Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 Art and Design provides a solid foundation for GCSE Art and Design. It also develops many of the skill required in independent learning and creative problem solving. The content facilitates aspects of social and emotional learning and inspires students to make progress, demonstrating understanding of Art and Design.

Key Stage 4

Students will have the opportunity to experiment with different media in order to explore their strengths and preferences. There are a wide range of options within the different endorsements, or they may choose to work in several areas. The aim of the courses are to develop their visual language skills and to build a comprehensive portfolio of work.

A Level Art & Photography

Fine Art - A Level

They may wish to work in alternative media, which includes contemporary approaches such as installation, land art and digital technology for example, using moving images. Students will be expected to generate and develop ideas, selecting the most appropriate media and techniques to communicate their ideas effectively.

Photography - Lens and light based media

Photography offers opportunities to work with both traditional and digital media, including film and video. Students are expected to respond to give briefs or themes. They may go out on location shoots and from this, selecting and manipulating images to develop and communicate their ideas through their work.

Key Stage 3

The early stages of this course are here to reflect on aspects of human experience which give rise to fundamental questions about life. We explore, explain and consider what different religions believe about God and compare different world views.

Students also explore ethics and relationships, authority, science and religon as well as global issues such as peace, justice and equality.

Key Stage 4

This OCR GCSE emphasizes Philosophy and applied Ethics. It provides an opportunity for candidates to build upon the foundations laid down by following the Devon County Agreed Syllabus in Religious Education. It reflects the fact that the religious tradition of Great Britain is in the main Christian, whilst taking account the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain.

Key Stage 5

This OCR GCSE emphasizes Philosophy and applied Ethics. It provides an opportunity for candidates to build upon the foundations laid down by following the Devon County Agreed Syllabus in Religious Education. It reflects the fact that the religious tradition of Great Britain is in the main Christian, whilst taking account the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain.

Key Stage 3

Our Key Stage Three curriculum encourages students to read widely, to write in a range of different styles and to develop speaking and listening skills in a range of different contexts while exploring a diverse range of topics and issues. We pride ourselves on our flexible grouping arrangements and will make decisions to teach either mixed ability or ability groups depending on the profile and needs of each year group of students.

Our provision at Key Stage Three encourages each student to enter a range of regional and national writing competitions, offering the opportunity for every student to become a published writer. For those who enjoy public speaking and drama we enter groups and individuals into the Devon Performing Arts festival every year. In recent years we have hosted author visits from Darren Shan, Julie Hearn, Sophie Mackenzie and John Townsend, which has given our students the chance to access a range of fiction and non-fiction texts on a whole new level of exploration, while collecting some cherished autographs at the same time!

Key Stage 4

Edexcel English Language (2 GCSE grades) OR Edexcel English (1 GCSE grade)

Visit the Edexcel website for more details.

There are two routes through GCSE English following either the Language and Literature dual certificate course or the English only course. The content of the dual certificate course is challenging and the pace fast-moving. We recommend that students take this course if interested in studying English at a more advanced level at post-16.

The majority of our students will take the English only pathway. Wherever possible, we will work in partnership with students and parents to ensure that students follow the correct course for them. Due to timetabling and class sizes, the English department will make the final decision about which course is most suitable for individual students.

Key Stage 5

A Level English Literature (AQA specification A)

This four-unit specification encourages students to develop their interest in English Literature through reading widely, critically and independently. Texts range across centuries, genre and gender.

Students are encouraged to become informed, independent readers of literary texts and gain an understanding of a variety of views about texts and how to read them.

A Level English Language (AQA specification A)

At AS, this course focuses on personal and immediate language contexts. At A2, language is placed in its wider social, historical and global contexts and independent study is required. This four-unit specification introduces advanced language study. It develops students' ability to write for a variety of audiences and purposes. They discover linguistic frameworks and how these can be used to analyse and interpret language.

View KS5 Overview

Key Stage 3

Geography is, in the broadest sense, an education for life and for living. Learning through geography - whether gained through formal learning or experientially through travel, fieldwork and expeditions - helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, informed and responsible citizens and employees.

Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of places and regions - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in human geography.

Key Stage 4

Geography is well known as a subject that links to all other subjects in the curriculum, so a GCSE in Geography is a stepping stone to a whole range of opportunities. A good grade will help to move you on to any AS, Applied A Level or BTEC course. You may want to continue your study of geography or take a course such as a BTEC National in Travel and Tourism which has a more work related approach.

The skills you develop can lead you to employment opportunities in journalism, media, engineering, IT, travel and tourism, environmental management, marketing, business management and teaching. Geographers are everywhere!

Key Stage 5

AS and A2 Level

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage Three we are studying a thematic curriculum across students first three years at Honiton Community College. Students have three hours of History a fortnight. In year 7 we focus on the causes, development and consequences of conflict through time, from the Romans right up to the Second World War.

In Year 8 the themes are People, Power and Protest. Topics include the power of Cleopatra, the French Revolution, the fall of the Slave trade and the struggle for Votes for women.

In Year 9 we are in the final year of our chronological approach to History and students will be studying the Industrial Revolution, The First World War, the rise of dictators in Europe and the Second World War.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage Three we are studying a thematic curriculum across students first three years at Honiton Community College. Students have three hours of History a fortnight. In year 7 we focus on the causes, development and consequences of conflict through time, from the Romans right up to the Second World War.

In Year 8 the themes are People, Power and Protest. Topics include the power of Cleopatra, the French Revolution, the fall of the Slave trade and the struggle for Votes for women.

In Year 9 we are in the final year of our chronological approach to History and students will be studying the Industrial Revolution, The First World War, the rise of dictators in Europe and the Second World War.

Key Stage 5

AQA A level History - AQA History 2040 (click here)

History is about people, which is what life is about. As an individual it is important to understand the world in which we live. History looks at art, psychology, geography, economics, sociology, science, literature, politics, individuals, national cultures and more.

The syllabus is based on 4 separately examined modules. The 1st 2 form the AS level and the final 2 achieve the A Level award.

Overall, the course is designed to offer a range of history dealing with Britain, Vietnam and America, Communist Russia and it allows the opportunity for students to pursue their own interests.

Dyslexia Friendly Teaching

We encourage students to develop their learning, giving specific advice for different subjects. Subject specific advice is available a number of subjects, please find the links below for more information.

Key Stage 3

Starting with the four operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division – the path toward abstract problem-solving begins here. At the same time as students increase their fluency with the language of the subject, they gradually develop confidence in using mathematics to tackle a variety of challenges from across the discipline.

Whilst the programme varies according to the ability of the student, the syllabus below is representative of the mathematics covered in the first two years at the College.

Key Stage 4

The foundation tier of GCSE Mathematics (grades C-G) provides an emphasis on the essentials of the subject, along with an introduction to problem-solving in practical situations. The higher tier (grades A*-C) develops a wider and more abstract repertoire. At this level students encounter demanding areas of the subject and use their abilities to solve problems of greater complexity.

An outline of each syllabus is given below. Note that Year 9 students follow a course designed both to stimulate interest and provide a firm basis for GCSE. Further details are available in the relevant schemes of work.

Key Stage 5

AS Level Maths

AS-Level Mathematics comprises Core Mathematics 1 and 2 together with one applied module (Mechanics, Statistics or Decision Mathematics).

A Level Maths

A-Level Mathematics comprises Core Mathematics 1-4 together with two applied modules.

Key Stage 3

All students follow a comprehensive and well rounded curriculum comprising English, Mathematics, Humanities (including RE), Technology, Modern Languages, Creative Arts, PE, ICT, Science and Personal Development (Tutorial) and Citizenship.

Key Stage 4

Students have the choice of a range of courses leading to public examinations at GCSE and/or vocational qualifications in English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Creative Arts, Humanities, Modern Languages and Vocation areas.

In addition, students follow of course in Citizenship and Personal & Social Education, which also covers Careers and Health Education.

View KS4 Overview 

A Level Art & Photography

Fine Art - A Level

The college offers a wide range of AS and A2 subjects leading to a full A level accreditation. Vocational subjects of a one or two-year duration are offered to include Btec National and OCR.

Please select the subject links from the menu on the left to fund further details for each subject area.

Key Stage 3

We are offering a two year KS3 programme that provides a broad curriculum, enhanced by practically orientated lessons, linked to applications in the modern world. We aim to train students in independent thinking and enquiry, by studying how science works whilst covering key scientific concepts.

We also offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities which include:

• Excellent links for transition from KS2 to KS3
• Science club
• Science museum visit
• External trips & competitions
• Science week
• Links to Plymouth University & Exeter University

Key Stage 4

We have moved to a three year KS4 programme, which offers a range of pathways to meet students’ individual requirements.

Qualifications available include:

• Seperate sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Science A (core) and Additional science
• BTEC level 2 extended certificate
• Entry Level
• www.ocr.org.uk (twenty first century science)

Chemistry - Exam Board: OCR H434

The aims of these specifications are to encourage candidates to:

• Develop their interest and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
• Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Work
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other

Human Biology - Exam Board: OCR H423

The aims of these specifications are to encourage candidates to:

• Develop their interest and enthusiasm for human biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
• Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Work
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of human biology and how they relate to each other

Science in Society - Exam Board: OCR H423

Science in Society is distinctive as a post-16 course in its prime intention to develop the knowledge and skills that learners need in order to grapple with issues related to the science and technology that hey meet now and will meet in their adult and working lives.

This specification:

• Helps to broaden the curriculum for arts/humanities students
• Allows science students to reflect on their studies in a wider context
• Develops students' scientific literacy and critical thinking skills when reading, writing and talking about Science
• Reflects current developments in higher education and provides a sound basiss for progression to course in 'science communication', 'science and the media' and 'philosophy of science'.

The problem-based learning and consideration of relevant issues also makes this a good additional qualification for students seekign entry into medical or similar professional courses.

Key Stage 5

Biology - Exam Board: OCR H421

Biology aims to:

• Develop interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in biology
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the ecomony and society
• Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other

Physics - Exam Board: OCR H559

In Advancing Physics there are opportunities for candidates to:

• Develop practical skills (for example, in choosing and using materials and equipment)
• Practice data-handling skills (for example, estimating, presenting and analysing data)
• Use their imagination (for example, suggesting an explanation)
• Place Physics in a social or historical context and argue about the issues that arise
• Be rewarded for initiative and interest in learning - for finding out for themselves
• Use information and communication technology as an integral part of learning physics

Environmental Studies - Exam Board: AQA

The aims of this specification are to encourage students to:

• Engage with local, national and international environmental issues
• To develop and understanding of how we manage the biological and physical environment around us
• To understand our personal impact, and review how sustainable change can occur

BTEC Level - Exam Board: Edexcel

The 30-credit BTEC Level 3 Certificate offers a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the appropriate vocational sector.

The 60-credit BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma extends the specialist work-related focus from the BTEC Level 3 Certificate and covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector.