The current model reflects regular annual review against our intent, demographic context and the principles we have established.
- Key Stage 3 curriculum allows all subjects, including Philosophy and Religion, PSHEe, Arts and Technologies to continue to be taught discretely following the national curriculum.
- CEIAG at Year 8 is full and personalised enabling individual needs for the full range of our students to be met when making their choices for KS4
- Unlike many schools nationally and locally students have a choice of four GCSE option subjects. Therefore, students maintain a breadth of curriculum for longer, not narrowing or homogenising their KS4 to accommodate increased content and rigour of reformed GCSEs. This maintains choice and breadth at KS5.
Responsibilities for students’ wellbeing and health also influence decisions around curriculum modelling at KS3. NHS Kent & Sussex studies repeatedly show that the major health concern of young people in this locality is mental health and anxiety. “My Health, My School” Surveys from 2021 confirmed wellbeing was decreasing and anxiety was increasing in a pandemic context.
The College is committed to exploring ways both academic and pastoral of preventing and alleviating the causes and symptoms of mental health issues, building resilience. Feedback and evidence tells us that our stakeholders believe our model does this for our students effectively.
| Subjects KS3 | 2002 Govt. Guidelines Hours Per Week | Heathfield Hours Per Week |
| English | 3hrs | 3.5 |
| Maths | 3hrs | 3.5 |
| Science | 3hrs | 3.5 |
| PE | 1hr30mins | 2 |
| DT | 1hr30mins | 1.5 |
| History | 1hr15mins | 1.5 (2 in Yr8) |
| Geography | 1hr15mins | 1.5 (2 in Yr7 |
| RE | 1hr15mins | 1 |
| Computing | 1hr | 1 |
| Drama | 1hr | 1 |
| Music | 1hr | 1 |
| Art | 1hr | 1 |
| Citizenship/PSHEe | 45mins | 0.5 |
| MFL | 2hrs | 2 |
| TOTAL | 23 | 25 |
KEY STAGE 3
Students complete their full National Curriculum entitlement in all subjects: English, Maths, Science, Computing, Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish), Art, Design and Technology (including Food and Nutrition), Humanities (Geography, History, Philosophy and Religious Education), Physical Education, Music, Drama, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHEe). The Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad with discrete study of all the subject disciplines. No subjects are taught on a carousel with other subjects. Subjects that are in decline nationally as taught elements at Key Stage 3 keep their place in our curriculum, such as Design Technology, Drama, Music, Religious Studies and PSHEe.
In addition a Cultural Calendar, Assembly and Tutor time activities as well as the wider provision detailed below, provide continuation of learning in all subjects in all year groups, ensuring the entitlement to relevant understanding and awareness regardless of option choice.
KEY STAGE 4
At Key Stage 4, all students study the statutory areas of Maths (with an opportunity for Further Maths), English Language and English Literature, Science (Combined and Triple), PSHEe (including RSE, Citizenship and work-related learning), Religious Education and Physical Education.
Students are entitled to opt for up to 4 other subjects to study to GCSE level or equivalent. Two GCSE option choices will run for two years with final exams at the end of year 10 and the other two choices for three years with final exams at the end of year 11. Courses which run over either two or three years have the same content and value, allocated the same curriculum time.
Given the profile of Heathfield students, it is the College’s view that the vast majority should complete the core academic entitlement represented by the EBacc suite of subjects. This is part of the guidance offered through careers guidance within the options process. Typically 65% or more students follow this route. The proportion of disadvantaged students and SEND students following this pathway is significantly higher than national and reflects the ambition of the curriculum for all.
Breadth and balance of Key Stage 4 offer has historically been equally important to students and parents. (See Research Appendix)
KEY STAGE 5
At post 16 students study a curriculum which caters for A-level courses (25) within which there are a small range of Vocational Level 3 courses offered, alongside the Extended Project Qualification.
The Sixth Form offers a breadth of academic courses that support students to continue in all areas of study that they may have covered at GCSE level whilst also ensuring financial viability.
Students are fully prepared for their first-choice destinations including Oxbridge and Russell group university to Degree level apprenticeship and employment
Timetabled Enrichment programmes build upon an academic offer to allow students to experience a wide range of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. These are designed to enhance student confidence, skills and determination in new situations. It encourages interactions between our students developing new friendships and building upon students’ skills with team work and confidence outside of the classroom environment. They are constructed under the broad categories of: Compete, Create, Challenge, Contribute and Culture.
Alongside of the taught curriculum students are allocated tutorial groups where compulsory assemblies and activities take place along with coaching from tutors. From term 6 of Year 12 students also have PSHEe lessons added to their timetables for support with progression. These lessons also cover aspects of personal development and a wider understanding of the world, this is also supported through assemblies and tutor time activities.