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:
· Students can take Art and Design or Photography or Textiles
· Students can take Photography or iMedia
· Students can take iMedia or Media Studies