Christ’s Hospital prides itself on delivering a vibrant curriculum that has both challenge and opportunity at its heart. The CH curriculum is made up of three interwoven parts: a stimulating academic curriculum which covers everything inside the classroom; an extensive broader curriculum which encapsulates everything outside the classroom; and a pastoral curriculum which has deep roots in the boarding house system complemented by a dynamic learning for life programme which teaches personal development. All three complement and support the progress of our students at every stage.
Subjects that are available as options currently are: history, geography, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin, Greek, art, drama, music, food and nutrition, design technology, graphic product, sports science and theology & philosophy.
Additionally, all students will have one period per week of PHSE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education.
Students in Year 9 also benefit from one period per week of Reasoning. A bespoke course which looks at the skills of reasoning and debate using a framework of Philosophy for Children (P4C), the course enables students to learn about truth and argument before practising it in discussions and debates within the class.
Students attend chapel services twice a week which include talks on varied topics, and they will also be placed in a small tutor group which meets once a week. The tutor explores topical, academic and personal issues with their tutor group. This, alongside the PSHE and year group assemblies, delivers a programme of individualised career advice for both post-16 educational and vocational experience, including the opportunity for students to investigate work experience during holidays.
The experience of sixth form at Christ’s Hospital is challenging, broadening, and supportive. It is also hugely rewarding and will provide an array of exciting challenges and experiences that not only prepare students for the rigours of A levels, but equip our students with key life skills, helping them to flourish regardless of career choice.
This two-year experience is shaped by a curriculum that frees students to i) explore and develop their personal talents and passions, ii) undertake scholarly research and exploration and iii) engage in critical thinking, reasoning, and debate of societal issues. Additionally, it offers scope to take more formal roles of leadership. The two years in the sixth form act as a bridge between the relative order of GCSE and the array of university and workplace opportunities beyond school.
Within the Extended Curriculum are a number of options to help students broaden and deepen their academic experience, including language options and a range of AS-level courses. Many students undertake an extended project (EPQ) which is carried out independently, under the guidance of a supervisor. It challenges students to think critically, read carefully write precisely in the development of a dissertation, or explore independent interests by creating an artefact or preparing a performance.
All students, irrespective of A level options, engage in the unique Christ’s Hospital Learning for Life (L4L) programme, designed to combine critical thinking, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), and preparation for post-school life. There are segments of the L4L course on critical thinking, exploring what knowledge is, and how to make decisions on wellbeing, inclusion, ethics, politics, religion, personal finance, and money. These themes are designed to develop the kind of skills students need to make better decisions and so go on to be happier, more fulfilled and socially aware adults.
Participation in a wide range of societies, sports, and activities beyond the classroom – underpinned by the support of the pastoral network around them – is an essential part of the sixth form curriculum at Christ’s Hospital.
Christ’s Hospital actively encourages breadth in the choice of A level subjects where possible and the three or four subjects offer room for this.
We believe academic potential is well measured by high grades at (I)GCSE and, therefore, hope that students will achieve a Level 7 or higher at (I)GCSE in subjects which are continued to A level, or in related subjects for those not offered at GCSE. It should be noted that if a student opts for a subject in which they have not achieved at least a Level 7, Christ’s Hospital requires consideration of other subjects as choices for A level study.
Deputy Grecians/Year 12 (only available to those taking 3 A-levels):
DG students have many options available, including ab initio modern language courses, and AS level courses in subjects such as psychology, politics, film studies, and global perspectives. These popular options enable students to study a subject that interests them and which may help inform their university applications.
Alternatively they may complete an extended project qualification (EPQ) which is equivalent to an AS-level. This provides students with the chance to take time to research a topic that is of interest to them, but which may not be related to their chosen courses. A successful EPQ demonstrates the student’s ability to work independently and engage academically with scholarly work. This is excellent preparation for university and the world of work. Research has shown that producing a good EPQ can improve a student’s exam results in Year 13. While most students elect to write an extended essay of approximately 6000 words, there are other attractive options, such as completing a piece of scientific research, creating an ‘artefact’ (e.g. an artwork, a design project, a media project), or putting on a performance (e.g. dramatic, musical, dance, a speech, etc.).
Grecians/Year 13:
All Grecians pupils will have the option to attend one subject extension course. These are run by each academic department and include topics such as the quantum realm in physics, architecture, 3D printing, politics, law, and international relations. The purpose of these sessions is twofold; first, to help prepare students for university level study and improve their applications; second, to promote and celebrate our students’ love of learning for its own sake.
Grecians who require additional support with their A level subjects will also be offered this as part of the Extended Curriculum. The timetable of lessons and support will be personalised to each student’s individual needs.
