Our Curriculum
We have designed an inclusive curriculum which we believe will develop successful, confident, well rounded young people, able to stand shoulder to shoulder with their most successful peers. We believe in breadth but not at the expense of quality. We believe in choice but not without guidance. Our curriculum is carefully designed so that learning builds over time, allowing students to make links between topics and subjects. Rather than learning discrete pieces of information, we want our students to develop a complex, profound understanding of the world in which they live.
Our personal development programme covers a range of issues and current affairs as well as providing careers and work-related learning and, crucially, providing a forum in which to discuss the values we hold as a school, a community and a nation. Through a relentless focus on our three core values of aspiration, bravery and compassion, it takes a deliberate approach to developing students’ character and leadership potential. Unusually for a state school, we include enrichment within our timetabled curriculum to ensure that every student has opportunities to discover their talents and passions. We want our curriculum to serve as an inspiration to our students and encourage them to take their place in society confidently, with every student making their unique contribution to creating the future.
Years 7, 8 and 9
We believe that students should follow a broad and balanced curriculum for as long as possible. That is why our KS3 spans three years with all students having access to high quality teaching in Mathematics, English, Science, Geography, History, French, Art, Drama, Music, Design and Technology, Food, PSHE and Religious Education. Additionally, everybody in years 7, 8 and 9 has fortnightly Personal Development lessons,
Years 10 and 11
The curriculum at Key Stage 4 offers a wide range of subjects to choose from as students begin to tailor their own learning. At the core of our curriculum is a belief that the English Baccalaureate (English, Maths, Science, History or Geography and a language) provides the best range of experiences for the majority of learners, and that achieving well in these subjects will enable them to access more skilled employment and further education. All students have to choose at least one subject from History, Geography, French and German and are given a free choice from all other remaining subjects. The subjects on offer are extensive, covering the sciences and arts as well as disciplines within technology and sport. Examples of subjects that are new to students in Year 10 include Engineering, Film Studies and Photography. There is a good balance between academic and vocational qualifications, allowing students to enter a programme of study that suits their needs and aspirations. Students are given individual support and guidance from their year team and the senior leadership team throughout the options process.
Years 12 and 13
When students begin Advanced Level study they enter the Haverhill Community Sixth Form. Here they have their own purpose-built block that includes a range of study areas, a dedicated computer room and a cafe. And although the Sixth Form has its own distinct identity it still retains strong connections with the academy through the mentoring of younger students and with the house system. The Sixth Form offers over 25 different post-16 courses, including A Levels in Science, Maths, Languages, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, English, Media, Art, Photography, Product Design and more. We also offer a range of vocational courses at Level 3, including Health & Social Care, Business, ICT and Sport. Most students will start their A Level programme of study taking three courses, though some students may be able to study a fourth.