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Curriculum Vision

The curriculum offered at Hutton Church of England Grammar school is designed to support the school’s vision to ensure all students have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to flourish. In line with the Church of England’s Vision for Education, we seek to nurture wisdom, hope, community, and dignity in every learner. Our vision is to equip students with knowledge, skills, and rich experiences that support them in becoming thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate young adults who are well placed to live out our value of Koinonia and make a positive contribution to society, irrespective of their situation or starting point. 

The school is committed to the holistic development of each individual’s strength of character: academically, spiritually and socially. We believe that every child is made in the image of God and therefore has inherent worth; our curriculum reflects this by encouraging, challenging, and guiding students to be critical, collaborative, motivated, and confident in their own unique gifts. 

Key Stage 3 is a time for discovery, joy in learning, and the exploration of a broad range of subjects—an opportunity to ignite sparks of curiosity and creativity that will continue burning throughout their lives. This breadth reflects our commitment to cultivating wisdom and enabling students to encounter the fullness of life. In years 7 to 9 all students experience practical subjects and those within the Arts alongside more traditionally ‘academic’ disciplines. Students are then encouraged to continue studying as wide and ambitious a range of subjects as possible at Key Stage 4, irrespective of their starting points. The school’s broad A level offer enables all students at Key Stage 5 to pursue courses best suited to their future pathways, with the option to complete an EPQ, supporting their growth into hopeful, discerning, and informed young adults. 

Through ambitious and engaging subject curricula, students are helped to understand key concepts, appreciate disciplinary distinctiveness, and recognise the real-life applications and career pathways connected to their subjects. In support of this, the school is committed to ensuring all students have access to subject specialist teachers, independent Careers Advice and Guidance, and a discrete PSHCE and RS programme. An impressive range of extra- and super-curricular opportunities is also available, with all encouraged to participate fully as part of our commitment to building a strong and inclusive community. 

All aspects of the wider school curriculum are designed to foster an understanding of the world around us and a deep appreciation for the diversity within it. We aim to cultivate an atmosphere of rigour, challenge, and mutual respect, where students learn to value the dignity of others and engage with difference with empathy and openness.  

Resilience is constantly reinforced in all aspects of school life. This is supported through regular feedback and communication with all appropriate stakeholders, ensuring that students grow in confidence, character, and hope 

‘In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.’  Philippians 2 

 

IMPLEMENTATION
At Hutton the curriculum is split into three key stages, Key Stage 3 – Year 7, 8 & 9, Key Stage 4 – Year 10 & 11 and Key Stage 5 – Year 12 & 13

We have planned and sequenced the curriculum so that pupils cumulatively build skills and knowledge in each subject over time and, with regard to the end of Key Stage 3, specialise only when necessary.

Key Stage 3 (Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9)

At Key Stage 3, all students study (hours per fortnight): 

 

En

Ma

Rs

Bi

Ch

Ph

Ar

IT

DT

Hi

Gg

Fr

Dr

Mu

PE

Pd

Y7

7

6

2

2

2

2

2

2

4

2

2

6

1

2

6

2

Y8

8

6

2

2

2

2

2

2

4

2

2

6

1

1

6

2

Y9

8

6

2

2

2

2

2

2

4

3

3

4

1

1

6

2


We adhere to the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum which sets out the programmes of study for all subjects.

When students arrive at Hutton in Year 7 they are taught in mixed ability classes. In year 8, using a variety of school based assessments students are placed in a ‘band’ alongside other students of similar aptitude and ability; movement within and between bands is regularly discussed and actioned as appropriate. All students experience the same curricular diet and high expectation of challenge/progress with additional support provided as necessary (for additional detail and information regarding the school’s SEND provision please contact the school and ask for the SEND department).

Key Stage 4 (Year 10 & 11)

At Key Stage 4, all pupils study (hours per fortnight): 

 

Compulsory GCSE Subjects

Compulsory non-GCSE Subjects

GCSE Option Subjects (x4)

 

English

Maths

RS

Science

PE/Games

 

Y10

8

8

4

8

4

4

Y11

8

6

4

8

4

4


For more specific information for each subject offered at Key Stage 4 please refer to the school’s Options Booklet which can be found on the ‘KS4 Curriculum and GCSE Options’ page under the ‘Curriculum’ tab

Key Stage 5 (Year 12 & Year 13)

At Key Stage 5, all students study (hours per fortnight): 

 

Per A Level Subject

Personal Development

Core RS

EPQ (optional)

Form period and Worship

Year 12

9

 1

1

 2 2.5

Year 13

9

1

 1 2 (Until April) 1

 

At Key Stage 5 we specialise in A level provision, currently offering 22 subjects taught in 9 lessons per fortnight. 

Our subject columns are determined upon receipt of applications and we aim to offer as many subject combinations as possible.  Once the columns are decided in March, all applicants receive a copy and are asked to indicate their 3 choices (4 if agreed during the application and interview process). 

Student choices can be changed at any point up to enrolment but the option columns will remain unchanged.

For more specific information for each subject offered at Key Stage 5 please refer to the A Level course guides for each subject on the Sixth Form section of the website.

Details of how we assess students and the calendar for doing so, can be found under the Assessments & Exam Information tab.