Henbury School Curriculum Policy
Aim
The aim of the curriculum is to ensure that every student is equipped academically to
reach his or her future potential.
The school recognises that the curriculum is the entire planned learning experience
that a student engages with in school including lessons, routines and events.
The curriculum provided at Henbury School aims to ensure that every student is an
effective learner and is actively engaged in learning experiences that are enjoyable,
challenging and appropriate. The curriculum is planned to enable students to
develop skills and understanding which support them in achieving their potential,
both within their school careers and as lifelong learners. To this end, we teach
students explicitly to analyse the ways in which they can learn most effectively.
Curriculum Plan
We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes the academic, personal
and physical development of all our students and prepares them for the next stage of
education, training or employment. We work in partnership with other providers,
where appropriate, to access the best opportunities for individual students.
The curriculum is enriched by the provision of extra-curricular activities which are
publicised and accessible to all students, through our ‘Lesson 6’ programme
We provide effective careers education and advice for all students
Key Stage 3
Each student studies:
English
Maths
Science
Art
Dance
Drama
French
Geography
History
ICT
Italian
Music
Personal Development
Physical Education
Religious Education
Design & Technology
In order to respond more effectively to students’ strengths and needs, there is some
flexibility in the curriculum plan for KS3. Able linguists will study a second language
from Year 8 and start a language GCSE in Year 9.
Our most able scientists will start their GCSE studies in Year 9, with the top set
studying separate Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Key Stage 4
As a core curriculum, each student studies:
English
Mathematics
Science
Physical education
Religious Education
All students experience work related learning (see separate policy) and use ICT
across the curriculum.
Students are offered a wide range of options to suit their ability and interests. These
include Arts, Humanities, ICT, Languages, Technology and vocational subjects.
In line with national policy, we ensure that all students capable of achieving level 2
qualifications take a range of GCSEs, that will equip them for further and higher
education. Vocational qualifications may complement these where appropriate.
Government policy suggests that students who are academically able should include
a modern foreign language and either History or Geography in their options, a
combination of qualifications known as the ‘EBacc’. Henbury School will ensure that
these options are available to all.
Some students will have an amended curriculum according to their skills or needs.
For example, students who have English as an additional language will always be
encouraged to take a GCSE in their home language, if available, and may be
withdrawn from other subjects for additional support. Students on the ‘Aimed’ project
at KS4 are educated largely off-site through an alternative curriculum which is more
active and engaging. Students will gain accreditation in English, Maths, Science and
more vocational subjects, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh award. A very few
students may be educated full time by other providers.
Agreed by Standards & Curriculum Committee 1 October 2012
Amended 3 September 2014
Review Date: October 2015