Our Curriculum
At Holmleigh Park High School we believe that all students are entitled to a curriculum that provides intellectual, cultural, moral, creative and physical enrichment. We provide a broad, balanced and rigorous curriculum that inspires and challenges students to be the very best they can throughout school and into their future.
Our curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure that students learning develops progressively in each subject. The curriculum is constantly reviewed and is a product of collaboration between teachers in the school and within the trust.
The curriculum has been designed with the needs of all learners taken into consideration, especially those with additional learning needs. Further information can be found in our SEN report, available on our policy and document page.
Each subject has developed a curriculum that is built around core concepts and knowledge and the understanding of these is fundamental to becoming successful learners.
The curriculum at Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) focusses on giving students the broadest experience as possible in the arts, languages, humanities and technical subjects, while maintaining a strong focus on the core subjects of English, mathematics, science, PSHE, RS and PE. In addition to this choir is a valued part of our curriculum in Year 7 and 8.
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), the curriculum is a combination of both core and optional subjects that is structured to allow for maximum flexibility of choice. There is a broad range of both academic and vocational subjects which allow students to study the arts, humanities, languages, sport, business and much more.
In our Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) we offer an academic or technical curriculum covering a broad range of subjects that will enable students to progress on to top universities or into competitive apprenticeships.
To find out more about our curriculum, please contact our Deputy Headteacher (Academic), Mr Andy Park (a.park@hphigh.co.uk).
English
Why is it important to study English?
English is the foundation for all effective communication. The study of English encourages an imaginative and thought-provoking engagement of language as well as inspiring curiosity in the world around us.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in English?
Exploring the power of language through a broad and diverse range of texts enables you to become a confident writer, articulate speaker and thoughtful reader. English provides a window into other worlds, times and cultures as well as holding a mirror to ourselves to examine our identities and roles in society.
What skills and knowledge will you have when you leave HPHS?
You will be confident users of core knowledge that stretches across KS3, 4 and KS5 and be able to apply that knowledge to both fiction and non-fiction texts. You will have become assured critical readers, adept creative writers and skilful orators. Clarity of communication is what will drive success in later life and so, within the curriculum, we endeavour to mould self-assured individuals that can express their opinions and develop their own voices.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying English will open both at school and beyond?
English is fundamental for future success in all elements of life, whether you choose to pursue higher education or employment. From writing a job application to writing an award-winning novel, English will provide you with an array of pathways and opportunities.
Success in English can lead you to an exciting list of possible opportunities including law, journalism, teaching, media, public relations, human resources, local government, social work, marketing, travel and tourism and publishing.
Mathematics
Why is it important to study Mathematics?
Mathematics is the language of the modern world. It empowers us to interpret data, solve problems, and make informed decisions in everyday life and work. From budgeting to navigating technology, maths underpins critical aspects of society, science, and innovation. Studying maths helps develop logical thinking, perseverance, and precision, skills vital for all careers and lifelong learning. It builds confidence in problem-solving and equips students to understand the world around them, from patterns in nature to the algorithms behind digital tools.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Mathematics ?
Through the study of mathematics you will develop an understanding and enjoyment of the subject by learning a rich and challenging programme of study. You will learn to become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics, reason mathematically and use your acquired knowledge to solve routine and non-routine problems.
What skills and knowledge will you have when you leave HPHS?
You should leave school as a confident problem-solver with strong reasoning and analytical skills. You will be able to communicate mathematical ideas clearly, interpret and evaluate data, and apply logical thinking to unfamiliar problems. You will be resilient, precise, and able to select appropriate strategies to tackle a range of tasks. These skills support success in further study, the workplace, and daily life.
You will have a solid understanding of number, algebra, ratio, geometry, statistics, probability and will understand how mathematical concepts connect and apply across topics. You will be numerate and use appropriate methods and tools to solve problems in real-world contexts. You will know how to interpret results, evaluate accuracy, and reflect on their approaches.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Mathematics will open both at school and beyond?
Maths is a gateway to further study in sciences, economics, computing, and engineering, as well as A-Levels and vocational qualifications. It opens doors to diverse careers - from finance and medicine to design, coding, and construction. Strong maths skills are valued by employers and are essential in many apprenticeship routes and degree pathways. Studying maths builds a foundation for informed citizenship and lifelong opportunity.
Science
Why is it important to study Science?
Science is full of awe and wonder.
Studying Science prepares you to understand, interact with and value the complex web of life, processes and the environment we live in.
Science enables you to develop as well-rounded global citizens capable of making informed decisions.
What is the knowledge you will learn in Science ?
Through the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics you will develop an understanding of the key concepts, leading to the ability to draw, challenge and explore conclusions through practical science.
What are the skills you will gain in Science ?
Science will develop your grasp of the underlying concepts affecting our earth and living things. You will have acquired dexterity and manipulation skills to be able to test a hypothesis. You will have the confidence to display data and logically reason and answer opposing questions to your data.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Science will open both at school and beyond?
Given its unique breadth, Science allows students to access a wide range of further education and careers both in and out of the STEM subjects.
Studying science leads to a vast range of professions and careers, from astronomy to zoology.
Art and Design
Why is it important to study Art and Design?
Art is within everything we do and is an essential visual language. We inspire and challenge you to experiment, create, invent and become an original thinker. Art will help you to develop a passion and curiosity for all that the world of Art can offer.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Art and Design ?
In Art, you will learn about the visual elements of line, tone, texture, colour, shape, form and pattern. As well as this, you will explore different skills and media, including painting, printing, textiles, photoshop and 3-dimensional design.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Art and Design will open both at school and beyond?
In Art and Design many of our students have taken the subject further and been involved in careers such as illustration, graphics, surface design, architecture, fashion as well as jobs in art history.
Business and Enterprise
Why is it important to study Business and Enterprise?
Business and Enterprise develops knowledge and understanding of local and national businesses and the issues they face. You will demonstrate enterprise skills and have to think like real business leaders to creatively solve realistic problems to make decisions.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Business and Enterprise?
You will develop a range of skills that will include allowing you to develop as an effective and independent learner through questioning data, constructing well-argued responses and developing an understanding of business. You will gain knowledge of how businesses operate, the reasons behind them and the issues faced locally and nationally.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Business and Enterprise will open both at school and beyond?
Students will develop their understanding and skills that are useful for any career path, including; presenting, report writing, primary and secondary research as well as specific business skills such as finance, accounting, sales, marketing, human resources, administration and production.
Apprenticeships are popular with our students as many have gone onto form careers with top 100 UK companies, including leading organisations such as Barnett Waddingham. Other examples include apprenticeships in accounting, finance, human resources, operations, economics, sales and marketing. Students can continue their studies at university, where they can further develop their understanding of Business Studies. Many have gone on to study management, accounting, project management and international business.
Criminology
Why is it important to study Criminology?
In essence, Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behaviour, how and why it may occur, as well as methods to try and prevent it. When studying the subject, you will analyse both individual criminal behaviour and wider societal or sociological trends as well as apply academic criminal theories to real-life examples in order to attempt to discover the reasons why an individual may commit a crime. Criminology is a multifaceted discipline that requires you to draw on numerous other fields, including history, anthropology, psychology, sociology and criminal law. Criminology offers a method of trying to understand the causes of crime and what strategies offer solutions for its reduction and mitigation; and the evaluation of existing structures within the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Criminology ?
You will learn how to successfully analyse situations of criminality and the aims of punishment, apply academic theory to real-life case studies, assess the verdicts of criminal cases and consider their validity, evaluate the strengths and limitations of a variety of aspects of the criminal justice system, from agencies within the justice system to the relationships between these agencies and how they approach social control. You will develop the skills needed to articulate yourself about key concepts and ideas relating to the study of crime and criminal behaviour and will develop your skills of examination, research and enquiry.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Criminology will open both at school and beyond?
Studying criminology will open several pathways for students to see whether a career in the criminal justice system is desirable or not. For example, once the Applied Diploma is completed, the study of Criminology at university can lead to a career as a civil service administrator, community development worker, crime scene investigator, pathologist, police officer, prison officer, probation worker, social worker, youth worker, barrister, criminal psychologist, counsellor, paralegal, lawyer social researcher, police staff investigator and many more. However, if a career within the criminal justice system is not the desired outcome, the study of criminology will help students to enter their chosen study/career path using the variety of skills they have obtained.
Drama
Why is it important to study Drama?
The Performing Arts are a powerful force in shaping and defining our futures. Music & Drama are part of our everyday life and are familiar to everyone. They have their origins in ancient traditions whilst also reflecting contemporary experience. Through the teaching of Drama at Holmleigh Park, we aim to broaden the horizons of all our students, enabling them to fulfil their potential and make positive changes to the world around them. In lessons, we will study vocal, physical and character skills, learning how to better communicate with those around us. However, in addition to the specific Drama skills that our students will learn, the Performing Arts also teach us vital soft skills such as confidence, problem solving and teamwork, skills vital for whatever our young people wish to do in the future.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Drama?
Studying Drama equips students with a wide range of knowledge, applicable to both drama and other fields. Students will learn to develop characters, explore performance styles, and understand theatrical conventions and practitioners. Specifically, these include elements such as stagecraft, dramatic structure and the social, cultural or historic context of plays. In addition, students will also learn about dramatic conventions, genres and practitioners and how these can be better used to communicate artistic intention with an audience. Finally, as a result of the above, students will have the chance to gain confidence and empathy when it comes to working with others.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Drama will open both at school and beyond?
The Performing Arts contribute more to the UK economy than any other area, at over £13million per hour. Similarly, there are well over 500 university courses where you can continue with further study in Drama. Careers in Drama are diverse, ranging from on-stage and on-screen performance to behind-the-scenes roles in theatre, film, and television. Students with a drama background can pursue careers as actors, directors, stage managers, or explore opportunities in arts administration, education, and various technical roles. However, the main benefits of studying Drama at Holmleigh Park are the range of transferable skills that you will learn during your course. With ‘Creativity’ and ‘Teamwork’ consistently listed amongst the most in-demand skills amongst employers, the fact that you have worked successfully as part of a team, solving problems through collaboration, communication and creativity allows you to access to a huge range of courses and employment opportunities.
Drama and Performing Arts can be studied at an acting school or university. Studying at this level will allow you to gain access to the wider world of theatre and film and the many other careers relating to the performing arts industry, such as a creative designer, director or special effects artist.
Environmental science
Why is it important to study Environmental science?
Environmental science is a growing and increasingly important field of study as humans realise the impacts of their activities and look to environmental scientists to find solutions to issues arising. Environmental Science allows us to study the sustainability of our planet; how our planet works in dynamic equilibrium and how human activities alter this. It covers how changes in one process can affect many other processes over space and time. We also study ways to mitigate any environmental damage from these changes. Environmental science enables you to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment and the scientific processes that control and affect it.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Environmental science ?
Environmental science incorporates both geography and biological sciences and applies these fields to the understanding of environmental problems. Key topics include the biophysical environment, conservation biology, energy resources, pollution, circular economy and sustainability: all topics that are relevant to all aspects of daily life. Students develop an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment are interrelated and how they influence subsequent environmental events. Environmental science develops key skills including communication, laboratory analysis, field studies, teamwork and critical thinking.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Environmental science will open both at school and beyond?
Studying Environmental science provides a strong foundation for a future career that involves analytical and critical thinking. There are over 60 universities offering over 230 courses between them relating to Environmental science. It is a degree in its own right, however many students go on to study related courses such as Oceanography, Environmental Hazard Management, Molecular Biology and Ecology. There are also an increasing number of environmental-related apprenticeships, such as a Higher Apprenticeship in Environmental Engineering. Pathways including decision-making, planning, analysis, critically examining evidence, debating and assessing ideas are open to students of Environmental science.
Food and Catering
Why is it important to study Food and Catering?
Studying Food and Catering will give you important knowledge of different types of food and ingredients and how these can be combined and prepared to produce healthy and varied meals and diets. Learning to cook and developing practical skills is a key part of the course, and we hope it will help you develop a passion for cooking. The course also explores how the catering industry operates, including the environmental impact of food production.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Food and Catering?
The skills and knowledge that you will develop in Food and Catering include examining the impact of nutrition and understanding the importance of food provenance and its effects on our world. You will be taught how to cook creatively and independently using a range of equipment and ingredients to produce high-quality and exciting dishes and meals.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Food and Catering will open both at school and beyond?
Studying Food and Catering will give you a range of skills that you can use throughout your life. Careers and jobs include becoming a professional chef, dietician, hospitality event planner, nursing, food scientist and food quality controller, as well as many more.
Food and catering can continue to be studied at many levels in college or university.
Geography
Why is it important to study Geography?
Geography is an exciting subject that helps us understand our amazing world. It shows how mountains form, why rivers flow, and how people live in different places. By studying geography, we learn how nature and humans interact—and how we can protect our planet for the future. It connects us to global issues like climate change, natural disasters, and poverty, and helps us think critically about the world around us. Geography isn’t just maps and facts—it’s about exploring, questioning, and discovering. With geography, you gain powerful, transferable skills and become a more informed, responsible citizen of our ever-changing world.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Geography?
By the end of your school career, Geography will teach you to be skilled, curious, and ready for the world. You will be able to write powerfully on topics ranging from climate change, global inequality, to coastal management, using complex geographical terminology that builds on your literacy acquired through school. Through critical thinking, you will tackle real-world challenges—like how to manage rainforests sustainably or to plan for rising sea levels—by questioning evidence and forming reasoned arguments. Numeracy skills are developed further are key, and you will become competent at performing statistical tests, interpreting graphs and executing basic calculations. Your geographical skills will enable you to interpret and operate GIS, read detailed maps and conduct an independent fieldwork enquiry on a topic of your choice.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Geography will open both at school and beyond?
As Geography links both the arts and the sciences, it is a highly flexible subject in terms of what you can combine it with, both at GCSE, A Level and apprenticeships, providing the perfect foundation for all courses in the Sixth Form and beyond. As a result, Geography opens up a wide range of career pathways and opportunities at the end of school or university, such as working as a climate scientist, disaster response manager, GIS analyst, government policy advisor, sustainable finance and business director, or even a sergeant in the military.
Health and Social Care
Why is it important to study Health and Social Care?
Health and Social Care is vital to our society. Care, in whatever form it takes, is critical for our physical and mental well-being. Now, more than ever, we look to people to be there in our hour of need, and it is important that these carers do this effectively. There are many facets to Health and Social Care including a holistic approach to both our bodies and minds.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Health and Social Care ?
When studying Health and Social care you will create resources for and carry out a small-scale health promotion campaign. You will also investigate the development milestones, individual expected and unexpected life events of individuals and carry out interviews with people to find out about how expected and unexpected life events have changed their lives.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Health and Social Care will open both at school and beyond?
Opportunities and jobs working in the Health and Social Care sector can include education, nursing, dentistry, physical and holistic therapies and many more.
History
Why is it important to study History ?
To quote Lord Acton: "History must be our deliverer not only from the undue influence of other times, but from the undue influence of our own, from the tyranny of environment and the pressure of the air we breathe."
In History, you will access knowledge that will help you understand who you are and where you come from by learning about key events that have shaped our history and the history of the wider world.
This is important in order to be a well-informed citizen who understands how events have happened and what the impact of those events are.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in History ?
Firstly, the curriculum gives students an opportunity to read rich, eye-opening stories about people and places in the past. The curriculum takes students from the field of Hastings to India to the textile mills of the Industrial Revolution to the battlefields of the First World War and many places in between. On the way, students will learn the stories of remarkable people: the celebrated, the notorious, the famous and the unknown.
Secondly, the chronology of the curriculum allows students to build an increasingly sophisticated understanding of more abstract historical ideas, sometimes called “substantive concepts”, such as peasantry, religion or trade. The curriculum covers historical concepts – such as democracy or empire – that have attracted controversy and debate.
Thirdly, alongside developing students’ understanding of substantive historical concepts, the curriculum also aims to train students in the ways in which historians think about the past, through “disciplinary concepts”. This includes both the ways in which historians use evidence from sources as the basis of their claims about the past and the process by which historical and popular interpretations are shaped.
Fourthly, the curriculum trains students in how to communicate their historical knowledge and understanding. In different enquiries, students will practise different modes of historical writing: narrative, causal explanation, analysis of evidence.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying History will open both at school and beyond?
History has many transferable skills which prepare us to challenge the origin of information and determine its value to draw conclusions. This is important because it will help you create your own informed opinions about the information you encounter and build on the lessons learnt from the past.
These can lead to historical academia, archaeology, politics, law and any career that requires the handling and organising of complex information, concepts and ideas.
Information Technology (IT)
Why is it important to study IT?
Studying Information Technology (IT) will enable you to develop a wide range of IT skills that can be applied in a creative and technical environment. IT will help you develop an awareness of the opportunities and risks of new technology and how these are constantly evolving. IT will give you the opportunity to develop an understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of the subject.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in IT ?
In IT we teach you how to use a wide range applications that will enable you to be successful in the world of work. We encourage you to be creative using IT and to understand the systems and processes behind IT. You are also taught to evaluate the risks of living in the digital world.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying IT will open both at school and beyond?
IT is used in all areas of life from creative industries such as graphic design to technology-based subjects such as programming. IT will also prepare you for many of the jobs of the future. There are a range of pathways, including A-levels, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.
Careers based around IT include - Web developer, mobile app developer, graphics designer, games designer, data scientist, software engineer, IT manager, IT support desk, robotics engineer and many more.
Media studies
Why is it important to study Media?
Media Studies acts as a lens through which to view, question and challenge the representations and messages communicated throughout media products in the fastest growing industry on the planet. Media Studies teaches you not to accept ideologies and messages at face value, but to question and criticise these ideas through the deconstruction of media products and application of academic theory.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Media studies ?
Media Studies develops a wide range of valuable skills, including critical thinking, communication, evaluation, analysis, creativity, and technical proficiency in media production. These skills are transferable to various industries and career paths, making Media Studies a worthwhile field of study for those interested in communication, media, and beyond.
What knowledge would you expect a student to have when they leave HPHS?
Studying Media is a vital component in understanding the world around us; through Media Studies you will develop your curiosity and question the messages delivered by the media. This will enable you to become a mindful, critical thinker who possesses the skills associated with the deconstruction and creation of a variety of media products which are used for communication across the world.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Media will open both at school and beyond?
Any career involving communication and information will benefit from a qualification in Media Studies. In an evolving industry which is rapidly growing, a qualification in Media Studies will allow you to adapt and flourish within the world of work.
Careers that Media Studies can lead to include journalism, film/television production, magazine/newspaper editor, marketing and research, editing and design, social media content creator, public relations and many more.
Modern Foreign Languages
Why is it important to study Modern Foreign Languages?
Learning a language is essential for raising your aspirations and abilities to work in modern and international settings. It provides you with the opportunity for higher level work and culturally enriching travel abroad.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Modern Foreign Languages?
By the end of their education at HPHS, a student of MFL will know the culture and history of France/Spain and of the French and Spanish languages. They will know how to communicate to a high standard, for a variety of purposes. Students will be able to communicate about themselves and the world around them as well as about important social and cultural issues such as climate change, poetry and inequalities. In our 7 year journey at HPHS, a student of MFL is expected to acquire the following knowledge:
1. Tenses: students will be able to communicate in the past, present and future tenses. This relies on the knowledge of multiple verb structures in different timeframes.
2. Gender and adjectival agreement changes the way we see nouns in different languages and impacts all words in written and spoken communication.
3. Knowledge of phonics: Sound patterns are the building blocks of language and vary from language to language. Understanding and using phonics correctly is imperative in oral and aural communication.
4. Audience + Cultural Awareness: The way in which we communicate depends on who we are and to whom we are talking. Understanding and respecting cultural differences and traditions.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Modern Foreign Languages will open both at school and beyond?
Students will understand why the study of an additional language is a valuable pursuit. They will understand that a deep understanding of another language and its culture enriches their own and provides them with an edge in an ever-demanding job market.
Studying a language will be useful if you want to study law, medicine and many other jobs, such as journalism, international aid workers and marketing. Many universities and employers demand knowledge of other languages even if it is not the main focus of the course or job. At HP High we want you to have high aspirations and learning a language is a vital part of this.
Music
Why is it important to study Music ?
Music touches the very heart of humanity and a sense of the wonder of music has touched human societies throughout our history.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Music ?
Through the study of Music you will develop skills in listening and appraising music within cultural and historical contexts. You will build the ability to critically engage in the music you enjoy and explore and appreciate a wide range of genres and styles. You will learn how to perform the music of others and create your own compositions.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Music will open both at school and beyond?
You will have the opportunity to perform using a range of instruments, develop your singing skills, and participate in whole-school productions. You will be given skills that will help you study music in the Sixth Form and beyond. Music is a unique asset to your applications for other university courses outside of Music.
Studying Music can lead to courses in music performance, music technology, music production, musical theatre, and conservatoire courses in Classical, Pop, and Jazz genres. These courses can lead to careers in performance, composition, production, journalism, teaching, TV and radio, and music therapy.
Photography
Why is it important to study Photography?
When you study of Photography you will gain the skills and confidence to communicate clearly in a visual way which is essential for success in the Creative Industries. Our course finds a balance between the technical aspects of the photography and the creative development of each individual student and instils a lifelong love and curiosity of the visual world.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Photography?
You will explore different visual starting points and learn how to communicate your ideas through a range of photographic rules and techniques. Core aspects will include composition and the technical use of the camera. You will learn how to develop your initial photographs into artworks using programmes like Adobe Photoshop. Development of written and verbal skills is a key element of the course because we understand that it is this aspect of your learning that is most transferable and will be essential in the future application of your learning. You will also develop your subject vocabulary as you become more experienced at analysing and evaluating your outcomes and the work of others.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Photography will open both at school and beyond?
Many of our Photography students go on to study at university, using their knowledge as a foundation and starting point in many creative subjects. Previous students have successfully studied in Photography, Graphics, Illustration, Games Design, Forensic Photography and Media courses.
Examples of past students' career paths after university are working as a development designer for Dyson, illustrating children's books, and many students have gone on to open their own successful businesses.
Physical Education (PE)
Why is it important to study PE?
PE develops the physical, social and mental health of students through a wide range of activities. It provides a range of opportunities for students to thrive in different environments, including competition with themselves and others.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in PE?
Studying PE will allow you to develop resilience, teamwork, confidence and commitment. Students will develop technical and tactical knowledge in different sporting contexts.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying PE will open both at school and beyond?
It can enhance student leadership opportunities at school and lifelong participation in sport and physical activity at any level.
Studying PE at school allows students to study courses such as Sports Science, Therapy, Coaching, Management and Business in Further Education and beyond. For some students, it can lead to a career as a professional athlete.
Government and Politics
Why is it important to study Politics?
Politics is the study of humanity. It is the breakdown of how we interact with other people, society and nation-states. By understanding this, we can see why certain political views have taken root and why governments work. This is important in helping us make informed decisions when it comes to representing our views in elections, which is a central part of British life.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Politics ?
In politics, you will learn how the British and American political systems work and compare them. In addition, you will learn how the political ideas of liberalism, conservatism, socialism and anarchism have formed and why they are relevant to today's world. Politics provides a range of transferable skills, from explicit knowledge of the workings of the British government to critical thinking skills.
This means students will be able to:
- Comprehend and interpret political information
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Critically analyse and evaluate the areas of politics studied
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Construct arguments and explanations leading to reasoned conclusions
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Identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of the areas of politics studied
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Construct and communicate arguments and explanations with relevance, clarity and coherence
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Use appropriate political vocabulary
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Make connections between the different areas of politics studied
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Make comparisons across two political systems.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Politics will open both at school and beyond?
Studying politics lays the foundations for a future that involves critical thinking. A student of politics may go on to study or work in the fields of law, politics and any pathway that involves making decisions; assessment of ideas and presentation.
PSHE
Why is it important to study PSHE?
The study of PSHE is fundamental in enabling you to become a strong, confident individual who can make well-informed decisions about your life. Studying PSHE ensures you become a well-rounded member of society, who can step into the world well equipped with the practical knowledge and skills you can use to successfully navigate the world around you.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in PSHE?
PSHE education enables you to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes you need to manage your life, now and in the future. This ranges from making informed decisions about healthy relationships to managing your money. Our intent is to provide you with an understanding of yourself and others, to manage your wellbeing, to ensure you can build and sustain healthy relationships, and to understand how you will change and develop.
Psychology
Why is it important to study Psychology?
Psychology allows us to discover 'why we do what we do'. Studying psychology helps us to understand human minds and behaviour - both of others and ourselves. A level psychology offers a solid understanding of the key psychological concepts and theories, which can help develop your knowledge of the critical elements of the human psyche.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Psychology ?
In psychology, you will learn an array of topics to discover more about human nature. These topics include how we are influenced by those around us, how our childhoods and early attachments may affect our adult lives, exploring different types of mental disorders and why people become offenders. From studying such topics, a range of transferable skills are learnt, such as analytical skills or research skills.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Psychology will open both at school and beyond?
Psychology is a subject that can lead to many opportunities, whether this be in education, clinical psychology, forensics, neuropsychology and many more. With the skills and knowledge learnt on the course, your knowledge of the human mind will help you work in any career, especially those that help others.
Religious Studies
Why is it important to study Religious Studies?
At Holmleigh Park, the aim of Religious Studies is to help pupils answer five ultimate questions:
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How do we know things?
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Is there a god?
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Where did we come from?
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Where are we going?
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What is the purpose of life?
These questions are ‘ultimate’ because they consider the main areas of human existence: knowledge, divinity, origins, afterlife, and meaning. Studying and answering these questions is deeply important as your answers will shape how you live.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Religious Studies ?
In key stage 3, pupils study the different answers to the ultimate questions provided by a variety of major worldviews (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Naturalism, Ancient Greek Religion, and
Buddhism). Throughout our curriculum, Religious Studies prompts pupils to reflect on whether they agree or disagree with these answers.
In key stage 4, Religious Studies is an option subject and pupils study AQA’s Religious Studies A course. Specifically, pupils study the beliefs and practices of two worldviews: Christianity and
Buddhism. They also learn how these worldviews relate to four contemporary themes: relationships and families; religion and life; the existence of god and revelation; religion, crime, and punishment.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Religious Studies will open both at school and beyond?
Religious Studies is relevant to almost anything a pupil will do in the future. Generally speaking, it teaches pupils how to better understand the views of others, gives tools to help them think for themselves, and helps them start a life-long quest to discover what is real.
For those considering university, Religious Studies is particularly useful for subjects such as History, Law, Politics, Philosophy and, of course, Theology/Religious Studies.
Statistics
Why is it important to study Statistics?
Statistics help us make sense of the world. In a time of information overload, the ability to collect, interpret, and critically evaluate data is essential. Studying statistics empowers students to identify patterns, question claims, and make evidence-based decisions in real life. From public health to business and social justice, statistical thinking plays a vital role in solving modern problems. It fosters curiosity, logic, and informed citizenship—equipping students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Reformed A-levels in Science, Geography, Sociology, Business, Economics and Psychology have increased statistical content and rely on good data skills. It also gains an additional GCSE, and it equips students with transferable skills (e.g. Science, Geography) at this level.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Statistics ?
You will be able to design data investigations, select appropriate statistical techniques, and interpret results clearly and critically. You will understand how to work with uncertainty, evaluate reliability, and spot misleading representations. Students will think logically, handle data with care, and communicate findings effectively—skills that are valuable across disciplines and careers. Through using the Statistical Enquiry Cycle, you will understand the importance of initial planning, recognise the constraints in sourcing appropriate data, understand ways that data can be processed and presented (including the use of technology), interpret results in context and understand the importance of clear and concise communication. You will be confident using averages, percentages, probability, and statistical graphs. You will know how to assess data reliability, choose suitable measures, and apply statistical reasoning to real-life contexts. You will recognise how statistics can be used or misused in the media, politics, and science.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Statistics will open both at school and beyond?
Statistics supports further study in maths, science, psychology, geography, business, and social sciences. It enhances employability and is valued in careers such as marketing, sports analysis, healthcare, research, finance, and government. GCSE Statistics gives students the tools to question information, support arguments with evidence, and take part in a data-driven society with confidence and clarity.
Textiles
Why is it important to study Textiles?
William Morris once said ‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’ Textiles are a major component of artistic material culture. We often only consider textiles to be the clothes we wear, as the clothing industry is where the majority of textiles are produced and used. However, textiles are also important in all aspects of art and life. Designing, printing and constructing art through fabrics.
What are the skills and knowledge you will learn in Textiles ?
In textiles, you will learn about the visual elements of line, tone, texture, colour, shape , form and pattern. Pupils will be able to recognise, explain, create, and apply these within their own artwork, while also exploring a wide range of ideas, techniques, and processes, taking inspiration from a variety of sources. The skills you will explore include drawing, painting, collaging, printing, weaving, constructing, felting, applique, pattern work, batiks, dyeing and sewing machine skills. It is with a combination of these techniques that you will begin to design art, clothes and interiors.
What are the pathways and opportunities that studying Textiles will open both at school and beyond?
The pathways and opportunities that studying Textiles will open include - Clothing/textile technologist, colour technologist, illustrator, interior and spatial designer, fashion designer, textile designer, community arts worker, conservator, graphic designer, printmaker, product designer, retail buyer, stylist, visual merchandiser