Senior School Curriculum Hollygirt School

Curriculum

Hollygirt aims to provide a wide and varied curriculum and extra-curricular programme

Cognitive Science underpins all aspects of the curriculum and the school has access to in-house specialism in using ‘Desirable Difficulties’, especially the testing effect (retrieval practice) to prepare learners for life. In addition, test anxiety around high-stakes tests is addressed using the latest research; this is unique to Hollygirt.

In addition, our ACE (additional curriculum enrichment) provides further learning opportunities, subject support and ‘Stretch and Challenge’ through embracing concepts such as problem-solving, debating, growth mindset and emotional intelligence.

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) pupils take the following subjects:

  • English Language and Literature (including Drama)
  • Mathematics
  • Science (a general, practical-based course is run in Year 7. In Year 8 and 9 Biology, Physics and Chemistry are taught as separate disciplines)
  • French
  • Spanish and Language Awareness
  • History
  • Geography
  • Religious Studies
  • Art
  • Music
  • Design and Technology, Creative Textiles and Food and Nutrition
  • ICT/Computing
  • Games
  • PHSE

In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) the options are based around the choices the pupils make.

Compulsory Subjects:

  • English Language (IGCSE)
  • English Literature (IGCSE)
  • Mathematics (IGCSE)
  • PE (non examined)
  • PSHE (non examined) – click here for content information.

A further six choices are made from:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Statistics
  • History
  • Geography
  • Religious Studies
  • Music
  • Music Technology
  • Drama
  • Fine Art / Art and Design
  • Computer Science
  • Food and Nutrition
  • French
  • Spanish
  • PE
  • Business Studies

For a copy of the latest GCSE Options Booklet (2021 – 2023), click here.

Courses run as per the needs of the cohort and are subject to minimum class sizes.

“Senior school pupils develop a strong core of mathematical ability which they apply with confidence across the curriculum. They are supported and encouraged by well-structured teaching and the additional support which is available through clubs”

ISI Inspection eport, April 2022

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