Curriculum

Heath Farm School offers a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum.

The teaching is based around a sound knowledge and understanding of each child’s needs and is shaped around the way different youngsters learn. This means taking the care to nurture the unique talents of every student and by doing so creating a highly personalised learning environment.

The curriculum is delivered in small teaching groups across Key Stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. These groups do not normally exceed eight students with a teacher and the support of at least one teaching assistant.

The timetable places a daily emphasis on literacy and numeracy across all departments, with other subjects delivered in a creative and specialised way. In Key Stages 1 and 2 teaching (aside from literacy and numeracy) is thematic, with themes shared across student groups. In Key Stage 3 students follow the national curriculum in subject specific lessons. Students have the opportunity to study Entry Level Certificates in English, Maths and Science. All students have access to ICT, Science and Art facilities. PE is facilitated using the school playing field and school hall, and outside venues are also used, for example the public swimming baths at Maidstone and the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford. The school holds an annual Sports Day at the stadium, which allows students to experience challenge, competition and sportsmanship.

In Key Stage 4 and 5 a wide variety of options are available. Students have the opportunity to study GCSEs or combine these with Functional skills and ASDAN accreditation. Personalised timetables allow students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to access a range of qualifications including City and Guilds and BTECs at local further education colleges. Some students combine academic exams with ongoing work experience placements; all students undertake at least two short term work experience placements which are carefully tailored to match their individual interest and needs. The school has successfully arranged college placements for all Year 11 leavers for the last eight years.

External Examinations

Students are currently offered entry in:

• English GCSE / Entry Level / Functional Skills
• Maths GCSE / Entry Level / Functional Skills
• Science GCSE / Entry Level
• ICT Entry Level / Functional Skills
• Lowland Exhibition
• Life-skills Entry Level
• Art GCSE
• Photography GCSE
• Media Studies GCSE
• BTEC Cooking
• City and Guilds Construction
• Open Awards Horticulture
• Open Awards Conservation