Curriculum Principles & Overview

The mission of our curriculum is to ensure that our students:

are happy and safe at the College and can learn successfully within a supportive environment
can achieve their full potential personally, academically and socially
develop and grow as independent, resourceful and resilient individuals
are equipped with the skills, qualifications and love of learning they will need to be successful in the world they will join as adults

Our curriculum will provide pupils with the core knowledge that they need for success, alongside a wide range of opportunities which will help them to develop into successful citizens. We recognise that our pupils come from different backgrounds, having had different experiences. It is important that these are embraced at the College. All pupils will have equal access to a rich and diverse curriculum which broadens their perspective, and which supports all students to achieve their very best.

We believe that it is essential that all children acquire mastery of reading, writing and mathematics to be successful in their education and in life. This is a core principle in the design of our curriculum, accounting for a weighting of timetabled time towards these subjects in all key stages.

We also place great emphasis on the successful acquisition of knowledge. Therefore, academic disciplines are taught as discrete subjects by specialist teachers. Learning is enhanced through a variety of experiences and visits.

Key Stage 3 - Years 7–9

Students follow a largely traditional 3-year curriculum in Key Stage 3. Students are taught in mixed ability groups in all subjects except for Science, English and Maths. Specific learning difficulties are identified, and other special needs addressed, including those of the more able students. Setting in Year 7 is based initially on KS2 SATs results. Thereafter we look regularly and closely at progress. Students study one of three MFL subjects (French, German or Spanish). Additional language experience can be gained through enrichment opportunities.

Key Stage 4 - Years 10–11

In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Physical Education and Sciences, KS4 options are chosen. These are designed to provide a GCSE programme whereby the core is enriched by a choice of subjects incorporating ICT, Modern Foreign Languages, the Arts and Humanities and Business Education. We offer excellent advice to all students to determine the most appropriate GCSE options for them. Work Related Curriculum, which involves Careers Education, Enterprise Education and Work Experience prepares students for the world of work and is an integral part of cross-curricular curriculum.

Post-16 Study

Students can choose from a wide range of Advanced Level and BTEC courses at Hatcham College.

Personal Social Health and Citizenship Education is compulsory throughout all three key stages.

For more information on the Hatcham College curriculum, please contact Vice Principal Dave Webb via the main Hatcham email address: hatchamcollege@habstrustsouth.org.uk

Curriculum Maps

Below you can find curriculum maps for each year group to better understand what students will be learning in each subject.

GCSE Options

View our Key Stage 4 (GCSE Subject Options Booklet

See the Options Evening Slideshow

Haberdashers' Hatcham College