Curriculum Statement of Intent
The Heys School aims to provide a high-quality education which enriches students’ ambition and love of learning and equips them with the skills, knowledge, and cultural capital they need to success in further education and life.
Through our curriculum, we aim to meet the individual needs of students of all abilities by delivering a curriculum which has high expectations, encourages active learning, delivers academic success, and builds strong foundations for personal development.
We aim to do this by creating:
- A knowledge rich curriculum that challenges our students to and goes beyond the National Curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to enable our students to ‘know more and remember more’.
- A carefully sequenced curriculum that is planned to ensure that the knowledge and skills in all subject areas allow students to develop their creative curiosity and build upon their prior learning and experiences.
- An ambitious curriculum that is broad and balanced and one which is supported by extra-curricular activities that develop self-confidence, independence, and cultural awareness.
- A curriculum which instils a love of learning, and which encourages students to have the very highest aspirations.
- A curriculum which is underpinned by understanding the needs of all students and one that enables them to progress into their next phase of education as successful learners and responsible citizens.
Curriculum Allocation
At The Heys School we operate a 1-week timetable. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum whilst providing necessary time for core subjects. Our allocation for each key stage can be found below.
Key Stage 3 CurriculumThe Heys School has designed a broad and balanced curriculum which caters for students’ needs throughout their time in The Heys School and also provide opportunities for further education. We utilise a 25-hour teaching week which is broken down as follows.
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*PSHE The PSHE curriculum for year 11 is delivered through form time, assemblies and targeted sessions from external agencies. This is mapped out against the PSHCE objectives, and covers topics such as Healthy Self; Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol and Planning for a Safe, Healthy and Happy Future. Careers education and opportunities are delivered in the same way, with visits from colleges and sixth form centres, as well as workshops on how to write a personal statement, mock interviews and complete an application form. Skills for work are also reinforced during work experience in Y10. Key Stage 3 Assessment CriteriaAll KS3 Criteria – THSKey Stage 4 CurriculumStudents in key stage 4 at The Heys School follow a core diet of Mathematics, English and Science combined with 4 options. (From 2024 forwards this will be 3 options)
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Setting ArrangementsAt The Heys School we use a variety of setting arrangements to enhance the progress and educational experiences of our students. Some subjects are taught in mixed ability setting while others are taught in ability-based sets.
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Options Process
The Heys School offers a bespoke options package for all of our students. There is an options evening where parents can meet teaching staff from each of the available options choices. This provides parents and students with the opportunity to ask for information about how courses are assessed and the content that is included in them. The Assistant Headteacher gives a speech during the evening outlining the options process and the support that is on offer. Prior to options taking place there are several further education guest speakers who attend assemblies. Students also experience a tailored one to one interview between a member of the senior management team. Parents and carers are encouraged to attend this interview. This takes place in February and March and offers the chance for parents and students to discuss their best routes to further education based on prior attainment.
The following subjects are compulsory:
Subject | Qualification |
English Language and Literature | GCSE (2 Certificates) |
Mathematics | GCSE (1 Certificate) |
Science Trilogy or Triple Award | GCSE (2 or 3 Certificates) |
Students are then able to choose 3 of the following options:
History | Sports Science | Hospitality and Catering | Food and Nutrition |
Geography | Design Technology | Music | Travel and Tourism |
French | Art and Design | Business | Religious Studies |
Computer Science | Drama | Physical Education | Dance |