Hartismere School

See also: Our Programmes of Study

Breadth & Depth 

At Hartismere School, we offer a range of traditional A level subjects, alongside a smaller range of Applied General and Technical qualifications and these are detailed in our prospectus and in our subject information leaflets which are on our website (“Course information & Introductory videos”).  

Most students in year 12 will study four subjects (some just A level subjects and some a combination of A level and Applied General or Technical subjects).  Our students sit the external AS level examinations in the summer of year 12 which ensures they maintain a breadth of study and gain additional qualifications, before deciding to specialise in year 13.  

Many students also take Mathematical Studies (‘Core maths’), the focus of which is on problem solving, reasoning and the practical application of maths and statistics. These qualifications were designed with the help of employers and universities to suit students at a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths, and to provide them with the quantitative skills that may be needed in a range of jobs.

Many of our students also undertake the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).  For enrichment, a small number of students take Spanish GCSE.  In year 13, students continue with a minimum of three A levels which ensures they are prepared for higher education, employment and apprenticeships.    

The subjects the students take are designed to stretch them academically and to prepare them for further or higher education and employment.  

GCSE English and maths 

Where students have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 in English and/or maths, they also study for these qualifications, alongside their main programme of study.  They are entered for the exams in either November or June of year 12.  

16 - 19 education recovery 

The government has introduced some additional hours to aid education recovery and these take a range of forms.  The school has also used the 16 to 19 tuition fund to support small group tuition for students aged 16 to 19 in subjects that have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work Experience 

All students are able to undertake work experience as part of their programme of study. Some students undertake work experience as part of their technical qualifications.  Other students, for example those who plan to apply for particular degree courses such as medicine, nursing, dentistry and veterinary science undertake regular work experience as part of their preparation for application.  In practice, students from all disciplines have undertaken work experience, for example as part of the BFI Film Academy for Young Creatives.  

Enrichment 

All Hartismere sixth form students undertake a programme of enrichment and personal development designed to develop their character, broader skills, attitudes and confidence and to support their progression and decision making.  This programme includes: 

• Lecture programme of outside speakers and experts 
• Programme of ‘life-skills’ 
• Tutor-time programme of personal development
• Youth Social Action through the Hartismere Hundred 
• National Citizenship Programme 
• Careers, HE, FE and Apprenticeship research and preparation programme 

Sexual and reproductive health

Issues of relationships and health education are addressed through the personal development programme in the sixth form. In addition, the Terrence Higgins Trust offers support through regular visits and formal presentations to the sixth form students where issues of sexual abuse, healthy relationships, consent and sex are addressed.  Students are also signposted to accurate and appropriate online resources.