Curriculum

The curriculum in Key Stage 3 (Year-9) offers breadth, built around the foundations of progressive knowledge and skills required to enable progress.  It is important that it is appropriately sequenced.

The Lesson Leaders are the experts and are responsible for the construction and implementation of the curriculum within each subject, ensuring that every individual has an opportunity to progress.

We assess using Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT’s) upon entry to the Hestia school and gain feedback from wider professionals.   They provide key information about the academic ability and potential of each student and enable us to adapt work appropriately for all pupils.  

Through the use of additional assessments, including Reading Tests and subject formative / summative assessments, we develop a profile of each student that supports decisions regarding the appropriate curriculum work.

At Key Stage 3 each subject follows the National Curriculum, providing the pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes to be proficient learners and also providing an effective transition into Key Stage 4.

In Key Stage 3 the pupils will study:

•   English Language
•   Mathematics
•   Science
•   Humanities

.   Information Technology

•   Design & Technology
•   Physical Education
•   Art
•   Personal, Growth and development (PGW)

During the Spring term of Year 9, pupils will prepare for the beginning of their Key Stage 4 courses in Year 10. 

Guidance is offered through:

•   Careers within the curriculum

Subject presentations

•   Bespoke careers support in-house

At Hestia School, we are determined to ensure this guidance process is a well informed and positive experience in order for the right decisions to be made.  The structure of the programme has the individual pupil as a focus, with consideration given to the expectations placed on the academy and also by the academy to offer professional advice and guidance.  All learners and parent/carers are also invited to a guidance presentation in the Spring Term of Year 9.  The process of consultation and assigning the learners to subjects begins in the spring term through to July of Year 9.

Your child will be studying Functional Skills in English. We will be following the Edexcel syllabus which includes reading, writing and speaking and listening components. All students will have the opportunity to work towards a Level 2 which is equivalent to GCSE grade 4.

Your child will be studying Functional Skills in Maths. We will be following the Edexcel syllabus which includes the following themes: Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability, and Statistics. All students will have the opportunity to work towards a level 2 which is equivalent to GCSE grade 4.

Your child will be studying BTEC Applied Science following the Edexcel syllabus. Pupils will investigate the following themes: Principles of Science, Chemistry and Our Earth and Energy and Our Universe. Applied Science graded Level 1 and Level 2, Pass, Merit and Distinction. This course is equivalent to GCSE grade 1 – 9 depending on the work completed.

All students are required to do some PE each week to promote a healthy lifestyle and keep fit. This is not a formal qualification but pupils can opt to study Sport as part of the BTEC Vocational Studies.

We are excited to be developing the BTEC awards in PGW for our students.
Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualifications enables students to develop their skills and improve their confidence and self-esteem.
Students will develop skills such as communications, mathematics and ICT, as well as the personal skills and knowledge alongside developing independent growth such as developing resilience, personal identify and the coping mechanisms required for everyday life and work.

This qualification has also been designed to meet the requirements of the RSE (Relationship and Sexual Education) in England and Wales from September 2020.

This course is suitable for learners to develop a number of skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence to cook meals at home. They will also develop an understanding of how to economise when planning a meal and an ability to transfer skills learned to different recipes. The course will also enhance learners’ self-development by providing them with valuable life skills, preparing them for adult life. Pupils can work towards a Level 2.

This Level 1 course will run over the two years students will have an equal divide of practical sessions and written sessions. These units will help  develop a professional image and a range of communication skills. Alongside of which students will undertake the role of a salon assistant, which will be carried out in the schools fully equipped realistic on-site working salon. 

The tasks students will perform practically are: answering the telephone, booking appointments, preparation of the work stations, looking after clients, selecting correct styling tools, make-up application, nail preparations, nail art, shampooing and applying hair treatments. Using products correctly whilst following manufacturer’s instructions and using correct terminology for the services performed.

The written work will consist of creating posters, leaflets, mood boards and mind maps to show knowledge and understanding of the Hair & Beauty sector. We will also arrange external visits to look at the various working Salons in the area to see how they work on a daily basis and visit various wholesalers to replenish stock levels. 

The transferable and sector skills you will develop whilst on the course will enable you to progress to further learning accessing a level 2 course in college.

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Sport is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through vocational contexts by exploring the different types and providers of sport and physical activity and the equipment and technology available for participation as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.

They will also explore the different types of participant and their needs in order to gain an understanding of how to increase participation for others in sport and physical activity and further develop their knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology. Learners will undertake practical sessions to develop skills in planning and delivering sports activity sessions to participants.

The qualification enables learners to develop their sector-specific skills, such as sport analysis and sports leadership, using realistic vocational contexts, and personal skills, such as communication, planning, time management and teamwork through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment.

This involves a wide variety of subjects and topic areas for students to choose from. Available units are detailed below. Pupils can choose up to 6 different subject areas but the units offered might differ. Pupils can only study 1 unit within each subject area so please consider how chosen units are likely to support your career aims or future college courses:

• Land Based studies – This involves all aspects of animal care. There are units in caring for and feeding animals. The practical elements of these units will be done off site on our farm and may require students to work with live animals. 

• • Sport – In these units you will study how exercise affects the body and how you can encourage others to become fit and healthy. There is also an opportunity to play sports and assist with coaching within these units. 
  • Art and Design – In these units there is an opportunity to develop artistic skills by creating mood boards, prints and products. They require use of different media types and techniques but still allow for individual creativity. 

• Hair and Beauty- The aim of this unit is to give learners an insight into the main job roles within the hairdressing and beauty therapy sector and the types of career opportunities available.

• Business Marketing – In these units pupils could plan a meeting or present a Business idea. There’s also the opportunity to explore branding and marketing of products. 
• Construction – In these units pupils could explore basic construction skills such as drawing a plan of a room, building a simple wall or making carpentry joints. There’s also the opportunity to make an electrical circuit or develop building maintenance skills.
• Digital Media – The main aim of this unit is to offer pupils the opportunity to create a storyboard and short animation or film.
• Health & Social Care – This unit offers pupils the opportunity to be introduced to Health and Social Care. Pupils will be given the opportunity to explore and healthy lifestyles.
• Hospitality & Tourism – In this unit pupils are given the opportunity to investigate either the Hospitality or Travel industries. Within which they can explore preparing, cooking and serving work or explore visitor attractions or Travel and Tourism in the UK. 
• IT – In this unit pupils are given the opportunity to develop IT skills. Pupils could create a spreadsheet or create a website. There’s also the opportunity for pupils develop digital information and communication skills