9-11 are guided to make choices that continue their ongoing curriculum entitlement to breadth whereas Year 7-8 are able to engage in subjects they have not yet experienced.
- A further wide range of Clubs and Student Leadership opportunities provide experiences and skills beyond the classroom for all students and are take up is strong in all groups.
- A thriving House System provides inclusive activities and opportunities for students to contribute to their community, try something new, earn points and celebrate their collective achievements.
- Student Leadership, spanning 12 strands and over 20% of the student population across all year groups, often working collaboratively together. This develops and measures leadership skills from Bronze, Silver and Gold to nationally accredited recognition.
- Duke of Edinburgh: the college has a thriving DofE Scheme, as an accredited centre we are able to run Award Level in Bronze, Silver and Gold giving students the confidence, independence and collaborative skills that underpin their success. We have been running the Bronze Award since 2017, the Silver since 2018 and Gold since 2019. As of 2023 5 students have finished their Gold Award.
- Year 8 Camp: Part of the Heathfield Journey and Enrichment Week each year, Year 8 Camp is a well-respected and much enjoyed experience for the whole Year Group involving a stay away from home under canvas at Cuffley Active Learning Centre where they are taken out of their comfort zone and into a world of adventure building confidence, team work and independence.
- International Visits: Kabubbu, Uganda: We celebrate a long-term relationship with the Quicken Trust charity. The Quicken Trust is a Sussex-based charity which is transforming the lives of people living in poverty in the Ugandan village of Kabubbu. Staff and students have been volunteering and visiting Kabbubu since 2011, which for many is a transformative and life changing opportunity. Underpinning our SMSC/FBV work and values of Compassion and Consideration.