Curriculum Policy
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The Curriculum at Harton Academy aims to empower students for life beyond school as successful, confident, responsible and tolerant citizens who have
- a love of learning and willingness to apply themselves to challenges;
- high aspirations and belief in their own abilities to achieve success;
- a sense of enquiry, the ability to question, solve problems and argue rationally;
- a broad and balanced knowledge and understanding and range of transferable skills;
- resourcefulness, independence and the ability to work effectively as a team;
- competence in literacy, numeracy and in the use of information technology;
- skills in our specialist areas of technology, languages and applied learning;
- creativity, critical awareness, empathy and sensitivity;
- moral and spiritual values and respect for the values of others;
- the initiative to play a positive, active role in the community.
All staff are expected actively to promote and secure the curriculum aims by providing a learning environment in which we:
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As a fully comprehensive, 11 – 18 school, we are committed to the principle that all students have a right to the highest quality of education. This means that we seek to ensure:
- Breadth and balance for all;
- Appropriate levels of expectation and genuine challenge;
- Relevance, continuity and progression in learning;
- Providing courses of study and teaching methods which are tailored to the wide range of needs, interests and aspirations of our students.
The day begins for all students with a short tutorial period or assembly. During the tutorial time in years 7,8 and 9 students take part in an Accelerated Reading programme.
Following tutorials, there is a teaching timetable of 5 hours per day, or 25 hours per week, although some students in Years 10 and 11 are involved in lessons beyond the normal 5-hour day. This compares favourably with the nationally recommended baseline of 24 hours
Qualifications and Courses Offered
It is our declared policy to enter all students for GCSE or appropriate examinations.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7,8,9)
At Key Stage 3 Students follow a three year course which includes studying the National Curriculum subjects of:
- Art
- Computer Science
- Design and Technology
- English
- French or Spanish
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
In addition, students complete;
- Social and Cultural Studies – a bespoke programme of study which includes a blend of Religious Education, careers, PSHE and citizenship.
All subjects fulfil National Curriculum requirements. The school regards a high level of computer literacy as an essential skill, and therefore, Science is taught within each year group and within most other subjects, with timetabled lessons in Design and Technology, Modern Foreign Languages and Science.
Students will study either French or Spanish from year 7, if parents have a preference for either of these languages we ask that they contact the school before May half term of year 6 and we will do our best to accommodate this.
| Subject | Hours per week |
| Art | 1.5 |
| Computer Science | 1.5 |
| Design and Technology | 2 |
| English | 4 |
| French or Spanish | 1.5 |
| Geography | 1.5 |
| History | 1.5 |
| Mathematics | 3.5 |
| Music | 1.5 |
| Physical Education | 2 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social and Cultural Studies (including R.E., Citizenship and PSHE) | 1.5 |
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
Students choose their “options” in year 9 and begin study for examination subjects in year 10. The core subjects English, Mathematics and Science, as well as ICT and Social and Cultural Studies, begin preparation in year 9 for final examination at the end of year 11.
At Key Stage 4, students take courses from a common core consisting of:
- English
- Dual Award Science
- ICT/Technology
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Social and Cultural Studies
They then make choices from a range of subjects, each delivered over two years. Subjects currently offered can be seen below.
GCSE Subjects
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design and Technology: Food Technology
- Design and Technology: Product Design
- Design and Technology: Systems
- Design and Technology: Textiles Technology
- Design and Technology: Craft
- French or Spanish
- Geography
- Health and Social Care
- History
- Media Studies
- Music
- Physics
- Religious Education
Vocational Subjects (GCSE Equivalent – NVQ / BTEC
- Art and Design
- Business
- Child Care
- Engineering
- Health and Social Care
- ICT
- Music
- Sport
- Travel and Tourism
In addition:
- Grades 1 to 8 in Theory and Practice is offered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13)
Many Harton students progress into post-16 studies, and since 2010, they are able to do so in our own 6th Form Centre. The Sixth Form in our school consists of a combination of Harton students and a number of young people from a range of local schools.
The 6th Form Centre has state-of-the-art facilities in a pleasant business environment which includes a Media Suite, a Lecture Theatre, a Learning Resource Centre and some subject specific rooms. These specialist areas, combined with our new Sports Centre, a range of outdoor sporting facilities, all day access to refreshments and 6th form designated Internet Cafe along with a range of tutorial and general classrooms, create a productive environment in which young people are able to study.
The basic pattern for Sixth Form Students at Harton is a core day between 8:30am and 3:15pm, but sometimes involving lessons up to 4:15pm and beyond. Students generally select three subjects including a range of A-level and BTEC programmes of study. All programmes require nine hours of taught time per fortnight per subject plus additional private study time of a minimum of three hours per week.
Students also take part in an extensive enrichment programme on Wednesday afternoons which includes activities such as: Rock climbing, Sports Leadership Award, Music, Health & Fitness, Community projects, Business and Enterprise and learning a new language.
Our tutorial programme ensures the development of key transferable skills such as: research, problem solving, team work, presentation, personal development and work experience. All of these skills are essential for life after school and are sought by employers and Universities.
Progression is a key focus of Harton 6th Form and a team of tutors, along with a progress mentor and specialist careers advisor, ensure students move on to great things in the future. Preparation for life after school is at the heart of the 6th Form and every effort is made to ensure that students are fully informed and confident to pursue university and employment applications.
There is an extensive range of trips/excursions offered within the 6th form ranging from local to international expeditions. Students are encouraged to make the most of these.
Additional details can be found on the Harton 6th Form website at: www.hartonacademy.co.uk
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) Courses
A Level
BUSINESS / ICT
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Economics
COMMUNICATIONS
- English Language
- English Literature
- Media Studies
HUMANITIES
- Geography
- Government and Politics
- History
SCIENCE / MATHS / TECHNOLOGY
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Further Mathematics
- Mathematics
SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Law
- Philosophy and Ethics
- Psychology
- Sociology
SPORT & LEISURE
- Physical Education
BTEC
- Health and Social Care
Additional qualification/awards include: EPQ Extended Project, Core Mathematics, Duke of Edinburgh Award (Silver/Gold).
All courses are pending sufficient numbers; additional courses may be offered if there is sufficient demand.