There is a consistency in the positive mindset and approach to learning in students from Highdown. That can only come from a consistent approach from all staff in embedding those key attributes.
Every student will experience a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum throughout his or her five to seven year journey at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre. This will enable all students to acquire and develop knowledge, understanding and skills in English, mathematics, science, humanities, modern foreign languages and the Arts.
The focus of the curriculum through Years 7 to 9 is to develop a wide range of skills and will help to foster students’ thirst for learning through inspiring and relevant learning experiences. Through the wide variety of subjects, topics and themes studied, students will also develop the personal, learning and thinking skills required to succeed in their GCSE and/or Technical awards and qualifications and post-16 studies. The curriculum will develop creative, enquiring and independent learners adept at problem-solving and team work, providing a foundation for life-long learning.
The curriculum through Years 10 and 11 will offer a broad range of subjects for all students. Students will follow a package of courses (their ‘pathway’) which is personalised to best meet their needs and in which they can maximise their success, enabling progression to further education or training.
At post-16, Highdown School provides the opportunity to gain further qualifications for personal development and enhancing career prospects. As in Years 10 and 11, students study a package of subjects (their ‘Study Programme’) that best meets their needs and will provide a progression route to higher education, training or employment. Students will study a range of subjects, including traditional A-Levels, technical awards and qualifications, or a blend of these.
Students will develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness through the curriculum. A personalised programme of Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship education (PSHCE) through mentor time and Big Learning Days throughout the year will promote students maturing into healthy young citizens who will make a positive contribution to society.
The curriculum aims to develop successful, confident, independent, responsible and resilient young people, who are well-prepared for, and progress on to, further and higher education and/or employment.
Please find links here to information our curriculum, assessment and how we support learners' progress and achievement.