Curriculum Introduction

We believe every student deserves the chance to achieve their full potential. That’s why our curriculum is designed to:

• Provide high academic challenge alongside personalised support
• Cater for a range of learning styles and abilities
• Inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of learning
• Develop the knowledge, skills and values needed for life beyond school

Our curriculum spans academic, vocational and creative subjects, and is enriched by opportunities beyond the classroom. From Year 7 to Sixth Form, students are supported to aim high and discover their individual strengths.

We offer a broad and flexible GCSE curriculum, allowing students to follow traditional academic pathways or explore creative and vocational options. All students study core subjects:

Core Curriculum:

• English Language and Literature
• Maths
• Combined or Triple Science
• PRE (GCSE)
• PE and Life Skills (non-examined)

Options Subjects: (students choose three)

• Geography, History, French or Spanish
• Art, Photography, Media, Drama, Dance, Music
• Product Design, Food & Nutrition, Engineering
• Computing, Business Studies, Child Development
• BTEC Sport, Construction, and other vocational pathways

We are committed to supporting every student to succeed, and do not accelerate GCSE exams unnecessarily. Instead, we focus on depth of learning, wellbeing and preparation for life after school.

We offer a wide range of A Level and vocational courses that support students to continue their academic journey, explore future pathways, and prepare for adulthood.

Students also receive:

• Daily form time focusing on study skills, current affairs and personal development
• One hour of PRE per fortnight, exploring philosophy, ethics and personal reflection
• Opportunities for enrichment, buddy programmes, and student leadership

A Level and BTEC options include:

• Humanities, Sciences, English, Maths, Languages
• Performing and Creative Arts
• Business, IT, Sport and Applied qualifications

Students without a Grade 4 in English or Maths retake these subjects as part of their study programme.

Work Experience All Year 12 students complete a work experience placement aligned to their career interests. This is supported by a full programme of university visits, careers advice and mentoring.

Assessment at Chiltern Hills is about more than just grades. We assess effort, progress and attitude through a range of classwork, homework and key assessments.

Parents receive four progress reports per year, showing:

• Current grades
• Attitude to learning (graded 1–4)
• Minimum target grade based on Key Stage 2 outcomes

We use a clear and consistent reporting system to help families understand progress and support learning at home. Parents also have the opportunity to meet teachers at annual Parents’ Evenings (twice in Y11 and Sixth Form).

Our curriculum is enriched through:

• Work-related learning opportunities
• Drop-down days for careers, business and cultural experiences
• Trips, visits and events to broaden horizons
• A full Duke of Edinburgh programme
• Creative and expressive arts showcases

We also run a Life Skills curriculum covering topics such as healthy relationships, drug education, online safety, financial literacy and wellbeing.