The Curriculum is planned to be coherent and challenging, but also to be accessible and with a clear sense of progression. It is a central aim of our plans that each pupil experiences successes, often. The following provides an overview of Hazelwood’s curriculum. For detailed guides to the subject curriculum for each Year please refer to the handbooks for parents that you will receive at the beginning of each year. 

• Social Curriculum
• Academic Curriculum
  • Chestnut
  • Preparatory School
    • Lower School
    • Middle School

Social Curriculum

We consider that the community aspects of school life are of the greatest importance, since - if they are effectively followed - pupils will feel secure and happy and will produce their best. Therefore, such qualities as sharing, good manners, concern for and tolerance of others are highly prized, but they are expected as a matter of course. Self-control and self-discipline are demanded by the academic curriculum, and these are encouraged in our Personal and Social Education Programme.

Academic Curriculum

Chestnut

In the nursery, much emphasis is placed on social skills, and the continued acquisition of physical skills, such as had/ eye co-ordination. Pre-school learning programmes and activities are at the centre of nursery life, and the children are encouraged to work with each other.

From Oak to Ash the emphasis is placed on the continued acquisition of basic skills, especially in numeracy and literacy. To this end, structured Maths, English and Reading schemes are employed throughout. However, the curriculum is broad, and takes in Science, Craft, Technology, Art, Music, Information Technology, Drama and Physical Education. As with all age groups, playtime is carefully monitored. Playtime is used as a period to encourage physical co-ordination and put the social curriculum into practice.

The Lower School - Years 3 and 4

In this part of the school we plan to take full advantage of the children's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, ensuring that concepts are thoroughly understood and skills steadily developed. We try to foster the children's keen interest in the world around them.

In Year 3 the children spend much of their time in their own classroom where they are taught English, Maths, an integrated Topic (Science, Geography and History) Religious Studies by their class teacher. They move to specialist rooms and teachers for IT, Music, Art, DT and PE. Games is taught separately to boys and girls across the year group and there are competitive matches with other schools. Outings are arranged for each term to deliver the curriculum in a stimulating way and a musical play is performed in the Summer term.

In Year 4 the children still have a firm class base where they are taught English by the class teacher but they move to other rooms more than in Year 3. Maths is taught in three ability "sets" to help meet the needs of all the children more specifically. Science, Geography and History are taught as separate subjects and French is added to the curriculum. The pupils develop their organisation skills and greater independence. A three-day residential trip is undertaken to learn in an active environment.

Middle School

Year 5

Subjects are now taught entirely by subject specialists, and Latin is introduced. In Year 5 setting occurs for Maths.

Year 6

Subject specialism continues in year 6 with setting continuing for Maths.

For those who are keen and able, Greek can be taken as an out-of-school activity, and becomes an option against extra Maths and English in Year 7.

The aim of the work in Years 5 and 6 is to extend from the basics towards preparation for Common Entrance and Public School Scholarship exams at 13+. These are also the two crucial years for pupils who are aiming to take 11+ transfer tests – including the Grammar School exams – for which appropriate training is provided.

Upper School

Year 7

The work is focussed on finishing the Common Entrance syllabus and, for those who are more able, preparing the ground for Senior School Scholarship attempts.

Year 8

Pupils finish their academic courses and revise for Common Entrance or Scholarship exams. Once all the exams are over a “Leaver’s programme”, including a week’s outdoor pursuits, is arranged.