The Aims of the School Curriculum
How DHSB Achieves its Aims
Key Stage 3 (years 7 to 9)
Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11)
The Sixth Form (years 12 and 13)
Extra Curriculum Activities

The aims of the school's curriculum are:

• To meet the particular, individual educational needs and aspirations of our academically able pupils.
• To foster a regard for scholarship and the pursuit of excellence.
• To develop high personal moral and spiritual values.
• To prepare our pupils to be responsible, caring adults and effective members of society.
• To enable all our pupils to gain a sense of achievement, enjoyment and awareness of his own worth. top

The means by which the school achieves its aims are:

• Through the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum at all key stages and enchantment of the National Curriculum for pupils in Years 7 to 11. The curriculum provision is capable of meeting a wide range of individual talents and interests.
• Through the provision of educational experiences which, by nature, are creative and aesthetic, spiritual and moral, linguistic and literary, human and social, mathematical, scientific, technological and physical for every pupil.
• Through the fostering of imagination and critical enquiry, through the provision of intellectual stimulation and of challenging opportunities, and by the acquisition of the appropriate learning skills.
• By means of a supportive pastoral system promoting academic and social well-being and positive personal development.
• By positive career preparation and through the perception of Higher Education as a valuable and attainable goal for all pupils.
• Through providing a secure, purposeful and happy environment conducive to hard work and to the realisation of self-discipline and self-motivation.
• Through the promotion of a partnership between the school, the home, industry and the local community. top

Key Stage 3 (years 7 to 9)

Thirteen subjects are studied at this key stage with the National Curriculum subjects enhanced by Latin in Years 7 & 8. In Year 7 and 8 either French or German is studied and, in addition, in Year 8 Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are studied by the first and second language set respectively. In Year 9 a second MFL is introduced for all (either French or German). In Year 9 a mini option system operates in which boys can choose to study Drama, Engineering, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, additional Music or Art, or begin the transition to GCSE for their studies in Latin or Physical Education (PE) studies. Setting begins in Year 8 for our most able pupils in Mathematics and Languages and continues into Year 9 for English. Form Tutors deliver a personal and social education (PSE) programme that includes health education, careers guidance and citizenship. top

Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11)

In year 10 the option process is further refined with all boys studying ten GCSE subjects in addition to Religious Education and PE. The core curriculum requires all boys to study Double Science, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) and a choice of one subject from each of the following areas: the Humanities, Technology , Classics and Expressive. The tenth choice can be made from a second MFL, a second Humanity, a second Expressive Art or additional studies in Science, ICT or Business studies. Our most able pupils are again set for Mathematics, English and MFL and in other subjects if necessary. Boys in year 10 continue to follow a PSE programme that again includes citizenship, health education and careers guidance. top

The Sixth Form (years 12 and 13)

At A level a long tradition of academic achievement underwrites the 20+ Advanced Level subjects that our experienced staff can offer to all our students. The A level offer is further enhanced to more than 30 subjects by established consortium arrangements with local schools and colleges. All students will study and be examined in 4 AS levels plus General Studies AS level in year 12. In year 13 students will be expected to study 4 A levels including General Studies. Many of our most students able mathematicians and musicians will follow a five A level course. In addition to A level studies accredited opportunities exist for students to develop their MFL competences and Key Skills (application of number, communication and information technology). Form tutors deliver the tutorial programme with an emphasis on application for higher education and preparation for adult life. There is a Wednesday afternoon activities programme including opportunities for individuals to develop and enhance their skills both in team games and individually. top

Extra Curriculum Activities

In all year groups sport, music and drama and other extra curriculum activities are encouraged as important elements of the curriculum. top