Annually The Society of Heads publishes the Observations booklet which is a series of articles from our member schools celebrating a chosen theme. This year the theme matches our Annual Conference theme "Human Flourishing". In the run up to our conference we will publish two of the articles per week.
Highclare Super-Curriculum
"The Highclare Difference" emphasises academic rigour, endless opportunity, individual nurture, innovative outlook with traditional values, and consistency across all educational levels.
At the core of this initiative for our Senior School pupils is the Highclare Diploma, which recognises students' holistic development across four key dimensions:
- Curiosity: Focuses on academic progress, enrichment and intellectual growth through research projects, academic competitions, and independent study. This dovetails with and is measured through our existing reporting system, focusing on the ‘Attitude to Learning’ score awarded by class teachers. This ensures that all pupils can access the Diploma awards as they are not based on achievement scores.
- Contribution: Emphasises performance, collaboration, and leadership through team activities, leadership roles, and school productions. This links to our co-curricular programme and new super-curriculum.
- Character: Develops ethics, values, and well-being through personal development, ethical decision-making, and wellness initiatives. Partly delivered through our existing PSHCE curriculum, Highclare have also taken membership for all pupils, staff and families of the ‘Wellbeing Hub’ and in September 2025 started our journey towards the Wellbeing for Schools Award.
- Community: Promotes service projects and global citizenship through volunteer work, community engagement, and global awareness projects.
The Diploma is awarded at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels as students progress through their educational journey. The award requirements are such that while completing all three would be achievable by the end of Year 9, each separate level will take at least 5 half terms to complete all aspects and so pupils may continue into KS4.
To support this holistic approach and achievement of the Diploma, Highclare offers:
- Super-Curriculum: A timetabled, weekly hour of specialised modules for Key Stage 3 students, providing age-appropriate skills-based activities including participation in the School production, debating and public speaking, CREST Award, L2 Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, and Young Enterprise. We believe these activities benefit all students and have brought these into curriculum time so everyone can participate.
- Co-Curriculum: Clubs and activities in sports, arts, academic support, and social/recreational pursuits that complement the academic curriculum and help students discover interests, develop talents, and build friendships. These take place outside of the main school day: before school, at lunchtime, or after school.
- Beyond Boundaries: Activities that extend learning outside school through independent learning, family engagement, and community connection - all contributing to the Highclare Diploma (see example below)
The Highclare Diploma approach offers numerous benefits to students:
- Recognition of achievements beyond traditional academics
- Development of well-rounded individuals prepared for future success
- Opportunities for self-directed learning based on personal interests
- Strong home-school partnerships through family engagement activities
- Skills development in research, time management, leadership and self-motivation
- Community engagement fostering social responsibility and global citizenship
By bringing together academic excellence, personal development, and innovative approaches to learning, Highclare School ensures students develop both academically and as well-rounded individuals ready to make positive contributions to society and ready for the future.