THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM POLICY
The College curriculum is accessible, inclusive, challenging, flexible and on-line with a wider understanding of the internet as an enabling factor. It is a curriculum for the 21st century, blending the best of academic and vocational elements.

Through the National Curriculum and the Federation mission we aim to create an environment in which achievement is a prime factor. This is within a framework of equality of opportunity, spiritual, moral, cultural and social commitment and a balance of individual and institutional needs. Students are entitled to quality in all areas of their education and it is the leadership’s responsibility to ensure that this is maintained. A curriculum must demonstrate that it is providing value in relation to the resources which are invested in it. Ofsted rated “the College as outstanding across the board”, May 2008.

Wherever possible the College offers Single Sex teaching in Year 7-11, which enable us to personalise learning and maximise achievement.  We offer co-education at Post 16 in order to prepare for University, College and Life.  Boys and girls achieved equally well at Hatcham College.

We aim to enable students to pursue individual learning routes appropriate to their specific needs, wherever possible.

Key Stage 3

Students follow a common curriculum. Setting, based on students’ KS2 SATS results, is used in Year 7 for Maths and English and Science, whilst other Year 7 groups are initially of mixed ability.  Specific learning difficulties are identified and other special needs addressed, including those of the more able student.

Setting is introduced in a number of other subjects later in Year 7 or in Year 8.

All students have either French or Spanish from Year 7 to Year 9 with the aim of completing their GCSE early at the end of Year 10. In Year 8 the more able students will be able to study a second language.  The additional languages available from Year 8 will be in Mandarin, Portuguese, Latin & German.

From Year 8 students follow a Level 2 ICT course (AIDA) which is, for the majority of students, accredited in Year 9. This provides a full programme of major skills and practices.

Where appropriate students will be entered for Key Stage 3 SATS examinations in Year 8 and will begin the Key Stage 4 programme in Year 9.

Wherever setting operates there is regular monitoring to ensure that students are following a programme appropriate to their learning needs.

Key Stage 4

In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Physical Education and Sciences, KS4 options are chosen. These are designed to provide a GCSE and vocational programme whereby the core is enriched by a choice of subjects incorporating ICT, D&T, Modern Foreign Languages, the Arts and Humanities and Business Education.

In KS4 students can either continue with their first language or they can pick up an entirely new language and take it to GCSE level. Latin is also offered as an option at GCSE level.

The 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

Students are able to choose from a wide range of Advanced Subsidiary, Advanced Level courses and Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education and other vocational courses at Post 16 across the Federation, at either Hatcham College or Knights Academy.

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

Reporting and Assessment

At all stages students’ progress is regularly assessed and reported upon to parents. Ongoing assessment is essential in developing a curriculum to suit the needs of all our students.