‘You have broadened the curriculum so that pupils arriving from different schools can continue to study the same subjects, build on what they have studied previously, and use the same learning resources. A wider range of additional activities stimulate pupils’ interest and enrich their learning well. For example, during the inspection, staff from a local museum brought a selection of artefacts into school to promote pupils’ curiosity and develop their wider understanding. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to broaden their learning.’
OFSTED, 2018
Curriculum ethos
HHTS curriculum is designed to reflect our values, which include:
- Having high expectations
- Enabling a breadth of learning opportunities
- Encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning
- Being active members of the global community and finding ways of contributing to positive change
As a Rights Respecting School, the UNCRC articles also inform our policy and practice:
‘All children have the right to learn and to an education that develops their personality, talents and abilities to the full’
Articles 28 & 29
‘Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities’
Article 30
Curriculum offer
Our team of teachers and Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) provide a range of subject specialisms and areas of expertise. Staff work across CAMHS Campus School at Springfield Hospital, the School at St George’s Hospital and community education services. This enables us to offer a breadth of subjects across all the sectors of the organisation, including key stage specialists.
Our curriculum is broad; going beyond the National Curriculum and encompassing academic study, creative expression and vocational skill development.
Our curriculum is responsive; timetables are altered regularly to meet the needs of learners as they join us. New subjects are developed and rotated in as needed. Our skilled staff team are able to deliver course content and accreditations across National Curriculum subjects while also developing enrichment subjects in response to pupils’ interests and needs.
Our curriculum strikes a balance; HHTS staff liaise with students’ home schools to ascertain programmes of study and expected levels of progress and then prepare and deliver work accordingly. This multi-faceted approach, balancing academic and enrichment with hospital and home school curricula, ensures that all students have the opportunity to flourish in their learning whilst taking their particular mental health and medical needs into account.
Examinations and accreditations
Our flexible approach ensures maximum access to exams both on and off site as HHTS works closely with pupils’ home schools to ensure continuity of exams, at whatever point students may join or leave us.
Learning is accredited through a wide range of external accreditations, including GCSEs, Functional Skills, BTECs, A Levels and the AQA Unit Award Scheme. We are also a Signature Centre; enabling us to assess students for British Sign Language Level 1 and 2 examinations.
We are continuously adding to our offer, and increasing the exam boards that we work with.
