Devonport High School For Girls
Our Curriculum Subjects
Our Curriculum Vision: Students at DHSG have access to a challenging and inspiring curriculum that meets the needs of all students including the most able, fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares them for ‘scholarship’ in a global society.
Our curriculum model is not based on Key Stages but on a 7-year plan based on the acquisition of skills, concepts, knowledge and understanding.
Challenge through subject based knowledge
Students are taught discrete subjects by specialists from Year 7. However, DHSG teachers are more than individuals with knowledge specialisms; they are all curriculum designers. Their professional focus is to design learning programmes that nurture enquiry, spark imagination, push creativity, create well-rounded caring citizens and produce high attaining learners. Above all, academic challenge and rigour are ensured by subject leaders giving careful consideration to the knowledge to be delivered enabling the strongest possible progress.
Challenge through breadth
Students are taught a broad curriculum throughout Years 7-13. Challenge is ensured by students’ experience of a wide range of disciplines and their associated progression models, alongside our aim for 100% participation beyond academic study.
Challenge through depth
Students are taught linear specialist courses (not blended disciplines) in all academic areas of the curriculum. Challenge is enabled by specialist planning which aims to deepen core knowledge across Years 7-13.
Sensitive Content Across the School Curriculum
Across our DHSG curriculum, we aim to provide students with opportunities to engage with a wide range of interesting, relevant, and thought-provoking topics. As part of this, students will, at times, encounter themes which may be more challenging or sensitive in nature. We believe that the classroom is an appropriate and supportive environment in which to explore such issues, and for the vast majority of students these topics are studied without concern. However, as a school, we take a trauma-informed approach to learning and feel it is important to inform families in advance of the types of themes that may arise during the school year.
Please see the document below (Sensitive Content Across the School Curriculum) outlining any potentially sensitive topics students might encounter, as shown in each year group and across each subject.
Of course, all material is taught in a way that is carefully considered, age-appropriate, and adapted to the needs of the students we teach. Staff are mindful of the potential impact of sensitive content and ensure that appropriate support is in place where needed.
If you would like further information about any aspect of the curriculum, or if you feel that specific topics may affect your child, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant Head of Department via the school. If you would like to speak to a member of our Safeguarding or pastoral team, further information and support is available on our Safeguarding and Welfare page, or for Sixth Form students, you can contact lnorster@dhsg.co.uk.