Curriculum Models & Overview
The Hathershaw College operates a three year key stage 3 and two year key stage 4. Whilst the national curriculum is always our starting point, we don’t restrict ourselves to this, exploring what is right for our context, but always ensuring that there is ambition and progression. As an example, in key stage 3 music, we deliver the Andrew Lloyd Webber programme in partnership with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST). We select the most appropriate aspects of this and blend our programme with the relevant parts of the national curriculum to ensure that students receive balanced music provision. At key stage 4, we have an excellent balance between academic and vocational provision. Parents and governors are pleased that we are continuing to deliver subjects like psychology, business studies, health & social care and sports science alongside all of the subjects you would expect to find in a school. We are proud of our commitment to STEM and, as part of this, all students study a design & technology or food & nutrition option at key stage 4.
If you require any further information regarding curriculum provision at The Hathershaw College, please contact:
Angela Easton, Assistant Principal ae@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.
