Core subjects

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Competencies

Biology

We aim to deliver a foundation of fundamental principles in Biology via explorative and practical lessons. The topics will include studying the variety of life around us, to the collaborative work of basic components within a biological system. The skills that we aim to instil in our pupils range from being able to analyse complex problems to evaluating conclusions, using evidence extracted from laboratory-based work.

Chemistry

We aim to equip our pupils with an awareness that Chemistry is all around them. Removes will explore atomic structure and the history of the periodic table along with many other fundamental chemical principles. They will develop a range of skills such as reasoning, problem-solving and experimental design. From this, they will find new ways of looking at the world and widen their appreciation of a science which is central to every aspect of their lives.

Physics

The curriculum will increase the understanding of the role that Physics and associated technologies play in solving many problems faced by society and how scientific methods can be applied to a range of different disciplines in everyday life. Pupils will enhance their scientific literacy and become confident with their practical, research, problem-solving and collaborative skills, while carrying out scientific investigations.

History

The History curriculum introduces pupils to the tumultuous 20th Century. Through their study of World War One and World War Two, pupils gain an insight into geopolitics, modern society and the impact of totalitarianism. They see the best and worst of humanity, using modern sources of history as tools for investigation and sparking their intellectual curiosity. Pupils are encouraged to think critically about the representation of events and concepts we study, and why we study them.

Geography

Geography at Haileybury looks to prepare students to have an appreciation of global issues and consider ways that we can mitigate the negative impacts of the flows and movements of people, ideas and goods. Pupils will cover a variety of topics that fall into the categories of physical and human geography – it is the conflict created when humans interfere with nature and vice versa that will shape their future. Pupils will interpret, present and analyse data in a variety of different ways – a skill crucial in all subjects.

Theology & Philosophy

Pupils will be able to ask – and begin to answer – vital questions of human existence. They will chart their place in the cosmos as something unique, engaging with the work of Plato and Aristotle as foundational voices in the emergence of a Western Philosophy. They will explore the formation of a distinctive moral framework, asking profound questions about the nature and function of human society. Practical emphasis will be found in the study of conflict, through Just War theory and a visit to the battlefields of the Somme.

Modern Foreign Languages

Choose one: French, Spanish, German, Ab Initio German or Ab Initio Italian

French

Pupils begin to study the topics, themes, skills and grammatical concepts to prepare them for language learning. The aim is to consistently reinforce the vocabulary and structures needed later for writing and speaking. In this way, the course is designed to reflect language learning via immersion whereby vocabulary and structures are picked up simply by constant exposure at levels the pupils can understand.

Spanish

Pupils will have the opportunity to consolidate and extend their previous knowledge of the language by studying a range of topics both culturally and linguistically relevant to them. They will learn about the Hispanic world, famous artists, places and traditions through stories and audio-visual material. They will be exposed to engaging and motivational resources that will promote deep understanding of grammatical tenses and structures.

German

Traditional topics such as family, health and hobbies will be taught through imaginative background themes which includes exploring Berlin to give students a better understanding of life and culture in Germany’s most vibrant and historically rich city. Emphasis will be placed on the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, with special focus on conversational skills.

Ab Initio German or Italian

The Ab Initio option is a foreign language learning programme designed to be studied by students who have no previous experience of learning the target language. Each theme has a list of topics that provide pupils with opportunities to practise and explore the language as well as to develop intercultural understanding. Pupils will be able to communicate in speech and writing and deal adequately with familiar and practical needs.

Latin

Classical subjects are interesting and make you interesting. They are the study of people both similar and different from us. Anything you find interesting can be found in the Classical World, from sport to stories and from myth to magic. The course will continue a pupil’s language learning and, through comprehensible input and storytelling, they are guided through the exciting world of the Romans, focusing on conflict and rebellion in the first term and then introducing the hugely important innovations of the Romans that still resonate today.

Art

Art at Haileybury aims to equip pupils with the skills they need to be able to interpret and understand sources, engage with new technologies and hone the fundamental skills. Problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking and creativity are all core skills that are developed. Pupils are encouraged to consider how they can transfer this knowledge across the curriculum.

Wellbeing

At this crucial stage of their development, pupils need to understand themselves as individuals, as young people, and as learners. The Wellbeing course teaches them to be digitally literate and safe online while maintaining healthy bodies and healthy minds. They will begin to understand relationships, sex and sexuality as well as discovering more about finance and future career pathways.