Curriculum

At Christ’s Hospital, academic life is central to the student experience. We offer an education that is not only rigorous and ambitious, but also broad, engaging, and rewarding.

We understand that academic ability comes in many forms. Every student brings something different — and we value those differences. While some arrive with clear academic strengths, others discover them over time. What unites them all is a shared spirit of curiosity and a willingness to embrace learning.

We foster that spirit through high expectations, individual support and a culture that encourages students to think independently and take pride in their progress. Our teaching staff bring a high level of expertise, deep knowledge of their subjects and a strong commitment to helping students develop confidence, capability and intellectual curiosity. Many have joined Christ’s Hospital from other leading schools and universities, drawn by our distinctive mission and ethos.

A Curriculum That Enriches and Challenges

Our curriculum supports students both inside and outside the classroom. It is built around three complementary strands, each playing a vital role in their development:

• Academic Curriculum
  A well-structured classroom programme offering a wide range of core and optional subjects. Students are encouraged to think critically, build subject knowledge and lay firm foundations for further study.

• Broader Curriculum
  A wide array of co-curricular opportunities — including music, sport, drama, clubs and trips — enables students to explore new interests, develop skills, and grow as individuals.

• Pastoral Curriculum
  Rooted in our boarding house system and enriched by our ‘Learning for Life’ programme, this strand supports personal development, emotional wellbeing and preparation for life beyond school.

The Academic Journey

Years 7–8
Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum, developing a wide academic base and learning how to question, reason, and express their views with confidence.

Year 9
In addition to the core subjects, students select five options that begin to shape their own academic path.

Years 10–11 (GCSE)
Students narrow their subject choices slightly, studying four options alongside core subjects, allowing them to explore areas of interest in greater depth and preparation for GCSE success.

Sixth Form (A Levels)
Academic life in the Sixth Form is focused, challenging, and highly supportive. Students pursue A Levels in a stimulating environment that prepares them for university and future careers. Enrichment opportunities and leadership roles help them build essential skills and independence.

Beyond the Classroom

A Christ’s Hospital education prepares students for more than just exams. It equips them with the confidence, resilience, and integrity to thrive in whatever path they choose — at university, in the workplace and in life.

Christ’s Hospital aims to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing transformative education that values learning beyond the classroom. The broader curriculum, an integral part of school life, encourages excellence, exploration and collaboration while supporting personal growth and wellbeing. It offers inclusive opportunities for self-discovery, leadership and enjoyment, helping students build confidence, a sense of belonging and a lifelong love of learning that complements their academic and pastoral experiences.

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The experience of sixth form at Christ’s Hospital is challenging, broadening, and supportive. It is also hugely rewarding and provides an array of exciting challenges and experiences that not only prepares students for the rigours of A levels, but equips our students with key life skills, helping them to flourish regardless of career choice.

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The Extended Curriculum is a programme designed to broaden and deepen academic study during the Sixth Form at Christ’s Hospital. It offers a range of stimulating courses, each providing a fresh intellectual challenge and the opportunity to develop skills beyond the A level curriculum. Completion of these courses enhances university applications and demonstrates the intellectual curiosity, independence and academic rigour valued by future employers.

Deputy Grecians (Year 12) are allocated four periods per week for Extended Curriculum courses, taught as two double lessons throughout the year. Classes are deliberately small to create a seminar-style environment, encouraging discussion and close engagement with teachers who are experts in their fields. Courses range from the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to internationally recognised language qualifications, AS courses and musical study.

For Grecians (Year 13), the Extended Curriculum provides both extension and support opportunities. Classes remain small, typically between eight and ten students, allowing for greater personalisation. Extension courses are often shaped by students’ individual interests and encourage independent research, debate and investigation.

Courses for Deputy Grecians

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The EPQ offers students the opportunity to complete an independent project of their choosing, gaining a qualification that is recognised by universities and employers. It allows students to explore a topic of genuine personal interest, which may sit outside their chosen A level subjects. There are no prerequisites for the EPQ.

A successful EPQ demonstrates the ability to work independently, engage critically with academic material and manage a substantial piece of work — excellent preparation for study beyond school. Research has shown that students who complete a strong EPQ often achieve improved outcomes in their Year 13 examinations. The qualification is equivalent to half an A level, with an A* worth 28 UCAS points.

While many students choose to produce an extended essay of approximately 5,000–6,000 words, there are a variety of alternative pathways. These include scientific research projects, the creation of an artefact (such as an artwork, design or media project), or the development of a performance, for example in drama, music, dance or public speaking.

Assessment Structure

All EPQ projects are assessed against four key elements:

Planning
Students plan how they will complete their project, learning to manage time effectively and identify the tasks required to produce a successful outcome.

Research
Students explore potential topics and, once a focus is chosen, engage with a wide range of sources. They evaluate the significance of their research, reference it accurately and ensure that a diversity of perspectives is represented.

Development and Realisation
Students carry out their plan. For many, this involves drafting, reviewing and refining written work. For others, it may include sourcing materials, completing preparatory work, rehearsing and producing a final artefact or performance.

Reflection and Review
Students reflect on the successes and challenges of their project and deliver an oral presentation to a small audience. This presentation explains the project, evaluates the process and considers how challenges were managed.

Although the final project is independent, students are supported throughout by a dedicated supervisor working with a small group. Supervisors teach essential academic skills such as referencing and scholarly writing, assess work against the four criteria and provide guidance at key stages.

Staff availability for EPQ supervision varies from year to year. When selecting the EPQ, students are asked to indicate their broad area of interest so that, where possible, they can be allocated to an appropriate supervisory group.

Indicative areas of supervision include:

• Maths and Computer Science

• Biology, Chemistry and Medicine

• Physics and Engineering

• Music and Theatre

• Languages and Literature

• Writers’ Group

• Social Sciences and Psychology

• History and Politics

• Philosophy and Law

• Geography and Fieldwork

• Art, Design and Architecture

• Economics and Finance

• Sports Science

• General

Extension Courses

• Intermediate French (DELF B1/B2)

• Intermediate Spanish (DELE B1/B2)

• Intermediate German (Goethe-Institut B1/B2)

• Beginner Mandarin (HSK 1/2)

• AS Classical Civilisation

• AS Film Studies

• AS Global Perspectives

• Music Technology

• Music Diploma

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