"Our educational philosophy is centred around what we call The Hartland Way. This is an incredibly strong and unwavering focus on the very best learning and teaching experience and high academic standards coupled with exceptional pastoral care and an extensive range of enrichment opportunities to ensure that our students grow and develop personally as well as academically."
Key Stage 3 encompasses Years 7 - 9, offering students a broad and balanced curriculum that closely follows the National Curriculum for England while adding a wider international dimension. In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to a diverse range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, Arts, Physical Education, and Computing. This exposure helps them build a strong foundation for future academic success. In Year 9, students continue to build on this foundation with a curriculum designed to deepen their knowledge and skills in preparation for their GCSE/IGCSE choices. A dedicated programme supports students as they begin to make informed decisions about their academic paths, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Students in Years 7 - 9 have access to a wide array of extra-curricular activities designed to complement their academic learning and promote personal growth. The school offers over 100 enrichment activities, clubs, and societies, ensuring that there is something for every student. Traditional sports such as rugby, football, and swimming are available alongside a variety of other activities including chess, sailing, art, debating, drama, textiles, horse riding, skiing, and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Scheme. The Music and Drama departments are particularly vibrant, with peripatetic lessons available in numerous instruments and disciplines, and the LAMDA programme for drama being highly popular. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in charitable initiatives, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
Each student is supported by a cohesive pastoral team, which includes Form Tutors and Heads of Year who monitor progress, general well-being, and set challenging targets. Form Tutor groups are mixed and work closely with the House System, which promotes a competitive yet encouraging reward system. This approach not only recognises students' hard work and achievements within the school but also celebrates their accomplishments outside of it. High expectations are set for effort, commitment, behaviour, uniform, and appearance, fostering a positive work ethic among students. Additionally, student leadership pathways, such as the Student Council, Diversity Working Party, and Executive Student Leadership Team, are integral features of life at Hartland, encouraging a sense of responsibility and community spirit among students.
The morning begins with core subjects like English, Mathematics, or Science. Lessons are focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, and applying concepts to real-world situations.
Students then dive into subjects like history, geography, or social studies. The curriculum encourages independent research and inquiry, helping students explore global perspectives and historical contexts.
After a busy start to the day, students enjoy a break where they can grab a snack and socialize with friends. This time allows them to unwind and recharge for the next set of lessons.
Next, students have language lessons, choosing from Arabic, French, Spanish, or German. The focus is on building linguistic skills and understanding diverse cultures.
Students participate in specialist subjects like art, music, drama, or physical education. These lessons provide a creative outlet and help develop skills like teamwork, self-expression, and physical fitness.
STEM sessions involve hands-on projects and experiments that promote innovation and critical thinking. Whether designing models or conducting experiments, students engage in collaborative problem-solving.
Students enjoy a nutritious lunch and some relaxation time. Lunch breaks are also opportunities to participate in informal activities or clubs with friends.
The afternoon is dedicated to enrichment programs where students can explore extracurricular activities like robotics, debating, sports, or drama. These programs are designed to develop confidence, creativity, and leadership skills.
The day ends with a reflection period, focusing on wellbeing, goal-setting, and personal growth. Students engage in activities that promote mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
