Learning at HCHS

English and Mathematics are central to our curriculum, but we do not allow either of these subjects to dictate our curriculum avoiding the trap some schools have fallen into when pursuing literacy and numeracy to the exclusion of almost everything else.

Our curriculum is broad, balanced and tailored to the ages and needs of the children. It is practical, tactile, visual and auditory, taking the best of the National Curriculum without being bound by red tape or inappropriate expectations.

2 MODERN LANGUAGES

12 AVERAGE PUPILS
PER CLASS

14 SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN KEY STAGE 2

8 AVERAGE WEEKLY 'CORE SKILLS' SESSIONS

3 WEEKLY ACCOMPANIED READING SESSIONS

In addition, for pupils in Year 4 upwards the school operates an 11+ plus after school club, staffed by our specialist Year 5 teacher, who is also an experienced 11+ tutor.

In Year 5, the key preparation time for entrance examinations to our two local selective Grammar Schools, to local and more distant State, Grammar and Independent schools. The requirements of these examinations are seamlessly woven into the curriculum.

The Headteacher retains a strong and open dialogue with all Heads and Admissions Departments of all Senior Schools, preparing children individually for whatever the requirements for transition are.

reading

All children read in class to their teachers, their peers and the younger members of our nursery

the passport

Our Passport reward systems records the progress of each child allowing them to own thier achievements

11+ prep

From Year 4 all students receive 11+ & entrance examination support in our dedicated 'Next Steps' suite

tailored

Our traditional approach to a modern education tailors each step in your child's journey to suit their needs, interests

Music is practical and offers opportunities to play all kinds of percussion, to compose and to sing. There is a school orchestra and a school choir. The latter is renowned locally for its quality and frequently invited to perform at Civic events. Lessons are available for a variety of instruments from visiting peripatetic music teachers.

Religious Education and assemblies are mainly Christian in approach, in accordance with the school’s tradition, but all faiths are embraced, celebrated and welcome.

PE is a strength of the school. Wherever possible children are given a physical education lesson every day. There are specialist teachers for swimming, which is taught weekly throughout the school, dance and gymnastics. All children also have general PE skills and games lessons.

Art and Design Technology give all pupils the chance for practical, creative work, with end-products of which they can be justly proud. Much attractive artwork by pupils is displayed around the school.

French & Spanish are taught throughout the school with many practical activities, games and songs – an emphasis on learning through having fun.

The extra length of our school day enables us to fit everything in without sacrificing any of the time needed to devote to academic subjects.

Curriculum documents can be downloaded here: