Handsworth Grammar School - Curriculum

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 - Years 7 to 9 Students enter the School at eleven years of age and are placed in one of five parallel ability forms according to information from their primary school and their performance in the eleven plus test. In Years 7 to 9 all students follow a common Curriculum based on the following subjects: Art; English; French; Geography; History; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Mathematics; Music; Physical Education (PE); Religious Education (RE); Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics); Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and Technology. Drama is studied in Years 7 and 8 and German is added in Year 8 being continued into Year 9.

During Year 9, students are asked for the choice of subjects they would like to study up to GCSE level. Careers advice is provided in PSHCE lessons and the courses are described in an Options booklet. Staff give information and advice to students to enable them to make informed decisions.

Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11

In Years 10 and 11 all students study a core of subjects made up of English (leading to GCSE English and GCSE English Literature), Mathematics, Science (three GCSEs in the separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics or a BTEC double award), plus option subjects chosen from Art, Business Studies, Design and Technology (Electronics, Graphics or Resistant Materials), BTEC Engineering, a modern foreign language (French or German), Geography, History, Music, RE and PE. This gives a maximum of ten full GCSEs. While every effort is made to enable students to take the subjects of their choice, this is not always possible if the course is oversubscribed or indeed under-subscribed. In addition students continue to study PSHCE (incorporating Careers guidance) and Games.

During Year 11, students attend an information evening with their parents in order that advice can be given regarding Post 16 opportunities. Students are asked for the choice of subjects they would like to study for A level. Extensive support is given to ensure that choices are made which are realistic and appropriate for likely career pathways.

Key Stage 5 - Years 12 and 13

The School has a successful and expanding Sixth Form offering excellent academic opportunities. The vast majority of our students choose to stay at HGS for their AS and A2 examinations before going on to Higher Education. Young women are able to join our Sixth Form and they bring a new dimension to School life.

The vast majority of students are expected to study four AS subjects in the Lower Sixth and at least three A2 subjects in the Upper Sixth, chosen from a range of over twenty possible subjects. In addition, some students take a course of study leading to General Studies A level. General Studies falls under the banner of Broader Studies where students can take options such as YASS (Open University courses) and Accountancy. Every effort is made to enable the preferred choice of course requested by students to be timetabled but where an option is not viable in terms of numbers and/or staffing, the Governors reserve the right to withdraw the subject option offer.

Students are supported through tutorial advice, directed private study, access to our library and extensive ICT facilities, a General Studies programme that incorporates RE and Careers guidance, a variety of study trips and visits, high quality help with Higher Education applications, work experience and the opportunity to continue with or experience new sport and leisure activities. An active School Council representing students' views is well run by members of the Sixth Form. There are also many opportunities for extracurricular activities and taking on roles of responsibility within the School. Throughout the School career of our students, we recognise our responsibility to ensure that they are adequately prepared for adult life and regard the work of the School as complementary to and supportive of the role of the parents.

Latin was removed from the curriculum in 2003, as well as Drama in 2005. Also, in the early 21st century the house system was removed and replaced by inter-form competitions, these comprise of various sports including Football,Table Tennis,Rugby,Hockey and Rowing(indoor)

The school woks with the local community, through various local events such as classroom in the park, and with local primary schools. It is also maintains strong links with other local schools through the well established Handsworth Association of Schools Cluster.