Curriculum Overview

An inspiring and vibrant place for learning which enriches, and is a valued part of, the Penzance community.

A place where we:

• Celebrate individuality
• Nurture a true sense of belonging
• Aspire to excellence in everything we do; and
• Seek to maximise the life chances of all our young people.

Humphry Davy School seeks to unlock the talent and enterprise of all our young people.

We promote high achievement and learning for life by working with every individual to:

• value, trust and respect each member of our community and work together co-operatively;
• develop their full academic, creative, physical and personal potential, regardless of background and overcoming any barriers to learning;
• develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead successful and happy lives;
• become independent, confident, considerate and responsible young people who make a positive contribution to society;
• understand the importance of a fairer and environmentally sustainable world;
• be empowered to make an ethical and sustainable contribution to local, national and global prosperity.

We are committed to justice and equality for all and will carry this through in school life by:

• recognising individuality;
• raising aspirations and awareness of opportunities;
• valuing and celebrating the positive attitudes and diverse achievements of all;
• encouraging a positive sense of place and identity through awareness of Cornwall’s heritage, environment and culture, and understanding and respecting differences on a local, national and international level;
• establishing fair and firm boundaries which promote self-discipline and a responsible attitude towards people and property;
• providing a community where all feel they belong and where each is known as an individual;
• promoting the personal qualities of resilience, curiosity, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline, tolerance and compassion;
• ensuring that our school is a community in which all participate in decision making and the voice of each individual can be heard.

We work to the co-operative ethical values of:

• Openness – We believe in being open, sharing information and ideas to improve the lives of children and young people
• Honesty – We are professional and respectful with everyone
• Caring for others – we treat everyone as we wish to be treated ourselves, understanding that children and young people have one childhood

Humphry Davy School is dedicated to delivering a broad, balanced, inclusive, and challenging curriculum that reflects its core values and principles. It aims to help students understand themselves and their role in society, promoting a co-operative way of life.

Core Aims

• Academic Excellence: Encouraging hard work, resilience, and high achievement.
• Holistic Development: Fostering talents beyond academics, including enterprise, creativity, and personal growth.
• Basic Skills Priority: Emphasising reading, writing, communication, and mathematics as foundational skills.
• Independent Learning: Actively teaching study habits and lifelong learning strategies.

What Makes Our Curriculum Special?

At Humphry Davy School, we’ve designed a curriculum that:

• Supports a smooth transition from primary to secondary school.
• Uses local resources and partnerships to inspire students and raise aspirations.
• Reflects the needs of our community, especially in Penzance and West Cornwall.
• Is inclusive, helping all students engage and succeed, regardless of background.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Before students even start at our school, they’re introduced to exciting learning experiences through outreach programmes and summer school. Once here, they benefit from strong links with local organisations like:

• Newlyn Art Gallery, Penlee House, Geevor Tin Mine, Tate St Ives, The RSC, and many more.
• These partnerships allow students to take part in real-world projects, building their confidence and cultural awareness.

Preparing for the Future

Penzance faces unique challenges, including high levels of unemployment and a seasonal economy. Our curriculum helps students:

• Explore career paths and enterprise opportunities.
• Take part in careers fairs, work experience, and university visits (including Oxbridge).
• Engage with local businesses through projects like designing clothing ranges or learning hospitality skills.

Celebrating the Arts and Creativity

Penwith has a rich tradition in music and the arts, and we make sure students can be part of it:

• GCSE Music remains popular, bucking national trends.
• Students exhibit their artwork in local galleries and work with Camborne College and Falmouth University.
• Creative opportunities are open to all (not just those taking arts subjects), through clubs, performances, trips, and the Arts Award.

Inclusive and Personalised Learning

We aim to give every student access to enriching experiences, even though many local businesses are small and can’t support large-scale placements. That’s why we:

• Offer masterclasses in areas like butchery, fashion, and science in conjunction with Post-16 providers.
• Use our ‘open options’ model to help students choose subjects that suit their interests and future goals.
• Provide guided interviews to support personalised curriculum choices.

Global Connections and Volunteering

Students have also benefited from international links with schools in France, Germany, and Australia, which help build a sense of belonging and global awareness. Opportunities include:

• Studying additional languages.
• Touring with the school Jazz Band.
• Collaborating with international musicians.
• Volunteering and fundraising through the initiatives such as the Interact Club and Prefect programme.

In Summary

Humphry Davy School offers a rich, inclusive, and forward-thinking curriculum that helps students:

• Discover their passions.
• Prepare for future careers.
• Engage with the arts and community.
• Develop as confident, capable individuals.

We’re proud to serve all members of our local community and help every student reach their full potential.

Development of character is an essential part of our curriculum and our learner dispositions, created in collaboration between students and staff, demonstrate the core skills that our students are encouraged to nurture throughout their time at Humphry Davy. We work to develop learners who are:
 

We value and celebrate our students' achievements in the development of these key character traits and recognise that this is as important as academic success in supporting our students on their journey to become happy, healthy and prosperous adults.

Click here to read our Curriculum Policy

To view information on all our faculties and subjects please click here.