Curriculum Overview

What are the Key Features of the Highworth Curriculum?

• We implement a core curriculum in Key Stage Three providing students with a range of skills that they will require as they progress through the school.
• Regular assessment, feedback and reflection. Students are set challenging but realistic targets in each of their subjects. Their progress towards these is assessed as part of our continuous monitoring of students. Students will have time to reflect on their progress and their skills base through subject and Mentor meetings and through the rewards system.
• We offer a range of GCSE subjects. All students study the core EBacc with GCSEs in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography or History and a Modern Foreign Language. Students are further able to customise their courses in Year 12 and Year 13.
• The school runs Focus Days where Year Groups spend a day focusing on topics relevant to themselves. Topics such as careers, enterprise, revision techniques and life skills are included so that students develop a broad range of knowledge and skills.
• Vertical Mentor Groups based in 7 communities. Our community structure is a strength of the school and provides a welcoming atmosphere to new students as well as leadership opportunities for older students.
• High quality teaching. Our expert and experienced staff know that nothing can replace high quality teaching. Our staff are highly qualified and up to date with the current themes in education. In our last Ofsted around 50% of lessons were outstanding.
• Continuous CPD and research for staff. As part of our Teaching School status we work with our own staff and that of other schools to develop expert teaching and pedagogy so that our students benefit from the very best in teaching and learning.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum 

Students study a broad curriculum design to given them the skills required for achieving their full potential as they move up the school.

Students study:

 

Modern Foreign Languages

In Year 7, students choose two languages from French, German or Spanish. They then choose a single subject to study in Years 8 and then on to GCSE.  Gifted linguists may be able to choose a second language as part of their option choices.

GCSE Curriculum

Students all follow EBacc groups of courses. All students study English Literature and Language, Mathematics, Triple Science, Geography or History and a Modern Foreign Language.

 

Current option subjects are: Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, Dance, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, Media Studies, Music and PE.

Reach Programme (Year 9)

The Reach programme in Year 9 is designed to develop the wider skills of students that we know will be essential for lifelong learning. Students will be introduced to the .b Mindfulness course which we hope will give students further strategies for tackling the stresses of modern day life. There is a chance to take part in some further physical activity and some language study.

Sixth Form Curriculum

Students typically study three, some four, courses in Year 12 and typically three courses in Year 13. New specifications mean that many are two year courses.

Each subject is allocated 9 periods over the timetable cycle.

Typically a fourth subject taken is the Extended Project. This is a personalised project that the students take over two years, submitting a Project at the end. The Project can take the form of a dissertation, artefact or performance.

Courses on offer include:

Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dance, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Extended Project, Film Studies, French, Geography, German, History (2 options), Mathematics, Core Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Photography, PE, Physics, Product Design, Psychology, RE, Sociology, Spanish, Theatre Studies.

Students are also timetabled for additional study sessions in the school Library.