Curriculum Models & Overview

The Hathershaw College provides a curriculum that is broad, balanced and inclusive with a vision to be at least as ambitious, but often goes beyond the National Curriculum. Key Stage 3  studies are Years 7, 8 and 9 with Key Stage 4 beginning in Year 10 and on into Year 11.

If you require any further information regarding curriculum provision at The Hathershaw College, please contact:

Rob Logan, Senior Vice Principal rl@hathershaw.org.uk

Sarah Williams, Assistant Principal sw@hathershaw.org.uk

Key Stage 3

In years 7, 8 and 9 students are placed into one of two bands according to their key stage 2 SAT results. Students are taught in sets for Maths/Science  and in mixed prior attainment groups for English.

Higher prior attaining students are placed in the ‘C Band’ groups 1 and 2 where they are taught separately for French, Geography, History and Computing in order to provide greater challenge for them.

Student with very low prior attainment on entry benefit from smaller class sizes and additional support in the classroom. These students are also targeted with support to improve literacy with a specific focus on reading.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, the curriculum is broad with an appropriate balance between academic and vocational subjects. Students choose their GCSE options at the end of Year 9 and have the opportunity to study a range of engaging new subjects, including: GCSE Business; GCSE Psychology; BTEC Health and Social Care; and BTEC Sport. Given the College’s Technology specialism legacy and the importance of STEM, all Key Stage 4 students have the choice to study either GCSE Food & Nutrition or GCSE Design & Technology.

All students have equal opportunity to study the full range of subjects.

The College actively encourages the opportunity to study the English Baccalaureate. Students who are identified as being particularly talented at French are placed in Pathway 1 however students in Pathway 2 are encouraged to move into Pathway 1 should they wish to.