Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Heathcote School offers a broad and balanced three-year key stage 3 curriculum which fulfils the National Curriculum. The fundamental skills of oracy, literacy and numeracy are consciously developed through explicit instruction in all subjects. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groupings in almost all subjects. Pupils are set in Maths although their core curriculum is identical. There are planned assessments through the academic year that provide the pupils with the opportunity to change their set.
From Year 7, all pupils can learn both French and Spanish before selecting a language to study in greater depth from Year 8. All pupils, across the Key Stage, experience a range of arts subjects, including Art, Dance, Drama and Music. These subjects not only support their personal development but also provide them a strong foundation for GCSE success in the Creative Arts. Design & Technology includes Food Technology, Woodwork, Architectural Design and Textiles which are taught on rotation to ensure all pupils experience each discipline. Pupils enjoy learning in our well-resourced specialist teaching spaces.
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from RE. If you wish to exercise this right, please contact our Head of RE, Ms Komba-Kono, via the School Office.
As a school that supports pupils to be able to acquire the English Baccalaureate, all pupils are taught Geography, History, Computer Science and a language.
Pupils’ health and wellbeing is greatly supported by our Philosophy, Identity and Ethics ( PIE) lessons whereby pupils can learn about all the topics in the RSHE framework including mental and physical health, how to stay safe online and healthy relationships. Regular P.E lessons ensure pupils access regular exercise and learn about a variety of sports.
Please find below the list of subjects studied in each year group of key stage 3 and how many lessons are allocated over a two week timetable:
For further information, please contact Krista Mitchell, Deputy Head Teacher.
Teaching Hours Per Subject
Key Stage 4
This stage of the curriculum builds upon the knowledge and skills learnt at Key Stage 3. To support pupils attaining the English Baccalaureate, they can study a combination of History or Geography, a Language, Sciences as well as Maths and English Language & Literature. The school strongly encourages pupils to take examinations in community languages with many pupils achieving academic success in a wide range of languages.
There are a wide range of subjects that pupils can study at Key Stage 4. The broad range of Design & Technology subjects include Food & Nutrition, Product Design and Textiles. Sociology is also taught from Year 10 to provide a pathway to studying this subject at Key Stage 5. To support pupils’ access to subjects, there are vocational qualifications offered in Digital Information Technology , Health and Social Care and Enterprise for Business.
All pupils study RE and are given the opportunity to take the Short Course as outlined by the SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) guidelines. The pupils’ wellbeing is still supported by tailored Philosophy, Identity and Ethics lessons, as well as PE for all pupils.
Please find below the list of subjects offered at key stage 4 over a two week timetable:
- Art (GCSE)
- Computer Science (GCSE)
- Drama (GCSE)
- DT (GCSE)
- English Literature (GCSE)
- English Language (GCSE)
- Enterprise (BTEC)
- French (GCSE)
- Geography (GCSE)
- Health & Social Care (BTEC)
- History (GCSE)
- King’s Trust
- NCFE Health & Fitness
- PE (Core & GCSE)
- PIE (Philosophy, Identity & Ethics)
- RE (Short Course)
- Science – Triple (GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Science – Combined (GCSE)
- Sociology (GCSE)
- Spanish (GCSE)
For further information, please contact Krista Mitchell, Deputy Head Teacher.
Teaching Hours Per Subject