A Curriculum Built for the Future
Senior School Curriculum
A first-class learning experience for every pupil, drawing on the very best expertise, research
and innovation in education, built to inspire as well as challenge.
At Kneller Hall School, we are committed to providing a first-class learning experience for every pupil, drawing on the very best expertise, research and innovation in education. Academic excellence is central to this ambition. Not only outstanding examination results, but a deep love of continuous learning and the agile, critical thinking skills pupils need to navigate the challenges they will face throughout their lives.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire as well as challenge. It is the hallmark of a Dukes Education that our pupils approach new knowledge with assurance and skill, leaving school equipped to earn places at their first-choice universities and other appropriate destinations, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a positive difference in the wider world.
Building breadth and confidence
At Key Stage 3, Kneller Hall School pupils build the breadth and confidence that underpins everything that follows. Every aspect of learning, in and beyond the classroom, is shaped to be as bespoke to each pupil as possible.
What We Offer
In Years 7-9, pupils study English, Mathematics, Sciences, Geography, History, R.S., French or Spanish, Latin, Music, Drama, Art, P.E., Reflections and Konnections. GCSE options are chosen in Year 9 to commence the following year.
An extensive programme covering the full range of pupil interests, with a clear expectation that every pupil takes part.
Reflections
Respect, for self and for others, sits at the heart of a Kneller Hall School education. Our Reflections programme, delivered through PSHE, encourages full, frank and honest conversation and debate, helping pupils understand and navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Konnections
Years 7 to 9 also follow Konnections, a bespoke curriculum designed entirely in-house and exclusive to Kneller Hall. Konnections breaks down subject barriers to reveal how knowledge interconnects across disciplines, applies learning to authentic situations and challenges, and builds independence, accountability, creativity, collaboration and problem solving. Pupils grow in confidence through self-assessment and peer feedback, and connect their learning to local and global contexts. The programme evolves through three strands: Community in Year 7, exploring the heritage of Twickenham, Kneller Hall and Pope’s Villa, the River Thames and influential local figures; Personal Responsibility in Year 8, covering sustainable design, financial literacy and nutrition; and Global Citizenship and Perspectives in Year 9, including sustainable architecture, languages of the world, and global rights and responsibilities.
A Modern, Inclusive Sporting Programme
Our sporting curriculum has been carefully designed to maximise participation and physical literacy, reflecting the interests of modern young people, the strengths of our staff and the opportunities created through our facilities and strategic partnerships.
What We Offer
Our programme reflects a genuine commitment to co-educational sport. Girls’ football is becoming a flagship sport alongside boys’ football, supported by our developing partnership with Brentford FC.
Netball remains a cornerstone of girls’ sport at Kneller Hall School, consistently attracting high levels of participation across every year group.
Rowing offers a distinctive and highly successful opportunity for boys and girls alike. Pupils progress from the fundamentals to competing at regional and national level, supported by experienced coaches and strong club partnerships.
|
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Boys |
Rugby |
Football |
Tennis, rowing, cricket and athletics |
|
Girls |
Football |
Netball |
Tennis, rowing, cricket and athletics |
Rigour, with genuine breadth of choice
At Kneller Hall School, we believe a broad, well-rounded curriculum is the foundation of real academic success. Our GCSE offer reflects a proven track record of strong results, built on core academic rigour alongside genuine breadth of choice, so every pupil can shape a curriculum that plays to their strengths and interests.
What We Offer
Mathematics, English Literature, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
French, Spanish, Latin, Geography, History, Business Studies, Religious Studies, Drama, Music, Art Craft and Design, P.E.
Some pupils will also take a Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics.
Kneller Hall School is proud to belong to the School-Directed Curriculum Consortium (SDCC), a group of schools designing and delivering their own curricular offerings at Key Stage 4 to enrich the student experience beyond the traditional GCSE. From September 2027 we offer our school-designed “Global Leadership Award.”
Global Leadership Award
This school-designed award may be taken as an option in place of a GCSE qualification. Students explore four themes:
- Social Inclusion: Decoding Social Inequalities
- Sustainability: Tackling Climate Change
- Human Rights: Advocating for Justice
- Political Power: Leading Change in Our Interconnected World
“A pupil’s achievements stretch far beyond the classroom – we want every one of them to be seen, valued and built upon.”
amy cavilla, principal
The Kneller Laureate
At Kneller Hall School, we believe a pupil’s achievements stretch far beyond the classroom, and we want every one of those achievements to be seen, valued and built upon. With the Kneller Laureate, pupils are able to capture meaningful moments of achievement across every aspect of school life, demonstrating their engagement and progress in the activities that matter to them. This is captured on a digital platform which parents are encouraged to see and add testimonials.
record
Recording accomplishments from every area of school life, in and beyond the classroom
reflect
Reflecting on their own progress and personal growth
recognise
Receiving personalised feedback from their form tutor
present
Building a portfolio of accomplishments for university applications and beyond
A Values Based Experience: Four Windows of Opportunity
Recognition
From Year 7 through to Year 13, pupils earn enrichment credit through their involvement and achievement across school life. Once a pupil has accumulated sufficient credit, they complete the Kneller Laureate, a rounded programme of recognition that celebrates personal achievement both inside and outside the classroom, in much the same way a professional might build up endorsed skills over a career.
Keeping parents connected
For parents, the Kneller Laureate gives greater insight into their child’s holistic educational journey, allowing families to follow their progress across the whole of school life, not just what happens in the classroom.
Support for every learner
Learning Support Centre
We are an academic mainstream school providing a supportive environment for all our pupils and we are committed to helping everyone who is able to access our curriculum, including those who may need extra help to make the most of their talents.
A pupil may have a medical condition or a mild learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia or who may just need some additional help with organisation or time management skills.
We have a dedicated Learning Support Department who offer support and guidance to pupils. They seek to identify pupils with a discrepancy between academic achievement and attainment in order to help them to achieve the results of which they are capable.
The school ensures that reasonable adjustments are made within the classroom and that the relevant access arrangements are put in place for pupils who need it for internal and external examinations in line with the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations.
For further information regarding access arrangements for prospective pupils with a special educational need or disability, please speak with our admissions team.
Where Next?
Co-curricular programme
Learning without Limits
Trips, enrichment and academic extension outside timetabled sessions.
The House System
Pupil Voice
Leadership, The House System and Sustainability.
