Art
It is our ambition to develop our students’ ability to think imaginatively and creatively; equipping them with the skills to communicate visually in a range of materials and processes. We provide an inclusive curriculum for Art and Design which aims to realise the full creative potential of all students to become independent creative practitioners and thinkers and empowering them for skills for life.
Art Curriculum
Business Studies & Economics
Our curriculum vision is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in any workplace. We want our students to understand and know terminology and concepts used on a daily basis within many offices, retailers, factories, government departments and charitable organisations (the head). We want to develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, leadership and critical thinking, which are key to managerial and entrepreneurial activity (the heart). We also want to equip students with relevant numeracy and literacy skills for work, as well as enabling students to explore how to make appropriate justified decisions within a dynamic business environment (the hands).
Business Studies Curriculum
Criminology
Our vision is to create a dynamic Criminology curriculum that fosters critical thinking, ethical integrity, and practical skills. We aim to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing students for diverse careers in criminal justice, public policy, and community safety. Our goal is to develop learners who are well-equipped to address contemporary challenges in society with professionalism and compassion.
DT
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject that fosters creativity and imagination. Our vision is for our students to design and create products to address real-world problems, considering various needs and values. They gain a broad knowledge, integrating disciplines like mathematics, design, science, engineering, computing, and art. Learning to take risks, students become resourceful, innovative, and capable young adults. Through evaluating past and present designers/ design movements they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider-world around us. High-quality education in this field significantly contributes to the island's creativity, culture, wealth, and well-being and promotes students to be ambitious and set high aspirations to bring their creative ideas to life.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts at Castle Rushen High School is a creative, practical, and collaborative subject area where students develop their skills, knowledge, and understanding across Dance, Drama, and Music. Through performance and exploration, students are encouraged to create original work, build confidence in their own ideas, and develop an appreciation for the work of others.
Students are supported to develop their ability to create practical work by valuing the ideas, perspectives, and contributions of everyone involved in the creative process; collaboration and feeling empowered to take creative risks is at the heart of our department.
Students are given opportunities to perform and realise ideas for an audience, whether through choreography, composition, devising, or by interpreting the work of influential practitioners, composers, playwrights, and choreographers. From performing a dance motif, developing a set or costume design to reciting a piece of music, students are encouraged to bring something new into the world while developing a lifelong love for the craft, skill, and technique of the Performing Arts.
Students also develop the ability to appreciate and evaluate performance. Students are supported to refine their ability to analyse and evaluate important set works and influential and varied styles and periods, while also learning to give and receive constructive feedback within the classroom. This process of reflection and refinement enables students to strengthen their own artistic choices, enhance the impact of their work, and celebrate the achievements of others.
Our Performing Arts curriculum is active, inclusive, and hands-on, giving students the confidence and freedom to express themselves while working towards shared creative goals. Learning extends beyond the classroom through whole school productions, concerts, trips, and wider community performance opportunities, allowing students to develop their passion for the Performing Arts and experience the excitement of creating and performing for audiences.
English
Our vision is to inspire students to Read, Write, and Grow through a curriculum rich in literature, language and discussion. By combining engaging literary experiences with a strong focus on oracy, we encourage students to read widely, write confidently and grow into articulate, thoughtful communicators. Through the study of diverse poetry, prose, drama and non-fiction, students explore different perspectives, cultures and experiences whilst developing as critical, creative and curious learners.
English empowers students to find their voice, understand the world around them and opens pathways across subjects, careers and future study.
Extended Project
The Extended Project Qualification empowers students to pursue independent enquiry into topics that matter to them. Through rigorous research and critical thinking (Head), ethical reflection and personal growth (Heart), and the creation, presentation and application of new knowledge (Hands), learners become confident, curious and impactful contributors to society.
Geography
We aim to encourage students to have an open mindset and understanding when viewing the world, what we call ‘thinking like a Geographer’. We want our students to understand the complexity and interconnections of the world, and appreciate the people, places and future changes. Students will have an understanding of the links between human and physical environments, and we encourage students to think synoptically about the connections between people, places and environments. We aim for our students to be mindful of others so they can become active global citizens in helping to achieve a more sustainable future. Students will put into practice their geographical skills - numeracy, literacy, problem solving, analysis and evaluation to be, skills to develop life-long learners. Ultimately, we want our students, regardless of whether they opt for a Geography exam course or not, to go out into the world, being aware of the world around them and have a sense of curiosity.
Global Perspectives
Global Perspectives cultivates informed, empathetic global citizens equipped to address interconnected world challenges. The Head focuses on developing critical thinking and analytical skills to understand complex global issues from multiple perspectives. With regard to the Heart we emphasise empathy, cultural awareness, and ethical considerations, attempting to foster a deeper sense of responsibility towards global communities. The Hand encourages practical engagement and problem-solving, empowering students to take meaningful actions and contribute positively to society.
Global Perspectives Curriculum
Health & Social Care
Our vision is to inspire and empower students to become compassionate, skilled, and ethical members of our school, who can positively transform the lives of individuals and communities. We want to encourage and support students in developing a deep understanding of human development, diverse care needs, and the principles of person-centred practice, preparing our learners to be future leaders and advocates in the dynamic health and social care sector.
We bring this to life through the head, the heart and the hands: the knowledge to understand the theory and evidence behind good care, the compassion to see the person behind every need, and the practical skills to put that understanding into confident, professional practice. It is this combination — thinking, feeling and doing — that we want every student to carry with them into the health and social care sector and beyond.
Health & Social Care Curriculum
History
Our history curriculum aims to inspire our students’ curiosity to know more about the past, as knowledge of the past helps to inform our students’ futures. History at CRHS helps students to understand the process of change, as well as developing empathy by fully engaging with diverse cultures, societies and viewpoints. We will equip students to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgment. This should lead our students into having confidence in asking why. Why we are where we are? Why we are who we are? Why we do what we do?
ICT & Computer Science
Our vision is to develop students who are both digitally literate and digitally resilient and are prepared for the opportunities of the future. We want to inspire curiosity, creativity, and empower students with the knowledge, attributes and skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Our students will have a passion for technology and be safe, responsible digital citizens with and a strong sense of community. We will equip students with hands-on experience and technical skills so that they are competent users of technology in the dynamic digital world.
ICT & Computer Science Curriculum
Learning for Life
Learning for Life empowers students to thrive beyond school by developing the knowledge, character and practical skills needed for adult life. Through informed decision-making and self-awareness (Head), empathy, resilience and responsible citizenship (Heart), and real-world employability and life skills (Hands), learners are prepared to flourish in a changing world.
Life Skills
Our vision is to develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead confident and healthy lives whilst thinking independently to make informed choices. Our students will build resilience and personal effectiveness through communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and managing change. They will understand and respect diversity, different beliefs and opinions, and develop skills for healthy relationships and conflict resolution. We will promote physical, mental, and online wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices, risk management, and online safety. Finally we will prepare our students for future success through financial literacy, effective study and revision skills, set realistic goals and prepare for the world of work
Maths
At CRHS, we build mathematical FLUENCY and apply REASONING to solve complex problems, creating a lasting IMPACT by empowering students to become analytical, critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.
MFL
Our MFL classrooms are safe and inclusive spaces where every student is valued, no matter their ability or needs. Our dynamic and passionate department makes language learning fun and meaningful, fostering both collaboration and independent work. We aim to expand literacy and numeracy through a multi-sensory approach and diverse teaching styles. Our curriculum integrates cultural elements to promote openness and adaptability. Studying foreign languages enhances listening, memory, and problem-solving skills, while fostering curiosity and understanding of the world. Ultimately, MFL teaches students to respect and celebrate diversity, reminding them of the beauty and vastness of our world.
French Curriculum
PE
Our vision is to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment driven by pride, passion, and purpose. Our curriculum is designed to inspire students to take pride in their physical abilities, celebrate their personal achievements, and appreciate the diverse talents of their peers whilst striving for academic and sporting excellence. We instill a passion for lifelong fitness and health, encouraging students to explore a variety of sports and activities. Our purpose is to develop well-rounded individuals who understand the value of teamwork, resilience, discipline and respect. By integrating these core values, we aim to empower students to lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Psychology
At the heart of Psychology is the question: why do people think, feel and behave as they do? Through the study of psychological theories and research, students learn not only what Psychology tells us about human behaviour, but how psychological knowledge is developed, tested and challenged. They learn to think like psychologists: analysing evidence, applying psychological knowledge, evaluating explanations and constructing well-reasoned arguments.
Our curriculum places research at its core. Students build a rich understanding of psychological theories and research, using evidence to support, challenge and refine explanations of human behaviour. They are encouraged to question the strength of evidence, consider alternative explanations and make meaningful connections across topics. Crucially, they learn to go beyond the evidence, explaining the significance of findings and the implications they have for our understanding of human behaviour.
We strive for academic excellence while fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the factors influencing human thought and behaviour. Through the development of scientific thinking, evidence-based reasoning and clear communication, Psychology equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for further study, future careers and informed participation in the modern world.
PWC (ASDAN)
Unlike many other subjects our curriculum is fluid and bespoke to every student in the cohort. Every student is supported and encouraged to select tasks that are of interest to them, helping them follow new or existing interests. Student’s will develop the ability to take ownership of their learning which will help them become more self-aware, aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. The variety tasks available build on knowledge, community involvement and practical life skills, helping to develop student’s courage and aspiration for the future beyond school.
PWC (ASDAN) Curriculum
Quest
Our vision is to nurture the curiosity for learning between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 through a broad and inspiring curriculum. Our Curriculum aims to embed the Head, Heart, Hands model with cross curricular knowledge, core skills and soft skills to create young people ready to face any challenges within their transition to CRHS and beyond into their school life. Our practical, problem-solving approach to Quest caters to a diverse range of learning styles whilst preparing students with highly sought after employability skills. The varied subjects are all applicable with real-world focus to ensure that we can inspire every pupil.
Our Quest curriculum culminates with pupils having the opportunity to complete a piece of work autonomously. Here pupils are empowered to use these showcases as an opportunity to demonstrate the growth in their knowledge and skills, creativity and confidence throughout the half term. Following this, students will have the opportunity to reflect individually, provide peer feedback and consequently plan targets for the next half term.
Religious Studies (Philosophy, Religion & Ethics)
Our students will use their heads to develop knowledge and understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews. They will explore and evaluate different beliefs, values, and practices. We aim to foster pupils' critical thinking skills and their ability to engage in informed dialogue about religion and belief. Pupils will learn how to articulate their views verbally as well as developing their extended writing skills. They are encouraged to research thoroughly, to weigh up evidence, to develop chains of reasoning and to provide coherent evaluations. It is through the heart that we will nurture pupils' spiritual development and their sense of awe, and wonder. We will promote pupils' empathy, compassion, and respect for others. We will inspire pupils to live out their values and make a positive contribution to society. The subject develops the hand by providing students with a variety of practical skills that can benefit them in any career or field of study. These skills include critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, leadership, and teamwork. Pupils will leave as well-rounded, confident, independent young people, fully prepared to take their place in the world.
“Education is not the filling of a vessel, but the kindling of a flame” (Socrates).
SPC
The CRHS SPC understands that every child has a unique set of qualities and talents. A child-centred approach gives equal value to all children and takes into consideration their needs and abilities when organising the curriculum and determining learning and teaching strategies. We encourage all individuals within the SPC to be respectful and supportive of one another. Celebrating diversities and encouraging confidence amongst all our learners is a key focus throughout their time with us. We work closely with our mainstream colleagues to ensure we can offer fully inclusive opportunities to all our students whilst offering a child-centred programme of study.
Science
Our vision is to spark curiosity, encourage purposeful investigations, and promote the meaningful application of science in real-world contexts. Our key aim is to engage all students; helping them to recognise, explore, and understand the science that shapes the world around them, while developing the confidence to think critically and solve problems.
Maths Summer Booklet for Year 10