The HAWI6 Curriculum

Our curriculum is rigorous, ambitious, and designed to prepare students for success at the most competitive universities, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

Students at HAWI6 follow a challenging and rewarding programme, choosing either:

· Three A Levels alongside an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), or

· Four A Levels

With a choice of over 18 A Level subjects, students can tailor their studies to reflect their interests, strengths, and future ambitions. This breadth ensures that every student can pursue an enriching academic experience that opens doors to any university course or career pathway — from medicine, law, and engineering to the arts and beyond.

Alongside timetabled lessons, students are expected to engage in a substantial amount of independent study. Our timetable is carefully structured to support this, providing dedicated time for students to consolidate their learning, explore topics in greater depth, and develop the study habits essential for success in higher education and professional life.

For full subject details, please see our Subject Prospectus.

Alongside their timetabled A Level lessons, HAWI6 students take part in a rich programme of academic enrichment designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and support university and career aspirations. Every student participates in Subject Societies, where they explore their subjects in greater depth through debate, research, and discussion. Students are also supported through our Scholarship pathways, which recognise and nurture high academic potential, and our Learning Above and Beyond (LAB) and Super-Curricular Programme, which develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and essential skills for life beyond sixth form.

Together, these elements form a coherent and ambitious academic experience that challenges students to think independently, engage confidently, and excel.

For further information about our wider curriculum, please click on the links below:

On a Wednesday morning all students take part in subject societies. All subjects have a subject society and students choose their society according to their interests and university aspirations.

Subject societies are “led by students, for students”, and each term students will select which subject society they would like to join. In the first two sessions they will elect their society’s president, who will then plan the programme for the term that achieves the aims of:

Discussing the subject of interest amongst members
Engaging with the subject’s debates and discourses
Challenging presumptions and assumptions about the subject

This might include, but is not limited to, research projects, student presentations, quizzes, talks and lectures. In this way, students are provided time to explore the ’hinterland’ of their chosen subject i.e., knowledge unlikely to be taught in the core academic curriculum.

At HAWI6, we believe that all students should be encouraged to think like scholars — to question, explore, and engage deeply with their subjects. Through our Super-Curricular programme, students take part in academic writing, public speaking, and subject-specific enrichment, as well as essay competitions, masterclasses, and university outreach opportunities.

To recognise and support exceptional academic potential, we offer two formal pathways:

HAWI6 Scholars

Students with a GCSE Average Point Score (APS) of 8 or above are invited to join the HAWI6 Scholars pathway. These students are supported to sustain high achievement across all A Level subjects and are guided towards competitive university and apprenticeship destinations.

HAWI6 Subject Scholars

Students who achieved a Grade 9 at GCSE in a subject aligned to their A Level studies may be nominated by departments as Subject Scholars. These students consistently perform in the top 10% of assessments and are on track to be predicted an A*. They receive tailored support to deepen their subject expertise.

While these pathways highlight our highest academic achievers, our commitment to scholarship is inclusive. Every student at HAWI6 is supported to develop the skills and mindset of a scholar.

LAB is a bespoke programme designed by our Sixth Form Team. It features lectures and talks from a wide range of experts, covering everything from UCAS and careers to subject-specific sessions that stretch and challenge students intellectually. These sessions are designed to spark curiosity, build cultural capital, and develop the critical thinking skills that top universities and employers value.

Our Super-Curricular programme gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and interests through one of four carefully designed pathways. Each stream offers a distinct focus, helping students to build the knowledge, confidence, and experiences that will support their academic and professional ambitions — both now and in the future.

Medicine, Veterinary Science & Dentistry Stream

This stream supports students aiming for highly competitive clinical courses by developing the academic depth and reflective thinking these pathways demand. Students engage with medical literature, ethical case studies, and current issues in healthcare, while also preparing for admissions tests such as the UCAT and practicing interview techniques. The stream encourages curiosity, resilience, and a strong understanding of what it means to work in a caring profession.

Maths, Engineering & Physics Stream

This stream is designed for students pursuing STEM degrees and careers. It focuses on developing advanced problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and the ability to engage critically with academic texts and technical material. Students are supported in preparing for admissions tests such as STEP and TMUA and are encouraged to explore the real-world applications of their subjects through independent research and collaborative challenges.

Academic Writing Stream

Strong writing is essential not only for university success but also for a wide range of careers, including research, journalism, law, and business. This stream helps students develop advanced writing skills — from crafting compelling arguments and mastering academic referencing, to writing effective CVs and cover letters. Whether applying for university, apprenticeships, or employment, students will gain the confidence and clarity to communicate their ideas with precision and impact.

Public Speaking & Debating Stream

Confidence in communication is a vital skill for all pathways — from university interviews to boardroom presentations. This stream helps students refine their public speaking, debate current issues, and develop persuasive techniques. It’s perfect for aspiring lawyers, politicians, entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to lead and influence others.

Through our partnership with King’s College School, students also have the opportunity to attend weekly lectures in the historic Great Hall at KCS. These lectures cover a wide range of academic and cultural topics, and students simply show their ID at reception to attend. It’s a unique chance to engage with ideas beyond the curriculum in a truly inspiring setting.