Curriculum

KS5 CURRICULUM

At Hayes we aim to provide a Sixth Form Curriculum which supports breadth and depth whilst providing considerable flexibility. The learning programme will vary according to students’ ability and will provide a clear progression to higher education, employment and further training. We provide students with the opportunity to study for a range of qualifications whilst maintaining scope for specialisation. We are also keen that students combine their studies with participation in enrichment activities wherever possible.

Students wishing to follow our Academic Pathway will select from our A-Level course list. All students will typically select three courses from the start of Year 12. If a student is expected to achieve an average of straight 7-9 / A*-A grades in their GCSEs, then they may consider taking four courses. All A-levels are now reformed and should be seen as a two year commitment. 

A small number of our students will follow our Academic-Vocational Pathway and as such, will select courses where the emphasis is more on project-based work, with a smaller amount of external examination. Within this pathway, our qualifications include Level 3 BTEC and Cambridge Technical courses. These courses have faced significant reforms and Year 12 students should expect at least 25% of each of these courses to be assessed via external examination. These qualifications are equivalent to A-Level study and will not hinder university or higher level apprenticeship applications. 

In addition to our two pathways, each student will participate in our ACTIVE 6th programme. This enrichment curriculum enables students to develop their wider-self, often through taught lessons, but also through debate, leadership experience and mentoring. It is a fundamental belief that Hayes students not only flourish academically, they also develop as young people. We are also proud to support students who wish to study an Extended Project Qualification, or follow an experiential programme, such as the Duke of Edinburgh awards, or the NCS Challenge. Additionally it is an expectation that all sixth form students will complete one week work experience in the summer term of Year 12.

We are also delighted to offer our Endeavour award, which is similar in structure to the Duke of Edinburgh awards, allows and encourages students to amass wider experiences and to develop the softer skills (as outlined within the Hayes Learner) which are so sought after by employers. 

The curriculum outlined above ensures that all students fulfil the recommended amount of qualification hours as detailed in the 16-19 Funding Guidance issued by the ESFA. For further information on all our pathways and courses, please see the Prospectus and our Subject Videos.

If you have any queries regarding our KS5 Curriculum offer please email 6thAdmissions@hayes.bromley.sch.uk or call the school on 020 8462 2767.