Introduction

Introduction

At Key Stage 4, BISR offers a curriculum that is both broad and challenging.  The subject choices are designed in such a way to allow you to start to specialise in the areas you study but continue to develop key skills in a number of different disciplines.

The information contained within this booklet is designed to help you successfully navigate your way through this exciting time in your education.  Each page provides details about the skills and knowledge you will learn and also how you will be assessed.

You need to select subjects carefully based on advice from the careers advisor, your teachers and your parents as these choices will have an impact on the rest of your life. Do not select subjects ‘just because your friends are doing them’. You need to have a total of 9 subjects. Please also select 2 reserve subjects in case your first choices are either not running or cannot be fit into the blocks created.

While we will try to accommodate your choices please be aware that whilst these courses are offered, they may not run if insufficient students select them. Once we have all selections finalised, we will create the blocks for timetabling. If your choices cannot be accommodated, we will invite you and your parents for a further interview to discuss alternative choices. This is usually only a small number of students and normally requires only one subject change.

The option blocks will be set by the end of Term 2 but earlier if possible. Parents will be notified in this case. Any changes after this will have to fit into the blocks created but will be considered if possible. Be aware that maximum class size is 24 and this can occasionally mean a swap is not possible as a group is full.