Our Curriculum

Key Features of Our Curriculum:

Ambitious and Challenging for All Students:

We provide a challenging curriculum for all students, including those with SEND, ensuring that every individual has access to a robust and relevant education. All students have the opportunity to study a language, fostering cultural understanding and global awareness. 

Knowledge & Skill Development

Our curriculum emphasises knowledge and skill development in every subject, breaking down topics into big ideas and equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to grasp them effectively. This structured approach allows students to see the connections between different concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of each subject. 

Emphasis on Literacy and Oracy: 

Recognising the importance of literacy skills, particularly at Key Stage 3, we prioritise literacy and oracy development. Our curriculum aims to bridge any gaps in literacy mastery from primary school, ensuring all students are equipped with the essential communication skills for success. 

Engaging, Relevant, and Achievable Courses:

Our curriculum offers a broad range of subjects, including technology, art, drama, PE, and computer science, ensuring students have opportunities to explore their interests and talents. We prioritise engaging and relevant courses, protecting our broad curriculum at Key Stage 3 and promoting a range of academic and vocational courses for all students beyond. 

Character Development:

Through the Character and Personal Development Curriculum, we aim to develop essential life skills such as resilience, organisation, and leadership. Curriculum enrichment days and participation in  clubs further enhance students’ personal and social development. 

Careers Development

Our integrated Careers plan prepares students for the workplace, offering opportunities such as work experience, careers days, mock interviews, and partnerships with colleges and sixth forms. We prioritise exposing students to real world experiences and pathways to further education and employment. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Development:

We foster an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes nurture through rigour. By encouraging an open dialogue about mental health and promoting a culture of empathy, nurture and respect, we aim to help students feel comfortable in their own skin so that they are well equipped to thrive in the world.

Supporting Pastoral Needs: 

We pride ourselves on the exceptional support we provide to every child, including access to learning support areas, mental health services, mentoring, counselling, and a dedicated team of staff members committed to student wellbeing. At Harefield School, our curriculum is more than just a series of lessons; it’s a holistic approach to education that prepares students for success in school and beyond. 

Key Stage 4 Curriculum here