Our educational philosophy is centred around what we call The Hartland Way. This is an incredibly strong and unwavering focus on the very best learning and teaching experience and high academic standards coupled with exceptional pastoral care and an extensive range of enrichment opportunities to ensure that our students grow and develop personally as well as academically.
Students in Key Stage 4 engage in a rigorous academic programme designed to prepare them for GCSE and IGCSE examinations. They follow a core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, and Sciences, alongside a range of elective subjects tailored to their interests and future aspirations. Elective subjects offered include History, Geography, Business Studies, Computer Science, Art and Design, Drama, Music, Physical Education, and Modern Foreign Languages (to check all available subjects, please check our GCSE Options Booklet for 2025-2026). This stage emphasizes the development of independent learning skills, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The dedicated faculties, renowned for their subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, ensure that students are well-supported and challenged to achieve their highest potential. Furthermore, students benefit from a structured programme that helps them make informed decisions regarding their subject choices and future educational pathways.
As students' progress into KS4, they have the opportunity to delve deeper into the passions nurtured in earlier years. Senior Junk Kouture and F1 in Schools allow students to advance their skills, while LAMDA and Theatre Under the Stars offer platforms to express creativity and build confidence. Sports such as athletics, football, and netball enable students to represent the school and compete against their peers from around the city. With an increased focus on academics, there are also regular opportunities for students to participate in supported study sessions and focussed groups to further support high performance in GCSE subjects.
Each student is supported by a cohesive pastoral team, which includes form tutors and Heads of Year who monitor progress, general wellbeing, and set challenging targets. Form tutor groups are mixed and work closely with the House System, which promotes a competitive yet encouraging reward system. This approach not only recognises students' hard work and achievements within the school but also celebrates their accomplishments outside of it.
High expectations are set for effort, commitment, behaviour, uniform, and appearance, fostering a positive work ethic among students. Additionally, student leadership pathways, such as the Student Council, Diversity Working Party, and Executive Student Leadership Team, are integral features of life at Hartland, encouraging a sense of responsibility and community spirit among students.
Our care encompasses a holistic approach, integrating rigorous academics, diverse extra-curricular activities, and comprehensive pastoral support. The supportive environment, fostered through mixed form tutor groups and the House System, helps students feel secure, valued, and part of a close-knit community.
