Our Curriculum

Art and Design Technology (DT) is taught to all children by specialist teachers in a custom-built Art and also DT room. The emphasis is on enjoyment and creative problem solving, as well as instilling technical skills, cultural context and historical knowledge. The Department is well-resourced, and learners can work in a wealth of mediums, such as clay, paint, mixed media and computer aided design. 

We are proud to deliver a rich and engaging Computing curriculum from Years 1 to 8, underpinned by the nationally recognised Teach Computing framework developed by the National Centre for Computing Education. This carefully structured programme ensures pupils develop both the knowledge and skills to thrive in a digital world, preparing them for further education and future careers in an increasingly technology-driven society.

The Computing curriculum is delivered in line with three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy. These areas are progressively built upon year after year to ensure a clear progression of skills and knowledge.

In the early years of their Computing journey, students use iPads to explore computing concepts in a hands-on and age-appropriate way. Computing is taught as a discrete subject from year 1 in Pre- Prep. Pupils begin by learning how to stay safe online, understanding the basics of personal information, and how to use digital devices responsibly. They are introduced to coding through block-based programming. Children also learn to use technology for creating and presenting information, including simple data handling, word processing, and multimedia projects.

From Year 5 onwards, pupils transition to using Microsoft Surface devices, allowing for more sophisticated software and a broader range of learning opportunities. These years build on earlier foundations, introducing more advanced programming concepts using Scratch, Python, and web development tools. Students explore computer networks, data representation, and algorithms, while continuing to develop digital literacy skills such as evaluating online sources, collaborative work in cloud environments, and effective use of presentation and spreadsheet tools.

Throughout these years, pupils are encouraged to become creators—not just consumers—of technology. Students gain a deep understanding of how technology works and how it can be used creatively and ethically. We believe that digital competence is essential for success in the modern world, and our approach ensures every child leaves Year 8 with the confidence, curiosity, and capability to navigate and contribute to our digital future.

The English Department has an energetic and forward-looking team who strive to inspire a love of reading and writing in the children. We aim to promote creativity and self-confidence in a positive and caring environment. Throughout there is a clear focus on the development of literacy skills which underpin all work across the curriculum. In both Key Stages 2 and 3, we aim to engender a love and appreciation of literature and an awareness of non-fiction material, and introduce children to a variety of writing styles and writing types. 

Our aim is to develop children as independent learners while providing the skills they will need in future life. Lessons are planned to allow the children to participate in a wide variety of learning experiences, with an emphasis on group and independent work, and become effective communicators and active learners.

Geography explains the world we live in. Planet Earth is our home, and the Geography department aims to show young geographers how wonderful, diverse, awesome and yet fragile this home is. Interest in the interaction and interconnectedness between people and the world in which they live will be of value to children in many spheres beyond the classroom, and a love for learning, a respect for difference and an informed concern about the world is encouraged. 

Physical and Human Geography are taught in subject-specific lessons from Year 3, with topics ranging from weather and climate to tectonic activity, geomorphology, economic development, and sustainability. Atlases, maps and other textbooks are issued to the children, and their own research is encouraged through these mediums and the use of ICT. Investigations and fieldwork form a vital part of their studies. Children enjoy getting their hands dirty and feet wet, locally and further afield (e.g., in Iceland). 

Topics related to the common entrance syllabus are covered in Years 7 and 8, when students can explore issues that are current or of particular interest in more depth. A research project is carried out at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, building on skills in primary data gathering and analysis. Separate lessons for scholars enable a deeper approach to the subject and more opportunity to focus on developing the skills of responding to and interpreting data, valuable across the curriculum. 

The Department aims to create an interactive and dynamic learning environment in which every pupil feels confident to express their ideas while also respecting each other’s opinions, attitudes and beliefs. History at Hilden Grange is intended to be fun but challenging for all the pupils. If a pupil leaves with a genuine fascination and appreciation of the wealth and excitement of this subject, then the Department will have succeeded.

The Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Tudors, Stuarts, Victorians and World War 2 are the key areas of study between Years 3 and 6. The curriculum in Years 7 and 8 will evaluate a wide range of wars, events and people from a variety of historical periods. 

At Hilden Grange, pupils begin their study of Latin in Year 7. They are taught to understand the value of the subject and the many ways in which it will support their work in other areas. In the early stages, lessons involve basic vocabulary and identifying Latin roots in English and other languages. By means of word games and other practical activities, pupils soon realise how an understanding of Latin will help them with spelling, grammar and vocabulary, and they begin to develop a greater, more critical awareness of language in general. We dispel the notion that Latin is ‘dead’ but is rather an integral part of other languages and that the legacy of the Romans is everywhere around us in daily life. 

Translation work, both from and into Latin, forms a rigorous element of language study and pupils thrive on the challenge that reading short stories presents, while at the same time increasing their grammatical and analytical skills. By the time they reach Year 8, many will be able to read Latin texts at a very high level. 

In Classics lessons, language study is put into context as we consider the daily life of Ancient Rome and Roman Britain, including gladiators, slaves, the Roman baths, the army, houses, schools and the geography of the Roman Empire, among other topics. Pupils enjoy project work on Homer’s 'The Odyssey', the Trojan War and Greek Mythology, all of which provide opportunities for creative writing, artwork and performance.

The Maths Department at Hilden Grange aims to instil an enthusiasm and love for Mathematics, creating a happy, organised environment that promotes positive, confident attitudes towards Mathematics. Pupils in the prep school are placed into three groups; these smaller classes allow us to extend and support our children, enabling them to reach their full potential. The Maths staff in the prep school are specialist teachers, ensuring the correct foundations are laid for secondary school and beyond. 

Each year the Maths Department participates in the Primary and Junior Maths Challenge as well as competitions organised by local prep schools. We are always very proud of our success at these events. We also run an exciting ‘House Maths Race’ at the end of the summer term. 

The study of Modern Languages is flourishing at Hilden Grange. In 2017, Spanish was introduced to the curriculum to be taught in the prep school alongside French and the opportunity to study the two Romance languages has proved very popular.

The emphasis throughout the school years is on communication, ensuring pupils can hold conversations (albeit at different levels) on the topics they study. As early as Reception, children are encouraged to use different languages for simple greetings and to answer the register. French is introduced in Years 1 and 2 through games, songs and other fun activities. This theme continues into the prep school years, when the focus continues to be on communication and confidence building. Pupils engage in role play, pair work and other practical activities so that vocabulary is built through structured topics based on everyday life (e.g., family, friends, home, school, food, shopping).

From Year 5 onwards, written work becomes a more focal point of study. Grammar is taught rigorously and with adequate time spent to ensure thorough consolidation of each topic. The key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally weighted as is in line with GCSE teaching. Our pupils are therefore very well prepared for entry to senior school, whether this transition be in Year 6 or Year 8.

Educational visits to France or Spain currently take place in the summer term for pupils in Years 7 and 8; venues have previously included Provence, Normandy and Barcelona. These cultural trips offer a wide range of cross-curricular learning opportunities and the chance to speak the language. They also provide lasting, happy memories for pupils of their time at Hilden Grange.

Music is taught to all pupils from Nursery to Year 6 as well as non- scholarship students in year 7 and 8.  

In pre-prep, learners have one weekly lesson in which singing, rhythm and percussion are the focus.  There is a foundation of Kodaly and Dalcroze pedagogy that underpins all learning.  Learners also take part in small ensembles with the Pre-Prep Choir, Ocarinas and Boomwhackers being very popular.  

As pupils progress through the years, practical music making, grounded in sound theoretical knowledge develops into skills that leads to purposeful composition, learning about various composers and music from around the world, and developing singing and listening skills. Pupils in year 3 and 4 learn the recorder, combining it with xylophones for pentatonic compositions in the Summer of year 4. In year 5 and 6 there is a focus on keyboard and ukulele skills. Making music with others is a real focus that leads to enjoyment of the subject, and healthy attendance at music ensembles.  

Music technology is taught to students from year 4 upwards and in year 7 and 8 gives students an opportunity to become confident with software such as Musescore, which prepares them their music learning journeys at Senior school.  

In addition to scheduled lessons, we offer several choral ensembles, including a large choir, the lower prep singing group, Girl Choristers, a Disney choir and an elite group of vocalists in G5, which includes our boy choristers. New initiatives in the next academic year includes the development of a school orchestra.  We have a longstanding tradition of supporting boys who are choristers at Tonbridge school.  

All ensembles will be entered at the Sevenoaks arts festival.  

See Full List of Ensembles

12 visiting teachers provide instrumental lessons and help prepare learners for their music exams as well as concerts within school.  

Music threads through school life.  There is weekly singing in assemblies, mass singing at the annual Christmas Carol Service, school musical, as well as the Summer Prizegiving not to mention the plethora of end of term assemblies.  There are termly solo recitals and ensemble concerts.  Music students have an opportunity to shine at the annual Peri Proms that runs in the spring term.   

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) is taught by form tutors in a dedicated weekly lesson. We teach Jigsaw PSHEE. This mindful, child-centred approach to PSHEE is an original and comprehensive scheme of learning which integrates personal, social, health and economic education with an emphasis on emotional literacy.   

Our teaching aims to help children know and value who they really are and how they relate to other people in this ever-changing world.

Religious Studies at Hilden Grange understands that we live in a broadly Christian country, but all six major living religions are studied as well. We consider that it is important for pupil’s social, moral, spiritual and cultural development to be aware of the traditions and history of religion in this country as well as around the world. This builds tolerance and understanding in many areas of life.

In Year 3 and 4, many of the Old and New Testament Bible stories are covered, relating the lessons learned from these to everyday circumstances. In today’s increasingly secular society we consider it important that we provide a literary, cultural and historical background to our studies, by looking closely at the Bible, a book that few are familiar with nowadays. We intersperse these stories with a look at Hinduism in Y3 and Buddhism in Y4. It is an enquiry-based curriculum and enables the students to investigate key questions such as ‘Is it possible for everyone to be happy?’ and ‘What is the evidence that Jesus is God?’

All of this broadens our awareness of the Bible and provides a good basis from which to study and compare each of the six religions during Years 5 and 6; these are Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. Year 6 visit a Sikh Gurdwara as part of their studies.

In Year 7 and 8 we base our learning on the Common Entrance and Scholarship syllabus. This course is now called Theology, Philosophy and Religion. Aspects of the Bible and God’s relationship with the world are discussed and studied, Judaism is studied in Year 7 as this reinforces an understanding of the Bible and broadens their awareness of other religions. Pupils visit Bromley Synagogue as part of their studies, and this enables them to appreciate Judaism within a local context. Basics of Philosophy are also discussed and studied, looking at making an argument clear, ethics and other topics as well as well-known philosopher’s lives and their teaching.

We continue to have strong links with the local church and their families worker often visits for assemblies or leads our Carol Service held in the church every year.

The prep school has two fully equipped laboratories and an adjoining preparation room, as well as a school pond and science garden for studying environmental science. All science lessons are taught by specialist teachers and the Department is very well resourced with all the equipment necessary for practical investigations. 

At Hilden Grange, a hands-on approach to science is encouraged. The science staff aim to excite and stimulate the interest of each pupil by including as much practical investigative work as possible. There is also a very popular ‘Mad Science’ after-school Club that allows those with a special interest to go ‘off syllabus’ and explore some of the quirkier aspects of science. 

Above all we want our pupils to enjoy science and develop a curiosity and life-long interest in the world around them. 

In our physical education programme, learners have various opportunities to participate in sport and develop a healthy lifestyle. We encourage self-discipline and sportsmanship, and while winning is important, our main focus is on learning and making progress.

There are numerous teams and opportunities for boys and girls to participate in sport beyond the games programme. For further details, we invite you to explore our extracurricular activities.

All pupils participate in weekly fixtures with the school fielding in the region of 25 teams every Wednesday and Thursday. Hilden Grange is a strong force on the local circuit with many teams winning tournaments and going unbeaten every year.

See Extracurricular Activities