SMITHILLS SCHOOL
SUCCESS FOR ALL
HAIR AND BEAUTY
“The person that walks out of a salon isn’t the same as the one who entered. Confidence grows, and positivity reigns. Life shines when your hairs looking fine. For me the working of hair is architecture with a human element”
Vidal Sassoon
Curriculum Overview
The Hair & Beauty curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, behaviours and understanding required to progress within the hair and beauty sector. Through a combination of vocational theory, applied learning and practical experience within a salon environment, pupils develop professionalism, industry awareness and confidence. The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced to support progression through the VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty.
Curriculum Intent
The intent of the Hair & Beauty curriculum is to ensure that pupils:
· Understand professional conduct and expectations within a salon environment.
· Develop knowledge of health, safety and PPE, applying safe working practices consistently.
· Gain an understanding of design briefs, problem-solving and creativity within hair and beauty contexts.
· Learn the scientific principles underpinning hair and beauty, including cosmetic chemistry and anatomy.
· Understand how hair and beauty businesses operate, including entrepreneurship, marketing and career pathways.
· Build confidence, responsibility and employability skills relevant to further education and the workplace.
The curriculum prepares pupils for further study in hair and beauty and supports progression into vocational training or employment.
Curriculum Design and Sequencing
The Hair & Beauty curriculum is structured around three core VTCT units, carefully sequenced across Key Stage 4.
Unit 1: Working with Design Briefs in the Hair and Beauty Sector (UCO92)
· Pupils explore different types of design briefs, their purpose and relevance to industry practice.
· They carry out research to inspire design ideas, considering environmental, social and economic challenges.
· Pupils learn how to plan, develop, analyse and interpret information in response to a design brief.
· Emphasis is placed on presenting and communicating ideas to a target audience and evaluating outcomes.
Unit 2: Principles of Cosmetic Chemistry, Anatomy and Product Development (UCO91)
· Pupils develop knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and their purpose in hair and beauty products.
· They study the structure and function of the integumentary system, including common diseases and disorders.
· Pupils explore the development of hair and beauty products, from conception to launch, including environmental impact.
Unit 3: Hair and Beauty Businesses and Entrepreneurship (UCO90)
· Pupils learn about the structure and purpose of hair and beauty businesses and their role in the economy.
· They explore legislation, working practices and career pathways within the sector.
· Pupils develop understanding of entrepreneurship, business planning and marketing of products and services.
Practical Learning
· Alongside theory, pupils receive practical training within a salon environment, developing basic skills in hair care, shampooing and conditioning, styling, hair-up techniques, manicure, nail art and facial services.
· Practical learning focuses on skill development and professionalism, rather than formal practical assessment.
Curriculum Implementation
The curriculum is implemented through:
· Explicit teaching of vocational theory and industry knowledge.
· Use of realistic hair and beauty contexts to support applied learning.
· Practical sessions in a salon environment, reinforcing professional behaviours.
· Ongoing formative assessment and controlled assessments aligned with VTCT requirements.
· Structured revision and exam preparation, including support for resit opportunities where required.
Teaching is inclusive and supportive, ensuring all pupils can access vocational learning and succeed.
Curriculum Impact
The impact of the Hair & Beauty curriculum is demonstrated through:
· Pupils developing professional behaviours and workplace readiness.
· Secure understanding of industry practices, science and business concepts.
· Increased confidence in communication, organisation and responsibility.
· Successful completion of VTCT Level 1/2 units, supporting progression to further education or training.
Pupils leave the curriculum with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to engage positively with the hair and beauty industry.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The Hair & Beauty curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible:
· Learning is broken into clear, manageable stages.
· Practical activities are carefully supervised and adapted as needed.
· Visual modelling and real-world examples support understanding.
· Targeted support is provided to ensure all pupils can meet course requirements.
Through this inclusive approach, all pupils are supported to succeed and progress within vocational education.
Curriculum Map
