Curriculum Intent

The Holmesdale School is committed to providing an ambitious curriculum that is
broad, balanced, challenging and fosters a lifelong love of learning. We match our
curriculum to the abilities and ambitions of our students, to give every child the
opportunity to strive for personal excellence. Our curriculum aims to open doors for
every student, and we, therefore value the contribution that creative, practical and
vocational learning brings to a child’s development alongside the traditional subjects.
Our hope is that every child who leaves The Holmesdale School, has the skills and
knowledge to achieve the desired qualifications, as well as equipping them with a
solution-focused, growth mindset. Post-16 curriculum opportunities will lead to a life
that promotes positive relationships within the community, resilience and financial
independence.

We aim to create:

• Successful learners who enjoy learning; make good progress and achieve excellence.
• Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
• Responsible citizens who can make a positive contribution to society

At The Holmesdale School, we take pride in all we do and promote SMSC and
British Values across our curriculum. 

We identify that we have a responsibility to promote children and young people’s
personal and economic well-being, and to offer in depth and age appropriate health,
sex and relationships education. We offer a strong PSCHE curriculum, which
promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all
students, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they
will face within their adult life. 

The inclusion of all students regardless of race, gender or sexuality is vitality
important to the school community. Students have a voice through the ambassador
programme, student voice and school council.  We promote positive mental health
and support students through a pastoral community system and external Councillors
where necessary. Students are actively involved in charity events and raise money
for charities of their choice throughout the year. As a result of our SMSC initiatives, The Holmesdale School students develop high aspirations, courage, resilience, the ability to manage their emotions while working as part of a team and a growth mind-set.  We believe that this development of ‘Excellence Through Character’ ensures ‘Academic Excellence’. The combined focus sets students on a positive pathway for their future career.  

In order to fulfil these ideals, our five-year “through-curriculum” model requires
students to engage with a wide range of subjects in Years 7, 8 and 9 and then
provides a more bespoke approach through our “options routes” in Years 10 and 11. 
Each curriculum area has their own intent which supports the whole school
intent detailed above. Included as part of this curriculum intent document is an
example of a Long Term Plan which maps National Curriculum stands as well
as the PSHE curriculum. These are frequently reviewed within curriculum areas to ensure the National Curriculum and changing curriculum content meets the needs of our students so are subject to change.

Please visit the subject pages of our website to see an overview of subject
intent documents and overview of the topics of study as part of this.

Alternatively, please contact the school office should you wish to hear more
details about our curriculum.