HHS Base Learning Curriculum -
Key Stage 3 and 4

The five year learning journey of students is broken down into a three year Key stage 3 and a two year Key stage 4 to facilitate maximum student progress and depth of understanding. This is the foundation of our HHS Curriculum.

Key Stage Three

Pupils study a curriculum that is both broad and balanced, with depth in KS3 for 3 years, and one that is taught by subject specialists from day one. Content is mapped backwards from Key Stage 5 and is, therefore, ambitious, challenging and inspiring. The curriculum is designed to unlock the inherent potential inside all students. Pupils are explicitly taught a ‘character’ programme through the CARES curriculum, in order to develop their understanding and appreciation of Harrogate High School’s values, and to learn about Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education.

Year 7 and 8 idealised model

Subject	HHS lessons per fortnight*
English	8
Maths	7
Science	6
History	3
Geography	3
RE	2
MFL	4
Art	2
Music	2
PE	4
CARES (Life@HHS)	2
Computing	2
Design Technology	4
Drama	2
Academic Enrichment/(Clubs)	2

Year 9 idealised model

Subject	HHS Lessons per Fortnight*
English	7
Maths	7
Science	6
History or Geography	3
MFL	4
RE or AP	4
Computing	2
Drama	1
Art	2
Music	2
Design Technology	4
Core PE & CARES	5
Academic Enrichment/(Clubs)	2

*Subject to adjustment in timetabling.

Key Stage Four

Key stage 4 National Curriculum requirements are set out in section 85 of the Education Act (2002). Students study a mix of compulsory subjects (core & foundation) and, if they so elect, study in four subject areas via options. In relation to science, students have a statutory entitlement to have access to a course of study leading to at least two science GCSEs.

Pupils are split across four pathways at the end of Year 9.

Details of the Key Stage Four Qualifications can be found in our Key Stage Four Examination and Curriculum Prospectus booklet.

KS4 Examination and Curriculm Propectus 2021 2022

We offer a range of guided pathways to GCSE to meet the specific learning needs of our students but to enable them all to be highly employable, students are steered increasingly towards Pathway 1 & 2 through CIAG and the options process:

Triple Science Ebacc Pathway 1 – Students who will complete triple science, MFL, RE and Humanities (approximately 30%)
Combined Science Ebacc Pathway 2 – Students who will complete double science, RE, MFL and Humanities (approximately 30%)

Note: Both these two pathways enable Ebacc achievement.

Non MFL Pathway 3 – Students who will complete double science, RE and Humanities or, vocational offer (approximately 35%)
Alternative Provision Pathway 4 – Double Science, Additional English, and no humanities, largely vocational offer and follow the alternative provision curriculum (Bushcraft BTEC Sport and Princes Trust) (approximately 5%)

Note: The fourth pathway supports our students who may need additional time to secure their progress in English to enable them to become highly employable and progress to a Level 3 course.

For the additional subject choices, we discuss individual curriculum pathways with pupils and their parents or carers at the end of Year 9, as pupils prepare for the transition to Key Stage 4. Each pupil will be interviewed with their parents or carers by a senior member of staff to discuss their option choices. They will have the option to choose four further subjects structured in the option blocks from:

Art
Graphics
Design and Technology
Music or Music Technology (Rock School)
Drama
Physical Education or Sport Science Vocational Studies
Religious Education
Computing Science
Business Studies or Economics
ICT Vocational Studies or Computer Science
Leisure and Tourism Vocational Studies
Health and Social Care Vocational Studies
Psychology
Hospitality and Catering

If the desire and attainment is there, and some pupils will work towards a heritage (home) language GCSE, supported by our Modern Foreign Languages department.

All of the options subjects offered at Harrogate High School will meet the qualification requirements for Best 8 subjects.

Subject	HHS Lessons per Fortnight*
English	8
Maths	6
Science	8
History or Geography	5
MFL	5
RE or AP	4
Option 1	5
Option 2	5
Option 3	5
Option 4	5
Core PE & CARES	4
Extra Study Support **	8

As part of the legal requirement placed on schools in Section 85 of the Education Act (2002), schools must also provide religious education, sex and careers education at Key Stage 3 and 4. This will be fulfilled via the CARES Curriculum and Life@HHS lessons.

Religious Education

Religious Education is delivered to all students through Key Stages 3 and 4. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education if they wish.

Sex and Relationships Education

The school provides sex education for all students through the Key Stage 3 and 4 curricula. A full statement of the school's sex education policy is available to parents. In accordance with the law the biological aspects of human reproduction remain compulsory for all students. This is delivered through Science. Parents may withdraw their children from any other part of the sex education provided without giving reasons. Further details can be found in the Sex and Relationships Education Policy.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and wellbeing

Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is a non-statutory, but important and necessary, element of all students’ education. The delivery of PSHE is done through the statutory Key Stage 3 and 4 CARES curriculum, the daily Tutor Group programme, drop down days, assemblies, educational visits, guest speakers and through Guidance lessons. PSHE education includes drug education, financial education, sex and relationship education (SRE) and the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle. This provision is mapped, ensuring students have a sequential provision across all key stages.

Careers Education (CIAG)

The school provides careers education and guidance for all students in Years 7-11 about the pathways and choices which are open to them. This is done through the CARES Curriculum and meetings with a Careers Coordinator, Vertical Mentor Groups, drop down days, assemblies, external agencies and guest speakers and through Guidance lessons. The aim of our careers education is to help every pupil develop high aspirations and consider a broad and ambitious range of careers. Further details can be found in the Careers Education and Guidance Policy.

Political Education and British Values

The promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school is forbidden by law. Political issues are introduced in a number of courses and are presented in a balanced manner. Harrogate High School actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are officially taught through Religious Education, the CARES Curriculum, the extended opportunities in drop down days and are part of all teaching and learning through the school’s ethos and promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion

Entry to all programmes of study is based on suitability and appropriateness, regardless of race, disability, religion or belief. In accordance with the statutory requirements relating to disabilities, the school aims to make the curriculum accessible to all students as far as is reasonably practicable. We believe that every child should have an equitable educational experience and we work closely with students, their families and when required, external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for our young people. For further information on Equal opportunities and our inclusive school wide approach, please follow the link below.

SEND and Inclusion Information

We believe this offer will prepare Harrogate High School students to attend the best universities in the country or embark on a higher-level apprenticeship of their choice.

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