“For every student, regardless of background or circumstance, to acquire the knowledge and develop the qualities which will open the door to the future of their choice.”
– Laurus Trust Vision
Laurus Trust schools provide an excellent and rounded education for all their students, regardless of their individual backgrounds, preparing them well for their future careers.
Our curriculum ensures that every student recognises what it takes to succeed, sets aspirational goals and works hard to achieve them with the support of a highly qualified and dedicated team of education professionals. It is shaped by the students as it responds to their individual needs and is underpinned by the Four Cornerstones of the Laurus Trust.
Our approach to the curriculum also complies with the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice 2014. Further information on how we ensure the curriculum is accessible to students with SEND can be found in the Equality Policy on the Laurus Trust Policies page and in our SEND Information Report on the SEND Policies & Reports page.
All subjects follow the relevant national curriculum programme of study. For more information please see National Curriculum – DfE (GOV.UK).
Key Stage 3 Overview
Year 7
Upon entry into Year 7, students are placed into one of 10 Tutor Groups and these are divided into two bands.
Students are taught in mixed groups in all subject areas with support provided as necessary by subject teachers and Learning Support Assistants.
For MFL, students either study French, German or Spanish and this is determined by their Tutor Group. They will continue with their allocated language until the end of Year 9, when they take their GCSE.
View the Year 7 Knowledge and Skills Guide for more information.
Year 8
In Year 8, arrangements are similar to Year 7 for all subjects apart from English, MFL and Maths where students may be re-grouped by attainment, if needed, to allow for additional support. Most groups, however, remain mixed.
View the Year 8 Knowledge and Skills Guide for more information.
Year 9
In Year 9, arrangements are similar to Year 8 with the addition of Science being added to English, MFL and Maths having some mixed and some attainment-based setting, as needed. All other subjects remain as mixed groups. In Year 9, students sit their GCSE in either French, German or Spanish. Students also take their Options towards the end of Year 9.
View the Year 9 Knowledge and Skills Guide for more information.
Curriculum Structure
Key Stage 3
| Subject | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Mathematics | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Science | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Art | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| RS/PSHE | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Design & Technology | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Computing | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Geography | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| History | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Languages | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Performing Arts | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| PE | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total lessons | 56 | 56 | 56 |
HGHS works on a two-week, 56 lesson timetable cycle. All lessons are 55 minutes in duration.
Right to withdraw children from Religious Studies (RS): Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Studies (RS), this is in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act. Parents/carers considering withdrawal from RS should contact the head teacher to arrange a discussion. (Parents/carers can only withdraw their child from RS, not other curriculum areas. For example, students can’t be withdrawn from a study of religious art in an Art lesson, or parts of the History curriculum such as the study of Christian conversions).