Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Haydon School’s ethos and core values embedded in our vision statement of Achieving Individual Excellence in a Caring Community together drive our intent and vision for curriculum provision and delivery. Specifically for our students this means striving to achieve excellence in all areas, displaying respect for others and building successful relationships, displaying perseverance to achieve their goals, developing an understanding of being part of a community at all levels and displaying kindness through consideration for others.
We have a broad and inclusive curriculum which aspires to respond to the local and national agenda both intelligently and creatively in order to ensure all our students receive a high quality learning experience at all times. Our curriculum celebrates the diversity of our school community and ensures all our groups of young people "see themselves in the curriculum" and are represented appropriately. In confirming our commitment to the broad and balanced principles of our curriculum we celebrate our expertise in the Arts, Humanities and Applied Learning to drive excellence and innovation. For further information relating to our curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact please click on the subject Learning Journeys.
Our students will experience a broad curriculum to become the next generation of innovative thinkers and leaders. They will be exceptional learners, achieving excellence through perseverance. They will develop resilience to overcome challenges and inspire others. They are treated with respect and kindness and are considerate of others in the community. Students will leave Haydon School prepared to enter the best universities and workplaces. We want our students to be ready for the next steps in their lives and be proud to have been part of the Haydon School community.
Our curriculum is coherently planned from Year 7 to 13 in each subject with units sequenced logically across all seven years of study. Please click here for individual subject pages to see the narrative and maps for Years 7 to 13 for each subject studied here at Haydon School.
Years 7 and 8 • overview
In Years 7 and 8, students follow the National Curriculum subjects as set out in detail in our Subject Maps available on the school website. The curriculum aims to provide an excellent grounding in the core subjects (Mathematics; Science; Computer Science; English; Religious Education; Personal, Citizenship, Social and Health Education (PCSHE) and Physical Education) as well as the Arts; the Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages and Design and Technology. By encouraging a broad entry of EBacc subjects from Year 9, we are not “limiting” or “narrowing” our students’ entitlement to a balanced curriculum. We pay close attention to the cohort of the school to ensure that Years 9 – 11 have the required flexibility to cater for in-year admissions, some of whom join very late in their school careers, and to support vulnerable students and those with English as an additional language to succeed.
Owing to the disruption of the Covid Pandemic we have recognised that at least for 2021/2022 students may not have covered in sufficient depth the necessary building blocks for progression to GCSEs and have made the decision to adapt the programmes of study accordingly and to undertake a review of our holistic curriculum offer. If you would like to take part in the discussion around the development this is a link to the consultation working group: curriculum
Years 9, 10 and 11 • overview
In Years 9, 10 and 11 students continue following the National Curriculum Subjects in English; Maths; Science; Physical Education; Religious Education and Personal, Citizenship, Social and Health Education (PCSHE). We, currently, begin our KS4 guidance process in Year 8 where students have an option to continue to study Ebacc subjects alongside our wide range of specialist KS4 vocational, technical and academic subjects, with the vast majority of students following 10 separate qualifications. Whilst the government would like every child to study for the EBacc at Haydon School we want to give students the widest curriculum possible to suit their individual needs, as a result studying EBacc subjects is not compulsory. Our year 9 is seen as a fundamental preparation year for students, widening the curriculum whilst consolidating the skills and content covered in Years 7 and 8. All KS4 programs are accredited at the end of Year 11 following a coherent five or three year programme of study.
Sixth Form • overview
At Post 16, we offer an extensive range (36) of programmes comprising A /AS Levels and Applied, BTEC National level 3 courses which stretch students and offer opportunities to move onto the next stage of education or employment. Students can complete individualised packages, which could equate to 3 or 4 A-levels/ BTEC qualifications and can also be supplemented with extra courses such as the extended project. In addition to their academic studies, students all benefit from a comprehensive PCSHE programme. For further information about our Sixth Form, please click here.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)
SMSC is promoted across all aspects of school life. Our full policy on the website sets out our vision and practice in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop students non-academic,such as understanding and appreciation of different cultures or dealing with moral conundrums, an appreciation of the arts in all their forms and practise the skills and attitudes required for them to participate fully in a democratic society.
We consider it critical that equal opportunities and fundamental British Values are promoted and realised at all levels of curriculum provision and that this is integral to our practice. Whilst we provide extensive individual and small group withdrawal support where necessary (see below), our curriculum is one which celebrates inclusion at all times and we firmly believe that our diversity as a school ultimately enriches and enhances our curriculum for the benefit of all.
Beyond the formal curriculum
We believe passionately in meeting the needs of the whole student as a result the school curriculum is not narrowly constrained within formal lessons but extends to a vast array of extra-curricular and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) opportunities that enrich the learning experience, develop students' cultural capital and also broaden and enrich their curricular experiences without the pressure of exam entry.
All students have access to and are actively encouraged to take part in an extensive programme during lunchtime after school or at weekends, which seeks to extend their learning and widen their life experiences. We seek to use active partnerships to support learning wherever possible and encourage students to interact with speakers and visiting groups/industries/organisations to enhance their communication skills and learning capacity. The school uses its Pupil Premium and other avenues of funding to ensure that all groups within the school are able to access these activities.
Some LOtC activities had to be suspended due to the pandemic. However, relaunched our full program for 2021 which includes work experience, Sports Days for every year group, Futures provisions including Post 16 evenings, C.V. and personal statement creation workshops, Mock interviews with external business partners and an Apprenticeship program, Year 7,8 and 9 Camps, visiting speakers, live performances from The Globe Players during KS3 and 4,The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Far Frontiers trips, and the National Citizen’s Service, School Productions, Prize Giving Evenings, Debating, sixth form community service as well subject specific, sporting, musical and performance opportunities to name but a few.
Work Related learning is any planned activity that uses the context of work to develop knowledge, skills and understanding useful in work. Through work related learning activities, the school seeks to develop the employability skills of young people, provide them with the opportunity to ‘learn by doing’, raise standards of achievement and encourage positive attitudes to lifelong learning. Opportunities are provided both within our various curriculum areas and as planned activities within our enrichment programme. All students have the opportunity to take part in a formal work experience for one day in Year 9 towards the end of Year 10 and Year 12 despite not being statutory as we believe it remains a vital and enriching experience. They also have an opportunity to gain formal interview skills as part of our careers fair. Our Careers Policy sets out in detail how we adhere to the national Gatsby benchmarks.
Although we believe our curriculum offer is robust we are always focusing on how we can drive improvement and as a result are focusing on the following in our strategic plan.
Developing a school curriculum to engage and challenge all
We will challenge our students with a broad knowledge-based curriculum that allows all students to thrive and be prepared for a rapidly changing global economy. It will be based on the latest research on effective learning to ensure all students enjoy a vibrant and relevant education.
Providing additional challenge for all of our learners through a stimulating extracurricular programme
Each student will participate in a wide range of enrichment activities every year at Haydon School. An extensive programme will be offered that inspires students to develop new and existing interests as well as to be supported with their wider interests outside school. Our sixth form students will develop their leadership skills through their involvement. Our carefully planned trips programme enables all students to develop perseverance and independence, and an appreciation and knowledge of the arts, contemporary society and the outdoors.
Developing the use of new technology so that it enhances learning, teaching and communications
Students and staff will continue to develop new approaches to learning and teaching. We will develop our students’ ability to learn independently using technology in the most effective way based on the latest research. The school’s curriculum will be online to enable students to take ownership and independence of their learning. Technology will be used to enhance the partnership with parents and carers to support their child’s development further.
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