Curriculum Information

Our intention is to provide a broad a balanced curriculum, delivered through a culture of high expectations, principled and caring relationships and consistent routines. We use our expert subject knowledge to inspire and enthuse children, sparking curiosity and risk taking.

Our curriculum and teaching seek to develop vocabulary, knowledge, skills, character and culture over the long term. We support this through our ‘Pillars of Excellence’; strategies that represent best practice throughout the curriculum.

Our Learning Journeys set out the order in which the curriculum is delivered in every subject.

Foundation Years Programme:

Years 7, 8 and Semester 1 of Year 9 constitute the Foundation Programme.

All Pupils, irrespective of their ability, follow a Foundation Years Programme which covers eight areas of experience:

In English - Pupils follow the English National Curriculum at KS3 (Key Stage 3).
In Maths - Pupils follow the Mathematics National Curriculum at KS3.
In Science - Pupils follow the Science National Curriculum at KS3.
In Languages - Pupils follow the German or Spanish National Curriculum at KS3.
In Humanities - Pupils follow the National Curriculum at KS3 in History and Geography and the agreed syllabus for Religious Education (Philosophy and Ethics)
In Arts - Pupils follow the National Curriculum at KS3 in Art, Music (only Years 7 and 8) & Drama (English).
In Design and Information Technology - Pupils study the National Curriculum Design Technology, including Food Technology. Some aspects of the KS3 Computing National Curriculum are delivered although more emphasis is placed on relevant application-based knowledge and skills that will prepare pupils for the workplace.
In Physical Education (including Dance) - Pupils follow the PE National Curriculum at KS3.

In addition, pupils experience five Focus Days each year. The Focus Day covers Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Citizenship.

Baccalaureate Year Programme:

Years 9-11 at Hugh Christie School complete the Baccalaureate programme.

The structure of our curriculum means that all pupils do have the option of studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. Towards the conclusion of Semester 1 in Year 9 pupils are guided towards either a full English Baccalaureate pathway or an alternative pathway (with some greater subject choice).

All pupils will follow courses in English, Maths, Science, Physical Education, PSHE and Citizenship (delivered through thirteen ‘Focus Days’), Philosophy and Ethics (delivered through five ‘Focus Days’) and work experience (delivered through one ‘Focus Week’). Whilst some specialising takes place, pupils are encouraged to maintain a broad and balanced curriculum, which best suits their needs and aspirations, through the available option subjects.

Beginning the Baccalaureate programme during the second half of Year 9 provides an opportunity for pupils to broaden, deepen and enrich their learning within their chosen subjects, especially those new courses that are career related.

Baccalaureate Pathways

The curriculum in Years 9, 10 and 11 is defined by two pathways. Pupils will be advised as to which pathway they follow depending on their needs and aspirations.

Pathway 1 (Ebacc): Pupils who follow this pathway will study the core subjects of English (Language and Literature), Mathematics (including Further Maths an enrichment where appropriate), at least a Double Combined Science, a Humanities subject (Geography or History), a Language (German or Spanish), plus a choice of two additional option subjects from the options below.
Pathway 2: Pupils who follow this pathway will study the core subjects of English (Language and Literature), Mathematics (including Statistics to broaden the curriculum where appropriate), at least a Double Combined Science, one subject from the EBacc core (Triple Science, German, Spanish, Geography or History) plus a choice of three additional option subjects from the options below.

Ebacc GCSE Core subjects:

Geography
History
German or Spanish
Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics

GCSE subjects:

Art & Design – Art, Photography or Fashion
Sociology
Religious Studies
Product Design
Food Technology

Career-related subjects:

Business
Drama
Health and Social Care
Information Technology
Sport and fitness
Travel and Tourism

Instrumental tuition leading to Graded Music examinations is available for those pupils wishing to pursue excellence in Music.

In addition, all pupils will study Physical Education, PHSE & Citizenship, Philosophy & Ethics and work-related learning (non-examined).

A small number of pupils, who are members of our Lighthouse Provision or attending external Alternative Curriculum, will continue to study English, Maths and Science but may study fewer option subjects or other alternative courses that better meet their needs.

Sixth Form Programme:

Pupils who have met the entry requirements study three Level 3 courses from a programme offered at the School.

Pupils not eligible to study Level 3 courses can follow the Access Pathway enabling them to continue to follow courses in English, Maths and Employability as well as participating in a regular weekly work placement.

The purpose of the Access Pathway is to support a transition to either Level 3 courses, an apprenticeship or suitable other further education at a later stage.

Provided they meet the entry requirements, pupils are able to patriciate in a Football Academy, operated in collaboration with Tonbridge Angels Football Club alongside the study of Level 2 or 3 courses.

All pupils will follow courses in Physical Education, PSHE and Citizenship (Delivered through eight ‘Focus Days’) and work experience (delivered through one ‘Focus Week’).

The curriculum in Years 12 and 13 is defined by pathways:

The A-Level Pathway: Pupils study three A Levels and access to the extended project qualification.
The Career-Related Pathway: Pupils study up to three vocational qualifications related to the world of work
The Combined Pathway: Pupils study three courses (A Level and Vocational)
The Access Pathway: This pathway allows open access to the Sixth Form for those pupils not meeting the entry requirements for pathways 1 to 3 and involves GCSE Maths and English, an employability course, and one Level 3 career-related course (where appropriate).

Pupils can combine academy membership at Tonbridge Angels Football Club with these pathways

Pupils who have not yet secured a Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and/or English Language will be required to continue to study these subjects as part of their Sixth Form curriculum.

In addition, all pupils will study Physical Education, PHSE & Citizenship and work related learning (non-examined)

A Level Subjects:

Art & Design
Biology
Chemistry
English Literature
Fashion
Geography
German
History
Maths / Futher Maths
Media
Photography
Physics
Product Design
Sociology

Career Related Subjects:

Business
Criminology
Health and Social Care
Law
Science
Sport

For a more in-depth look at our Sixth Form education, please visit our Sixth Form page