Our Curriculum
Blending real-world inquiry with accredited qualifications
The Hummingbird has been accredited by the Crossfields Institute (CFI) to deliver our own curriculum which results in qualifications from the CFI. It combines project- and inquiry-based learning with Ofqual and UCAS-recognised qualifications, ensuring both meaningful experiences and respected outcomes.
Our courses:
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8-11: Securing Readiness - developing a love of learning through a Project Based approach, alongside development of English, Mathematics, Wellbeing and connection to Nature.
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11–14: Increasing Agency - through inquiry and project-based learning.
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14–16: Level 2 Integrative Education Diploma + GCSEs in Maths and English.
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16–18: Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-levels).
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18+: Level 7 Masters in Perceptual Neuroscience.
Our students leave with:
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Recognised qualifications (Ofqual & UCAS accredited).
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A portfolio of beautiful work that demonstrates their growth and achievements.
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Experience of leading projects, building relationships, and solving real-world problems in teams.
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Ongoing mentorship and a community for life.
While projects are at the heart of our learning, all subjects remain alive and integrated:
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English & Maths → embedded into real projects, with targeted support where needed.
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Sciences → explored through experimentation and discovery.
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Languages → self-directed, culture-focused, expanding perception and connection.
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Movement & Adventure → sports, outdoor education and embodied learning.
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Arts & Performance → theatre, music, dance and design
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Technology → used with purpose, as a tool for creation and exploration.
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Wellbeing & Neuroscience → daily practice, with our unique neurolabs curriculum.
For 8-11 and 11-14 Year Olds - From Sept 2025
Foundations in Integrated Learning & Project-Based Inquiry
Years 4 to 6 (8-11) work in one mixed aged group, and Years 7 to 9 (11-14) work in another. The emphasis with the younger group is building their readiness to lead their own learning and accessing our amazing curriculum experience. With the older group they build their leadership experience and readiness for their qualifications starting in Year 10.
Through projects our 8-11 group and 11-14 class are invited to:
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Explore, plan, do, discover and share in a spiral of learning.
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Develop subject knowledge through real-world problem solving.
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Create beautiful work that has purpose and meaning.
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Grow their agency through awareness, attitude, action and accountability
For 14-16 Year Olds - From Sept 2026
Level 2 Integrative Education Extended Diploma & GCSE Maths/English
At 14–16, students step into the Level 2 Integrative Education Extended Diploma, accredited by the Crossfields Institute, where the curriculum is designed and delivered by us. Alongside this, they also take GCSE English and Maths. Students continue to develop agency in their own learning and life while preparing for further study.
Outcomes: This course provides a gateway into our own sixth form, but also prepares students for other colleges or apprenticeships through a recognised qualification.
Core Elements:
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Personal Projects: Students lead projects aligned with their interests and goals.
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Integration: Subjects connected in authentic contexts, building interdisciplinary understanding.
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Assessment: ongoing and portfolio-based, allowing students to refine and resubmit work.
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Qualifications: Ofqual-accredited Crossfields Institute Level 2 Integrative Education Diploma, plus GCSE English and Maths.
Modules:
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Language and literature
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Mathematics
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Natural sciences
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Art, craft and design
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Global awareness
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Personal projects
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Creative thinking skills
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Personal and social learning skills
Sixth-Form - From Sept 2026
Level 3 Integrative Education Extended Diploma
In our sixth form, students pursue the Level 3 Integrative Education Extended Diploma, equivalent to 3 A Levels and fully recognised by UCAS. The qualification is accredited by the Crossfields Institute and the curriculum is designed and delivered by The Hummingbird. Learning is portfolio-based and project-driven, giving students space to go deep and demonstrate mastery in ways exams cannot.
Outcomes: This course provides a gateway into to university, entrepreneurship, or meaningful work, with the additional opportunity to stay on for a Level 7 Master’s-level year (from 2027).
Core Elements:
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Personal Inquiry: Students lead action-research projects aligned with their interests and goals.
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Integration: Subjects connected in authentic contexts, building interdisciplinary understanding.
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Learning & Assessment: ongoing and portfolio-based.
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Qualifications: Ofqual-accredited CFI Level 3 Integrative Education Extended Diploma.
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Real world application: opportunity to start their own social
Modules:
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Regenerative economics
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Community and culture
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Perspectives and narratives
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Natural science
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Art, craft and design
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Action Research
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Inner Development Goals (IDG)
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Personal inquiry
Level 7 Masters in Perceptual Neuroscience - From Sept 2027
Creating opportunities that don’t yet exist
From 2027, The Hummingbird will offer a pioneering Level 7 course in Perceptual Neuroscience, developed by leading neuroscientist and The Hummingbird’s Founder, Beau Lotto.
This additional year allows our most dedicated students to graduate at 19 with the equivalent of a Master’s degree, uniquely blending:
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Neuroscience and human perception.
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Complex adaptive systems
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Systems thinking and regenerative culture.
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Advanced inquiry and original research.
It will be the first programme of its kind, offering young people an extraordinary launchpad into higher education, research, innovation, or leadership.