Approach to Learning
Our curriculum provides an outstanding quality and breadth of education that challenges our students to fulfil their potential, whatever their starting point.
The Academy’s curriculum:
- contributes to pupils’ academic achievement, their physical wellbeing and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
- promotes good behaviour and attitudes to safety
- sits alongside extra-curricular activities, pastoral support, assemblies and themed events which together nurture personal development
- supports the emphasis on the Academy values, as well as promoting awareness of self and the British values of respect, tolerance, equality and fairness.
Our curriculum is compliant with our duty in terms of the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs Regulations 2014.
“The curriculum is ambitious and outlines clearly what pupils should learn and when.” Ofsted 2024
In their first three years of school, students study a curriculum based on the core subjects of English, maths and science, supplemented by an in-depth study of the humanities and languages, taught by specialist teachers.
Alongside this core, students develop their creative and sporting potential through the teaching of PE and a range of visual and performing arts. Students that join the academy below Level 4 in English or maths participate in a programme designed to ensure they reach age-related expectations as soon as possible.
We take great care in helping students and parents to make appropriate option choices in Year 9. Students continue to study the broad Key Stage 3 curriculum and are offered taster sessions in the new subjects which we introduce at Key Stage 4. We provide students and families with detailed information about each subject, along with careers guidance, so they can make the right choices for them.
The GCSE subjects offered in Year 10 and 11 are designed to provide the broadest possible range of opportunities post-16. Students are offered a range of academic and creative subjects, as well as a focused vocational offer. This allows each student to follow a pathway suited to their needs, interests and level of attainment.
In the Sixth Form, students can choose from a range of study programmes. Prior to starting post-16 courses, a rigorous application and admissions process guides students onto the most appropriate pathway.
Study programmes are designed to ensure progression routes to high-quality higher education, training or employment upon leaving school. As well as providing a diverse range of academic A-Level subjects, there is vocational offer consisting of substantial vocational qualifications. Any student yet to achieve a Level 2 pass in GCSE English or maths attends classes to re-sit these qualifications at the earliest opportunity.
To support the taught curriculum, study programmes also contain non-qualification activities designed to prepare students for the next stage of their education. These include supervised independent study, a tailored UCAS and careers programme, and range of extra-curricular activities. Within this, the Academy provides impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance.
If you require more information about the curriculum please contact Mrs Fresko-Brown at M.Fresko-Brown@harrislowewillesden.org.uk.
Detailed information about homework can be found on our Homework page.
Detailed information about each subject can be found on our Subjects pages.
Our stories
Lina, Year 10
Our stories
Sara, Year 8
Our stories
Sohini, Year 7
“Harris Lowe has been fantastic in helping me through the move from Year 9 to Year 10. Staff help every student remove barriers to learning and they role model our values of integrity and empathy.”
“HLAW is welcoming and offers a wide range of subjects. I’ve made friends and feel I belong, especially through Drama Club, which has boosted my confidence speaking to students and adults.”
"Les Misérables really helped me build my confidence as a student of Harris Lowe Willesden Academy."
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