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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.

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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.

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

Foundation Years Programme

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Foundation Years Programme

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

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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 Kent agreed syllabus for Religious Education (Philosophy and Ethics)

  • In Arts - Pupils follow the National Curriculum at KS3 in Art, Music (only Year 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 work place.

  • 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.

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 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:

  1. The A-Level Pathway: Pupils study three A Levels and access to the extended project qualification.

  2. The Career Related Pathway: Pupils study up to three  vocational qualifications related to the world of work

  3. The Combined Pathway: Pupils study three courses (A Level and Vocational)

  4. 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:

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  • Art & Design

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • English Literature

  • Fashion

  • Geography

  • German

  • History

  • Maths / Futher Maths

  • Media

  • Photography

  • Physics

  • Product Design

  • Sociology

Career Related Subjects:​

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  • Business

  • Criminology

  • Health and Social Care

  • Law

  • Science

  • Sport

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Sixth Form 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.

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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

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 GCSE subjects:

  • Art & Design – Art, Photography or Fashion

  • Sociology

  • Religious Studies

  • Product Design

  • Food Technology

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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.

Baccalaureate Year Programme

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