Our Curriculum Offer
At Highgate Hill House School we pride ourselves on providing education that is engaging, creative, and accessible to learners at any starting point. We aim to provide, an aspirational and clearly sequenced curriculum which provides our learners with a clear pathway through primary and secondary education and into adulthood and ultimately employment and lifelong success. We believe in providing our learners with a positive and robust educational experience, encouraging them to develop their full potential, build confidence and resilience, and where appropriate provide a pathway to reintegrate back into formal and/or mainstream education. Our teaching staff, through their empathetic approach, provide motivation, support, and guidance to our learners in every way possible to cater for their educational, social, and emotional needs. At the same time, they also support learners’ wellbeing, helping to raise both their self-esteem and academic aspirations.
Each child with special needs is unique; a crucial part of effective special needs teaching is to ensure that those working with the learner understand how to maximise learning.
Our learners are taught a curriculum that meets their individual needs. Our offer is based on an adapted National Curriculum and is geared towards supporting the aspirations of the learner whilst improving their personal development. We lead with an emotionally informed approach. Subject Specialists oversee the teaching of all the core curriculum subjects which are taught within class to meet the learner’s starting point. Our wider curriculum offer is based on meeting the needs and interests of children with the option to gain accreditation and certificates in many subject areas.
Vocational Pathways and Work Experience
At HHHS, we are proud to offer a diverse range of vocational qualifications and learning programmes. These programmes are carefully designed to align with specific employment sectors while also supporting the development of essential social and life skills.
Our vocational qualifications span from Entry Level 2 to Level 2 and provide practical, hands-on learning experiences. These opportunities enable learners to acquire vital skills that support progression into further education, future employment, or the enhancement of personal independence. Vocational subjects include areas such as cooking and food hygiene, plant propagation and horticulture, as well as health, beauty, and fitness.
New for 2025/26, HHHS is expanding its Key Stage 4 curriculum to include a variety of vocational and GCSE options. Learners will be able to choose from the following qualifications:
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BTEC Home Cooking Skills (Level 1 and Level 2)
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BTEC Sport (Level 1)
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BTEC Art (Introductory)
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BTEC Vocational
- OCR Independent Living Awards
These qualifications offer a balanced blend of practical learning and theoretical knowledge, serving as an excellent foundation for learners as they continue their educational journey and prepare for future career pathways.
All Year 10 learners are given the opportunity to participate in a structured work experience placement. This takes place at a local holiday park and provides valuable exposure to a variety of vocational roles,
Reading
At Highgate Hill House School, we are proud to foster a strong reading culture that supports every learner in becoming a confident, fluent, and enthusiastic reader. Through high-quality teaching, targeted interventions, and a love of literature, we make reading an empowering experience.
Phonics in Primary
Dedicated phonics teachers deliver daily, structured lessons using the Twinkl Phonics scheme. This evidence-based approach ensures a solid foundation in early reading. All staff are trained in the scheme, with guidance from Twinkl experts on adapting it for learners with SEND.
Lexia Across the School
To complement our reading curriculum, we use Lexia software, which provides adaptive, personalised reading instruction that addresses gaps in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. It supports independent learning and motivates learners with interactive activities and milestone tracking.
Reading for Pleasure
Our classrooms and library are stocked with diverse books reflecting learners’ interests and backgrounds. Teachers read aloud and recommend texts to spark curiosity. We celebrate reading through World Book Day, reading challenges, and shared reading experiences.
Targeted Support and Family Partnerships
We offer structured interventions where needed and work closely with families to promote reading at home. Regular updates, workshops, and resources help families stay connected to their child’s reading journey.
At Highgate Hill House School, we know that reading opens doors, and we are committed to ensuring every learner can walk through them with confidence.
