Curriculum Subjects
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classics
- Computing and ICT
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Economics
- Enhancement & Enrichment
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics and Further Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Physical Education and Games
- Physics
- Politics
- Theology and Philosophy
Art and Design
Art and Design is a curriculum subject for all pupils in Years 7 and 8, within which a broad and exciting programme of study is undertaken. The students are engaged in the formal elements of Art and Design from the outset, whilst working creatively in paint, collage, sculpture, print and other media. They explore key genres and movements, for instance the surrealism, graphic design, architecture and abstract art. In Year 9, pupils specialise in either art or graphics and investigate themes, for example ‘distortion and expression in portraiture’ and ‘can graphic design save your life?’ They develop a personal sketchbook and a range of original outcomes. At GCSE and A Level, we encourage pupils to develop deep meaning behind their work, pushing the boundaries of art and design to create highly original, complex, and sophisticated ideas connected to a wide range of sources. All pupils develop a personal investigation and exhibit their very accomplished results.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
The Art and Design department offers a range of workshops such as digital design and ceramics. Life drawing, with professional life models, is a popular and challenging choice for Year 10 to Year 12, who also enjoy our open studio time when they can work in an informal setting. In our special one-day workshops, pupils gain insight and inspiration through working alongside practising artists including Darcy Turner and James Lake. The bi-annual Inter-House Art competition sees pupils completing high standards of observational drawing with commitment, focus and pride. At Sixth Form, pupils can opt to take short courses, for example landscape painting, as part of their enrichment programme. We aim to embed Art and Design within the school community with pupils and staff all participating in activities and events such as the Big Draw, mural painting and sketchbook circles.
Biology
All Biology is taught by specialist teachers in well-equipped Biology laboratories, and for Ecology, our beautiful school grounds are used. In Years 7 and 8, students are taught an interesting and wide-ranging course which includes modules on microbiology, microscopy, health and fitness, reproduction, evolution and ecology. The emphasis is on learning through practical activities which develop confidence and skills. The Year 7 and 8 courses lay the foundation for success in IGCSE and A Level through the ability to use terminology, experimental methods and the appropriate mathematical skills.
In Years 9, 10 and 11, students follow the Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification, leading to an IGCSE at the end of Year 11. In Year 9, plant and animal nutrition, reproduction and homeostasis are covered. In Year 10, plant and animal transport, Excretion, environmental science and applied microbiology are studied. The topics for Year 11 include genetics, evolution, genetic engineering and cloning. The emphasis on practical work continues throughout Years 9 to 11.
In the Sixth Form, the OCR Biology A specification is taught. The practical skills acquired in previous years are of great benefit when the students do the practical endorsement, which is part of the A Level. At all ages, students are challenged to use their abilities to work beyond the syllabus and to engage with the many ethical issues raised by modern developments in Biology.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Each year, students sit the Olympiad examinations in the three Sciences, where we are regularly very successful. Our Lower School Science Club is aimed specifically at students in Years 7. It offers talks, demonstrations and practical sessions led by members of the teaching staff or Sixth Form students. There is a flourishing Science Society, which organises lectures and demonstrations by experts in their fields.
Members of the Science Sixth Form publish a highly professional Science journal, SCOPE. In both the Lower and Upper Sixth, Science enhancement courses are offered for those who wish to extend their interest in the subject beyond A Level.
Chemistry
In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to Chemistry, its aims, its methods and its role in our society. Class practical work is introduced at the outset and by the end of Year 7, students should be able to work safely and with a high degree of independence. Year 8 work develops and expands both the theoretical base and the practical experience.
In Years 9, 10 and 11, the Chemistry department follows the Edexcel IGCSE specification, leading to a GCSE at the end of Year 11. Basic concepts of inorganic, physical and organic Chemistry are covered in detail, while retaining a particular focus on the development of practical skills. The history and philosophy of science also plays an integral role in the teaching at GCSE.
In the Sixth Form, students follow the Edexcel specification, which extends and develops the ideas of IGCSE Chemistry, introducing more modern and advanced concepts across all three branches of the subject. A Practical Endorsement qualification, which does not contribute to the A Level directly, is embedded into this course and is assessed as part of the core practical work that students undertake. The emphasis of the syllabus is on the relevance of the subject to everyday life and it is therefore an interesting and dynamic course for students to study.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Each year, students sit the Olympiad examinations in the three Sciences, where we are regularly very successful. Our Lower School Science Club is aimed specifically at students in Years 7. It offers talks, demonstrations and practical sessions led by members of the teaching staff or Sixth Form students. There is a flourishing Science Society, which organises lectures and demonstrations by experts in their fields.
Members of the Science Sixth Form publish a highly professional Science journal, SCOPE. In both the Lower and Upper Sixth, Science enhancement courses are offered for those who wish to extend their interest in the subject beyond A Level.
Classics
The approach is quite different from that of the old-style Latin courses: it encourages pupils to see Latin as the language of Roman civilization, which is at the heart of western European culture, and great stress is placed on learning about Roman institutions, history and culture. Language skills are developed from reading material consisting of realistic stories often using historical characters and an absorbing story line set in the first and second centuries AD. Such topics as religion, art, the army, trade, education, women, slavery, law and government are all covered. To this end, the department holds a massive library of support material which is used regularly to bring the subject to life. In Year 9, many new entrants from other schools join Latin groups and settle quickly. Although it is a reading course, the essential language points are fully rehearsed to give a strong foundation for examination work.
The school firmly believes that Latin is a valuable study in its own right but always has an eye to its usefulness in reinforcing the study of the English language; for example, word derivations are constantly explored and similarities with French are also investigated.
Latin is a popular option for GCSE. The courses in Years 10 and 11 see that the transition to reading the Latin of Roman writers and an interesting selection of some of the best of Latin literature is offered for examination. One of the GCSE coursebooks was written for Cambridge University Press by Phillip Parr (the retired Head of Department and Head of Sixth Form at Habs). Many continue the study of Latin in the Sixth Form and in in recent years, 13 have gone on to study Classics as their chosen undergraduate degree at university – nine of them at Oxbridge.
A Greek GCSE (short course) is now offered to approximately half of the students that opt for Latin GCSE. In an ‘accelerated’ class in Year 10 they start a Greek introductory course (language only at this stage) alongside their Latin language and literature studies; in Year 11 they continue their Greek studies (language and history) to prepare to sit their two Greek GCSE examinations in addition to their four Latin examinations. In other words, they finish their GCSE courses with a full Latin GCSE and a short course Greek GCSE.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
There is an active Classical Society which arranges talks, films, competitions and outings to museums and sites of interest. Joint initiatives with Habs Girls have included balloon debates, lectures and shared enhancement/enrichment classes encompassing a broad range of Classical subjects. Visits to Rome, Pompeii, Hadrian’s Wall and tours of Greece and Provence in France have all been arranged as Classical expeditions.
Computing and ICT
We want to inspire students to understand how to make the most of their use of technology, developing digital intelligence to understand how best to solve real world problems with discernment and empathy.
We aim is to combine the rigor and structure of the curriculum, preparing students to excel in external examinations and competitions with the wonder of Computing Society, where students explore and create just because they enjoy it.
All in Years 7 and 8, and in the option in Year 9, develop at least the extended skills required to make the most of our curriculum and to enhance their creativity as well as learning how to code solutions to solve problems. In addition, subject departments develop skills for using technology through a wide range of activities that embrace the use of technology where appropriate, including music composition, analysis of sport skills and game strategy to robotics and digital story telling through film and in-game making.
In Year 10, students can choose to study Computer Science as one of their options for GCSE.
In the Sixth Form, the department offers A Level Computer Science and a variety of Enrichment options including making sense of big data, advertising, documentary making and the exploration of virtual reality to understand how it can influence deeper learning.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Habs Boys places great emphasis on the use of technology across the curriculum and in conjunction with Habs Girls. The department is committed to extending the students’ interest and developing a passion for the subject beyond the curriculum through our Computing Society, which meets regularly. Our magazine, Paradigm, is published by students and the department has organised many trips locally and nationally.
Design and Technology
Design and Technology challenges students’ understanding of the world and develops their ability to harness technology. Students learn how products and systems are designed and manufactured, how to be innovative and make creative use of a variety of resources including digital technologies, to shape the designed world and improve the world around them.
The department has three well-equipped workshops and two multipurpose rooms. All facilities enable students to work with a wide variety of materials, utilise computer aided design and manufacture using a combination of hand skills and computerised systems, including 3D printing and laser cutting. Students work in a creative, non-linear way and innovate and iterate as required.
Year 7 and 8 develop their creative, problem-solving and practical skills through a series of projects, investigations and practical tasks. Students study electronics, robotics, energy generation and inclusive design across the years; they develop an understanding of how components and systems can be brought together to make functional products.
In Year 9, students choosing to study Design and Technology will build on their skills and knowledge but also develop their team working skills, entrepreneurship and extend their manufacturing capabilities.
At GCSE, students commonly develop their own engineering products and systems. Those wishing to study the subject at a higher level may choose an A Level in Design Engineering, which focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to study engineering at university.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Lunchtime and after-school sessions are available for students to pursue some of the engineering-based competitions we engage in, such as F1 in Schools, VEX Robotics and the Greenpower electric car.
Workshop sessions are provided to develop personal projects or to continue class work. The department contributes to the Enrichment programme, offering robotics, bike skills and ornithology.
Drama
Academic Drama sits within the wider context of creative performance within the school. Students begin to develop their skills in drama lessons in Years 7 and 8 and many students opt to refine these skills in Year 9, at GCSE and at A Level. The exam courses develop the students’ creative responses to set plays, as performer, director or designer; their appreciation and analysis of live theatre and their skills in theatre making, both devised and with published texts. To support all areas of the course, we aim regularly to see a wide range of theatre, either live or as a digital performance. Students also explore the theory and practice of influential theatre practitioners, such as Katie Mitchell, Kneehigh and Complicite, and apply their approach to their own work. We regularly welcome leading sound, lighting and costume designers to talk about their work, most recently Ian Dickinson, Stefan Gregory, Michael Vale and Katie Sykes.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Habs Drama is a thriving community, making bold, high-quality and transformative theatre. Redefining traditional school practice, it pushes the creative, academic and holistic development of all our students. We train students as theatre makers, creating a shared culture that encourages them to play, take risks and fail, whilst challenging them as performers and storytellers to make innovative and authentic work. A strong emphasis is placed on process, focusing on collaborative approaches and encouraging students to discover their own voices and instincts, and to take responsibility for the work created.
Each year we produce an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of work to create exciting, brave and socially-conscious theatre and film, in line with other leading youth companies. Work includes new writing, adaptations of books and graphic novels, reimagining classical texts and working with writers or external partners to devise original work. Students have the opportunity to work alongside an incredible range of professional artists, including some of the country’s leading theatre makers, movement directors and writers. Alongside this there is an extensive range of additional projects, workshops, acting training, House Drama events, filmmaking and writing groups, with the aim of engaging as wide and diverse a range of students as possible.
Economics
Economics is a very popular subject, taught in a vibrant and dynamic department. Economics explains current affairs from an academic and analytical perspective and our students regularly debate topical issues to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their confidence.
The Edexcel course is divided into four themes:
1. Introduction to markets and market failure
2. The UK economy – performance and policies
3. Business behaviour and the labour market
4. A global perspective
Themes 1 and 2 are taught in the Lower Sixth and themes 3 and 4 in the Upper Sixth. There are three examination papers: Micro (themes 1 and 3), Macro (themes 2 and 4) and a synoptic paper covering the entire specification. The department has excellent online resources and students are encouraged to read widely to broaden their understanding.
Economics is a highly respected A Level, fusing the best of the Arts and the Sciences and complementing most A Level subjects. Many go on to study Economics, Finance or Management at university. Although A Level Mathematics is not a requirement for the A Level course, it is necessary for many university courses.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
The department produces two regular publications; Equlibrium, providing an opportunity for our keenest pupils to stretch their knowledge beyond the syllabus and Equilibrum Lite, which reflects the fun of studying Economics and makes it more accessible to those in the Lower and Middle School. Our Economics Society invites speakers, holds debates and runs a regular book club. We actively encourage students to extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the syllabus by encouraging participation in the Schroders Essay Prize and other Economics essay competitions, our annual ‘Economics Day’ and by engaging with a range of Podcasts and online university lectures promoted via our MS Teams channel.
Enhancement & Enrichment
The school’s extensive Sixth Form Enhancement and Enrichment programme has two aims: to enhance the pupil academically above and beyond the curriculum, and to enrich them by providing an opportunity to pick up a new life skill or interest.
It is also within this programme that pupils are prepared for university-based tests, such as the BMAT, the TSA, and the LNAT, which they need to sit to gain entry to some of the most competitive degrees at some of the most prestigious universities (e.g. Medicine, Economics or Law at Oxford or Cambridge). All pupils are offered a course in Critical Thinking, and the Enhancement and Enrichment programme is designed to help support our pupils with all aspects of the UCAS application process.
Enhancement and Enrichment is timetabled for three periods a week and there is a system of rotation, which allows pupils to tailor their courses to their specific needs and interests. Pupils follow as many as 10 courses during their Sixth Form career. Half of the Lower Sixth courses are run in conjunction with the Habs Girls to help prepare pupils for the co-educational experience offered by universities.
The Enrichment side of the programme includes introductory courses in Arabic, Japanese and Chinese languages, cooking and public speaking, as well as more physically demanding courses, such as martial arts instruction, survival training and bushcraft. These courses aim to broaden the cultural horizons of our pupils aswell as to help them develop skills for life.
With more than 60 courses to choose from, the school offers a uniquely diverse and exciting programme taught by members of every school department, offering academic enhancement and personal enrichment alike.
English
Across Years 7 to 9, we seek to enthuse students with the endless possibilities of English literature: from The Odyssey to performance poetry; from Shakespeare to the latest play at The National Theatre; from Pastoral to Gothic fiction.
Teachers respond to their classes’ interests: there is a stock of more than 10,000 books to challenge and extend the interests of every age group. We aim to stimulate critical and creative responses, and, above all, encourage reading for pleasure. All students at Key Stage 3 have regular lessons in the school library, as well as ‘book club’ sessions in class.
The writing process begins with reading, and ideas are developed and challenged through discussion and debate. Fostering students’ skills in using the English language forms a crucial part of the curriculum, and literacy skills are taught both implicitly and explicitly; they are encouraged to plan, check, and craft their writing.
Results at GCSE and A Level are exceptional. In Years 10 and 11, students follow the AQA GCSE courses in English Language and English Literature. At A Level, we offer English Literature with OCR and English Language with AQA. Several students opt to continue their study of English at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
To broaden the students’ interest, the department offers an array of co-curricular activities, including workshops, competitions, Poetry by Heart and theatre trips. Many students are debaters, often succeeding at the highest level in national competitions.
The school’s Lit Soc is organised and run by Sixth Form students in collaboration with teaching staff. This offers a lively programme of visiting writers, performers and speakers. There is a thriving culture of creative, critical and journalistic writing in the school, some of which feature in the department magazine, Scribe.
Geography
In Years 7, 8 and 9, students develop an in depth understanding of global issues, such as climate change, plastic pollution and the impact of infectious diseases. The emphasis is on engaging pupils through enquiry and developing the analytical and transferable skills needed in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
Years 10 and 11 follow the EDUQAS A GCSE course. It provides a strong grounding in physical and human concepts and contemporary issues. It allows teachers to go beyond the specification and follow the interests of the students and link ideas to current events. Sixth Form follow the CIE International A Level. It develops a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of physical and human Geography topics, and the ability to apply knowledge and critically evaluate ideas whilst connecting different areas of Geography and making links to contemporary issues.
Fieldwork in Year 7 is a local microclimate enquiry, Year 8 students explore ‘Changing Places’ and in Year 9 they participate in a year group climate change conference. GCSE study comprises conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches to fieldwork in St Albans and on the Hampshire coast. At Sixth Form, residential trips to Dorset’s Jurassic coast and the Long Mynd in Shropshire support the study of A Level topics. The fieldwork enquiries ensure students develop a range of skills which support the further study of Geography.
Co-curricular and Enrichment.
The Sixth Form Geographical Society research, write and publish articles in Habs Geographical with Habs Girls. The department is a member of the Geographical Association and Royal Geographical Society through which we have had notable success in the Young Geographer of the Year competition. The opportunity to experience different and unique physical and human environments is provided with an annual international expedition to Iceland.
History
The study of History stimulates independent and mature reflection, develops high-level literacy and promotes human understanding and sympathy.
Throughout the curriculum, students are encouraged to articulate their own ideas about the past confidently and persuasively. They are guided in their learning so that they can write fluent, structured and analytical responses.
In Years 7 to 9, the History department provides a foundation in British and World History and an introduction to the skills of the historian. Year 7 and 8 learn about Medieval History, the Tudors and the Stuarts, as well as the growth of the British Empire including the Slave Trade and the Indian Uprising of 1857. Year 9 study the First World War, the Russian Revolution, The Second World War and Decolonisation.
Years 10 and 11 study an IGCSE History course, looking at 20th century history, including an in-depth study and coursework on Germany in 1918–45. We offer two Sixth Form History options at A Level. Reading and lively discussion form the core of learning of A Level History at Habs. Many lessons take place in the History Library, a specialist teaching room, well stocked with texts on a wide variety of topics. Students have access to many scholarly online resources to support their studies.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
The department is committed to extending the students’ interest in History and developing a passion for the subject beyond the curriculum. The Lower School History Club and History Societies, for the Middle School and Sixth Form, all meet regularly. Our History magazine, Timeline, is published by students. The History department organises many trips locally and internationally – to the Tower of London and the RAF Museum, as well as to the Western Front battlefields, to Berlin, Poland and the United States.
Mathematics and Further Mathematics
The Mathematics department aims to give as wide a view of Mathematics as possible, whilst providing and reinforcing the basic skills required by other subjects. Teaching broadly follows the national curriculum throughout Years 7 to 11, with core material supplemented by investigations, challenges, puzzles and extension questions. In-house, tailor-made course notes and appropriate software are used extensively to help deliver the curriculum. The department believes in enrichment rather than acceleration, so students work towards higher level IGCSE at the end of Year 11, with top sets also having the freedom to study off-syllabus topics to help with the transition to Sixth Form study.
In the Sixth Form, Mathematics A Level is made up of a combination of Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics, which support the broad selection of university choices made by students. The main focus, however, is on the logical foundations of Pure Mathematics. At every stage throughout their Sixth Form mathematical careers, students are expected to work beyond the confines of their syllabus and a strong emphasis is placed on problem-solving strategies.
Those studying Further Mathematics will cover an extensive programme of topics in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. Within the teaching time of two full A Level subjects, the material is delivered in a mathematically coherent way rather than being syllabus driven. There is a strong emphasis not only on problem-solving techniques, but also on exploring connections between mathematical topics and allowing students to explore topics of personal interest.
With increasing numbers applying to top university courses requiring a higher level of Mathematics, there is a need for the work to be pitched at a very high level, leading to an exciting and enriching experience. We aim to provide the widest possible range of mathematical experience, whilst providing the necessary level of challenge to enable students to access the very best university courses.
We provide teaching towards the Oxford MAT, the use of which is growing amongst top universities. Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) and Advanced Extension Award (AEA) classes are available for those with offers to read Mathematics at university, although many related materials will be used routinely in class teaching. In the most recent PISA report (Programme for International Student Assessment) in Mathematics, Habs results were remarkably high such that they were “off the PISA scale”.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
A great deal of extension work is offered throughout Years 7 to 11, so that students are not limited by syllabus content. They are given the opportunity to participate in UKMT challenges each year and mentoring is provided for the most able to prepare them for National and International Mathematics Olympiad competitions. Many also take part in team challenge competitions at various levels, and we have introduced joint Mathematics club activities with Habs Girls.
There is also a Sixth Form Mathematics Society in which students present talks on off-syllabus mathematical topics to each other. In Year 13, we provide Enrichment courses that aim to provide a solid foundation in Mathematics for the study of Engineering at any top university.
Modern Languages
In Year 7, students have the opportunity to do a ‘carousel’ of four languages – French, German, Latin and Spanish – before choosing any two of these for Year 8. Each course offers serious study, combining a sound grasp of the spoken and written language with a comprehensive insight into the cultural background of the country concerned. Up to date, well-illustrated textbooks are used, supplemented by ICT resources, magazines and readers. In Year 9, students can opt to take up Arabic and in Year 10 we offer them the chance to take up Russian.
Students take at least one Modern Language at GCSE but may take up to three. All examinations are sat at the end of Year 11. In addition, top sets in French, German and Spanish follow the school’s own extension course in Year 11, leading to a qualification accredited by the Institute of Linguists.
In the Sixth Form, A Level courses are offered in all five languages. We also offer non-examined enrichment courses in Italian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic for those wishing to encounter a new language or culture.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
A flourishing Modern Languages Society, run by the students themselves, offers numerous and well-supported events which complement classroom teaching. A further distinguishing feature of the department is the very wide programme of trips and exchanges in which students are strongly encouraged to participate. Indeed, we believe we have more ‘traditional’ reciprocal exchanges than any other school in the UK. We have close and very long-standing links with schools in many European countries.
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Music
Music is an important part of students’ lives at Habs, both as a curricular and co-curricular subject. The Music department is housed in a purpose-built building situated at the heart of our campus. Comprising four classrooms, a recital hall, large rehearsal space and 10 practice rooms, all sound-proofed with double-doors, it is an excellent space in which to make music.
All pupils study music up to the end of Year 8, after which it becomes an option, which a significant number choose. Students improve their musical skills at all levels through performance, composition and analytical listening, with topics being explored through all of these three elements. We have strong numbers at both GCSE and A Level, and produce exceptional results every year with students going on to study music at prestigious universities and music colleges throughout the UK and beyond.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
For many, musical involvement extends beyond the classroom through membership of the school’s many orchestras, bands, choirs and other ensembles. All students in Year 7 participate in the October Concert as part of both a choir and a samba band. Many go on to take part in the musical life of the school throughout their school careers: with 11 large ensembles ranging from Symphony Orchestra through Big Band to Guitar Orchestra and the support of many more chamber ensembles, we aim to involve as many as possible at all age and difficulty levels.
We have a team of excellent instrumental teachers to support this programme. They provide tuition to well over 400 students weekly on all orchestral instruments plus guitar, drum-kit, piano, organ and voice, as well as assisting with the coaching of many of our ensembles.
Over 40 concerts are held during the year, including collaborative concerts with Habs Girls. The school gives occasional concerts in London venues; we perform regularly at the Barbican. Foreign tours are also organised on a bi-annual basis. Habs music week in the summer term is always a highlight, with musical performances taking place throughout the day for a full week.
We continue to make music outside of term: two jazz summer school weeks in late August are always heavily over-subscribed, and we hold a stellar strings weekend involving as many string players from the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools as possible just before the beginning of the autumn term.
Physical Education and Games
Physical Education and Games play an integral part of school life. All students are provided with opportunities to participate at some level. Involvement in sport and physical activities is seen to be important in creating team spirit, positive relationships and pride in individual and team achievements beyond the classroom.
The priority sport is rugby for all year groups, although students from Year 9 and up can select to play football as the main sport instead (autumn term), hockey (spring term) and cricket (summer term). Additionally, there are opportunities to train and participate in sports including athletics, cross country, gymnastics, archery, sailing, tennis, squash, badminton, basketball, golf, orienteering, table tennis, rugby sevens, real tennis, shooting (including clay pigeon shooting), ultimate frisbee, tchoukball, softball, volleyball, swimming and water polo.
The broad nature of the curriculum offered is a real strength of the department, particularly as students progress to the upper age groups. This leads to the school achieving success across a wide range of sporting activities instead of just a narrow focus. Sports Science is offered at GCSE and A Level, where students explore the theoretical concepts that underpin athletic performance. The A Level subject is pioneering a collaborative teaching approach with Habs Girls. Students in GCSE and A Level classes achieve excellent results.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Each priority sport involves substantial numbers of students and maintains a full list of block fixtures on Saturdays, plus regular midweek matches. The opportunity to take part in school sport is extended to include A, B, C and D teams where possible.
Additionally, a number of students currently represent county sides or higher in rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, badminton, golf, judo, orienteering, shooting, swimming, tennis and water polo. The extensive Inter-House programme offers further competitive matches for almost every child in the school.
All are encouraged to participate at a level appropriate to them. Those who want to be involved beyond the competitive route can enjoy recreational levels of activity to maintain healthy lifestyles within the school. Students are monitored as part of a bespoke reporting scheme to provide individual fitness and wellbeing profiles. This information is then used to provide specific support appropriate to each student.
The school organises several trips and sports tours during the academic year and in the holidays. Recently, there have been tours to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland and South Africa.
Habs has forged strong relationships which have beneficial to our students. We have excellent links to local, national and international sports clubs and teams, including Saracens, Watford FC Community and Schools Trust, Watford Water Polo, EJB Gymnastics, Middlesex CCC, and IPL side Rajasthan Royals.
Physics
In Years 7 and 8, students are given a broad introduction to Physics, including the language used to communicate knowledge and the basics of experimental approaches. This provides the foundation that enables pupils to consider how a force can cause a turning effect and give rise to pressure in all states of matter. Astronomy is also introduced, as well as abstract ideas such as energy and heat transfer.
IGCSE material is delivered through Years 9 to 11. Experimental methods and techniques are further developed as greater emphasis is given to both problem solving and practical work. Graphical and numerical skills are a particular focus of mechanics and electricity, whilst students become more proficient in technical drawing as the topic of light is revisited along with sound and waves.
In Year 10, nuclear physics and radioactivity are covered alongside a review and extension of fundamental forces. Whilst revision and examination paper preparation are significant components of Year 11, students continue to be extended by microscopic explanations of pressure and temperature and the principles of electromagnetic induction.
Sixth Form Physicists follow AQA GCE Physics A specification, which provides a smooth transition from GCSE and develops interest and enthusiasm for the subject at a more sophisticated conceptual level.
Lower Sixth Formers will experience contrasting topics in the principles and applications of particle physics, electricity, materials, mechanics and waves. In the Upper Sixth, the course develops the knowledge, understanding and applications of fields, and nuclear and thermal physics.
A recent PISA report (Programme for International Student Assessment) said Habs are “…well on their way to becoming the skilled knowledgeable workers of tomorrow.”
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Each year, students sit the Olympiad examinations in the three Sciences, where we are regularly very successful. Our Lower School Science Club is aimed specifically at students in Years 7. It offers talks, demonstrations and practical sessions led by members of the teaching staff or Sixth Form students. There is a flourishing Science Society, which organises lectures and demonstrations by experts in their fields.
Members of the Science Sixth Form publish a highly professional Science journal, SCOPE. In both the Lower and Upper Sixth, Science enhancement courses are offered for those who wish to extend their interest in the subject beyond A Level.
Politics
Politics is a popular Sixth Form only subject at Habs. Students learn how power is wielded, the impact of government and different theories of how political power can be best utilised. We have a strong focus on debate in lessons and encourage students to engage critically, constructively and in an informed manner with different political viewpoints. Students cover UK Government and Politics, US and Comparative Politics and Political Ideas as part of their A Level course.
Students assess and debate current political issues, whilst developing an appreciation of governmental systems and structures. The focus in the Lower Sixth is very much on British Politics and Government. The Upper Sixth year in the Sixth Form requires study of political and legal systems of the US, as well as political ideas such a conservatism, liberalism, socialism and anarchism.
Key skills developed by the course include the ability to research political and legal issues and to communicate effectively both orally and on paper.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
The department undertakes regular visits to the UK Supreme Court and the Houses of Parliament. We have organised visits in the past to the USA to visit the Houses of Congress and the White House in Washington DC. We have an active Politics Society which collaborates very closely with the Girls’ School and has hosted many leading political figures, as well as organising talks by the students, mock UK, US and European Election debates.
Theology and Philosophy
The Theology and Philosophy curriculum from Year 7 to 9 is organised around a quest for answers to ‘ultimate questions’, including:
- Where am I from? (Origin)
- Who am I? (Significance)
- How should I live? (Morality)
- Is there a God? (Metaphysics)
- How can I know? (Epistemology)
The world’s major religions are examined with consideration given to how they respond to these ultimate questions. As pupils learn about and reflect on the various religious positions, their own worldviews are nurtured, along with the skills of empathy, tolerance and critical analysis. In addition, units on Political Philosophy, Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion are studied to introduce pupils to the history of Western thought.
At GCSE, students deepen their study of Religion and Philosophy and explore important ethical issues such as social justice, euthanasia and the treatment of the environment. These topics are considered in relation to the teachings of Buddhism and Christianity.
In the Sixth Form, pupils are given the opportunity of studying either Theology or Philosophy.
The Theology course examines units on the Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought. This includes a detailed consideration of key philosophical questions, a range of ethical theories and their application to issues as diverse as business and sexuality, as well as a critical analysis of religious beliefs, values and teachings.
The Philosophy course examines four key branches of the discipline: Epistemology, Ethics, Metaphysics of Mind and Metaphysics of God. The syllabus develops the students’ ability to carry out sustained critical analysis by reading and discussing the work of classical philosophers. The logical structure of arguments is clarified by breaking them down into premises and conclusions, and the arguments are subsequently assessed by reflecting on their soundness and validity.
Co-curricular and Enrichment
Beyond the classroom, students can develop their enthusiasm for the subject by:
- writing for Veritas (the Theology and Philosophy journal)
- joining the Sixth Form Theology and Philosophy reading groups
- participating in the Habs Lunchtime Lyceum
- attending annual conferences
- entering essay competitions