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. High academic standards coupled with exceptional pastoral care and an extensive range of enrichment opportunities ensure that our students grow and develop personally as well as academically.
Key Stage 3 encompasses Years 7 - 9, offering students a broad and balanced curriculum that closely follows the National Curriculum for England while adding a wider international dimension. In Years 7 and 8, students are taught a diverse range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Languages, Arts, Design Technology, Physical Education, and Computing. This exposure helps them build a strong foundation for future academic success. In Year 9, students continue to build on this foundation with a curriculum designed to deepen their knowledge and skills in preparation for their GCSE/IGCSE choices. A dedicated programme supports students as they begin to make informed decisions about their academic paths, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
As students' progress into KS3, 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.
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.
This is fostered through a challenging academic curriculum that encourages independent learning and critical thinking. Students are also motivated to pursue their passions in various extra-curricular activities, preparing them to achieve their full potential and become confident, capable leaders.
Our students face academic challenges designed to enhance their problem-solving abilities and intellectual resilience. These challenges extend beyond the classroom into a variety of extra-curricular activities, ensuring students develop a well-rounded and robust approach to overcoming obstacles.
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.
