The Curriculum

Years 7 to 9

In the early years the curriculum is broadly based with an emphasis on introducing pupils to as wide a range of subjects
as possible as well as on helping them acquire a sound foundation of the basic skills that they will need to make effective progress as they move up through the School. All pupils study the following subjects: English, Mathematics, French or German, Spanish, Latin/Classical Civilisation, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Music, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Religious Studies and Physical Education.

Years 10 and 11 (GCSE)

In the Summer of Year 9 pupils select their GCSE options for Years 10 and 11. In addition to a compulsory core of
English, Mathematics, a modern foreign language and one Science, five options are chosen. The option groups are
designed to allow pupils to pursue their interests while ensuring that they follow a balanced programme of study. The subjects available include Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials or Electronics), Drama, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, Information and Communication Technology, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Physical Education, Single Science and Spanish.

The Sixth Form

The Halliford Sixth Form is co-educational.  The following subjects are available at A and AS level: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials or Electronics), Economics, French, Geography, German, History, Information and Communication Technology, Latin, Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Spanish and Theatre Studies.  In addition all pupils will complete a Critical Thinking AS Level during their time in the Sixth Form.

Setting and Class Sizes

Class sizes are small and are based on three forms of 22.  Setting is introduced in Year 8 to four sets for Mathematics and Modern Languages.  In Year 9 all subjects are divided into four classes to bring class sizes down to well under 20 pupils. In addition setting is introduced for the Sciences. In Years 10 and 11 the core subjects are taught in four sets with the average size for all teaching groups at GCSE being 14 pupils. At AS and A Level the average size is 10 pupils or lower.

Study Skills

Study skills are taught at every stage throughout a pupil's career at Halliford. Three different methods are used:  via individual subject teachers, via tutors and via specialist courses in Years 10 and 12.

PSHE and Civics

PSHE and Civics are taught through a combination of a co-ordinated cross-curricular programme and during some tutor periods. The behaviour, attitudes and bearing of staff and senior pupils also provide positive moral and civic examples.