KS4 Curriculum

At Key Stage 4 the curriculum will be made up of a core offer and chosen subjects.


The  core  curriculum  is  made  up of English, Mathematics, Science, Personal Development (which includes Religious Studies) and core PE. During English, students will study both English language and English literature. 


Students also study a core curriculum which is not examined . We feel it is important for students to have an understanding of the world we live in. This is why KS4 students will continue in their learning of religion. Their curriculum will also include personal development;  to equip students with the social, emotional and health skills they need when they leave school.  Having a healthy body is also an important part of keeping well. As part of this, students will continue with core PE. 


Students will study 3 subject choices (these traditionally might have been called options). These will be tailored to meet the needs of students.


All courses offered are Level 2 Qualifications and so equivalent to   GCSE regardless of  the regulatory body. This means that students will be able to access Post 16 education regardless of the particular mix of qualifications taken.

 

We will try to ensure students get as many  of  their  preferred  choices  as we can, but  it  may not  be possible for everyone to study all the subjects they have initially chosen. If a student is unable to get their first choice subjects, then they will receive further advice on what is available to them. We therefore ask that students make a reserve choice as part of this process.



In both English and mathematics there  will  be  options  for  students to study functional skills, as an alternative qualification, if this is appropriate for the young person. A BTEC Vocational Studies course will also be offered on an invite-only basis based on student need.

 

In Science students will have ten hours  a  fortnight.  Most  students will  study  double  award  science. This is where students study biology, chemistry   and   physics   but   they have a combined science GCSE qualification, which has two grades. Some students will study triple science. This is where students will be examined in each science separately. This gives students a separate grade in  each  science,  therefore  a  total of three GCSE grades. The Head of Science will decide, in conjunction with parents/carers, the appropriate path for students to follow.


Compulsory Subjects These are subjects taken by all students nationally:

 

English

Mathmatics

Science

Directed Choice (Choice 1) To ensure all students receive as broad and balanced a curriculum as possible, to support them in having a life of choice and opportunity in the future, students must select one subject from the list below:

 

Computer Science

French

Geography

History

Spanish

 

Free Choices (Choice 2, 3 and 4) To give all students the autonomy to control a large part of their GCSE timetable, students should select choice 2, 3 and 4 from the list below. Please be aware that choices should be entered in order of preference  and choice 4 is a student’s reserve choice. Additionally, subjects cannot be chosen twice.

 

Art and Design

Business Studies

Computer Science

Construction

Child Development

Creative iMedia

Design Technology

Drama

French

Geography

History

Hospitality and Catering

Media Studies

Music

Photography

Physical Education

Religious Studies

Spanish  

Textiles

Year 9 Students who have already opted to take Level 2 Dance will continue to do so as part of their core PE offer and so will have an additional qualification at the end of Year 11. As previously communicated this means that they will not be able to choose Physical Education due to hours allocated. 



Please note the following subjects cannot be taken together due to the significant overlap & repetition of content: