Key Stage 4 Options

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

At KS4, as well as the optional subjects that students choose to follow, there are a number of compulsory ‘core’ subjects that all students will study. These include GCSE courses in English Language, English Literature, Maths and combined Science. 

Students select their chosen KS4 option subjects in Year 9. They will have the choice of 4 optional subjects (however, all students MUST choose either History or Geography as one of them). 

Please see below for further information on PSHCE, core and optional subjects.

All students will undertake a non-examined weekly Physical Education and a Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education (PSHCE) programme that includes Citizenship, Careers, Sex and Relationships Education, Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education and Work-Related Learning. 

Understanding Relationships, Sex and Health Education at your child’s secondary school: a guide for parents please click here.

English Literature and Language (Core Subject)

Exam Board & Specification:

Eduqas - GCSE English Language.

Eduqas - GCSE English Literature.

 

Why study this subject?

GCSE English Language and Literature are core subjects. This means that you have to study them. The most important thing about English is that it is a qualification that all employers/colleges look for and which shows that you have studied English to a level that means you are a confident and capable user of the English language. It is a subject that will open a whole world of opportunities to you.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

At the end of these courses you will receive a GCSE in English Language and a GCSE in English Literature.

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

Everyone needs a GCSE in English because every employer looks for this qualification to show that you can read and write to a high standard.  This means that you can communicate effectively and professionally with all different types of people, in all different types of situations. You may not think that studying poetry or plays will help you in future life, but you can take those skills you have learnt and use them to help you understand any text, performance or medium that you may come across in the future. In addition, you can go onto study A level English Language and/or A level English Literature; you could then go on to study it at university and gain a degree in English Language and/or Literature.

 

What skills will I learn?

The most obvious skills that you will be required to develop over the two year courses are the key life skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.  You will learn how to: analyse texts, craft your own highly engaging texts and communicate verbally with confidence, accuracy and skill.

 

What topics will I study?

The subject of English lends itself to so many topics and there will be a plethora of them studied over the two years.  As well as reading lots of different texts, like A Christmas Carol, Macbeth and An Inspector Calls, you will get the opportunity to read a wide variety of poems and more modern texts. We will consider themes such as morality, loyalty, friendship, love, hate, violence and prejudice.  Every theme and topic that we study will better prepare you for the world after Havant Academy.

 

How will I be assessed on this course?

This course is assessed through linear examinations. English Language is assessed through two examinations, one worth 40% and one worth 60%, with a spoken oral examination. English Literature is assessed through two papers, again worth 40% and 60% of the final result.

 

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By speaking to Mr Traynor (Curriculum Leader of English) or browse the Eduqas website.

Mathematics (Core Subject)

Exam Board & Specification: 

Edexcel - GCSE Mathematics.

 

Why study this subject?

Mathematics teaches us a way of thinking. It provides the tools for making informed decisions throughout our lives both inside and out of the classroom. In its simplest form, Mathematics helps make sure you receive the correct change in shops, what time you will arrive at your destination on the bus or helps you decide if the multi-pack of crisps really is a great bargain. Mathematics will have an impact on larger problems throughout life, is that credit card really good value? What size mortgage can you afford? Should you be looking for another job?

Maths helps students absorb new ideas, cope with ambiguity and solve unconventional problems. It is these skills and not just the skill of calculation that makes Mathematics a prerequisite for so many careers.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course? GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel exam board)

Students will receive a GCSE in Mathematics, graded from 9 to 1.

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

This qualification prepares students for progression to further study Mathematics at AS and A level, as well as entry to higher level BTEC and apprenticeship courses.

Further study of Mathematics will allow entry into some of the most financially rewarding careers available. Students who leave school with a higher grade in Maths will, on average, earn more over their working life.

 

What topics will I study?

In Years 9 to 11, students will study the four main branches of Mathematics:

 

How will I be assessed on this course?

There will be three exams, each worth an equal number of marks. There will be two calculator papers and one non-calculator paper.


Where can I find out more about this qualification?

Speak to Mr McGrory, Head of Maths or browse the Edexcel website.

Science (Core Subject)

Exam Board & Specification: 

AQA - GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy)


What will students’ study?

Students will learn the impact of scientific developments throughout history and the challenges that lie ahead for future scientists. Science GCSE will prepare all to be scientifically literate in preparation for stepping into a world increasingly dominated by scientific advancements.  Students will learn the scientific process and develop the skills to challenge, think for themselves and have confidence in their own analytic prowess.

 

What topics will I study?


• Biology: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis, Inheritance, Variation, Evolution and Ecology.

• Chemistry: Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Bonding, Structure and the Properties of Matter, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes, Rate of Chemical Change, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Using Resources.

• Physics: Energy, Electricity, Particle Model of Matter, Atomic Structure, Forces, Waves, Magnetism and Electromagnetism.

How is the course assessed? 


Combined Science Trilogy GCSE will be assessed by six public examinations held in the summer term of Year 11. These will involve two papers in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All papers will be 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration, have 70 marks available and include the option of Higher and Foundation papers.

The GCSE will be awarded with the new 1 – 9 grade system and the examinations will include questions based on practical lessons carried out throughout the year.

Who should students speak to about this course?


Miss Hunt (Acting Curriculum Leader for Science) Rachael.Hunt@havant-tkat.org




Geography (Optional Subject)

Exam Board & Specification:

AQA - GCSE Geography.


Why study this subject?

Geography is included in the English Baccalaureate. Geography enables students to understand the inter-relationships between people and their environment. It helps them make sense of the changes that are happening in the world around them, and to make informed decisions themselves. Geographical skills are taught throughout the course and students develop an appreciation of values as they investigate the world around them.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

Geography GCSE, graded at 1-9.

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

Anywhere! There are no limits to where Geography can be used. Career choices can include areas in conservations, environments agency, marketing, finance, housing officer, estate agent, transport , aid worker, meteorologist, civil engineer, tourism, travel agent, analyst, coastal engineering and more!

 

What skills will I learn?

Analysis: being able to use data, explain ideas and develop your own judgements about why things have happened and the consequences.

Explaining: Developing your arguments and supporting them with evidence.

 

What topics will I study?

Component 1: The Physical Environment

Why landscapes in some places are different from others? Why flooding is becoming more common? How climate change is affecting the UK? How can we manage the worlds’ forests? Why are tropical forests rich in biodiversity? Why is climate change becoming a hazard?

Component 2: The Human Environment

Why have most people around the world settled in cities? How can cities be made better places to live? Why are some countries developing faster than others? Why is food, energy and water in such high demand?

Component 3: Geographical Investigation

This component will investigate physical and human environments through fieldwork in coastal region and a city centre. You will also use your Geographical understanding from Components 1 and 2 to explore big challenges like sustainability, population and climate change in the UK.

 

How will I be assessed on this course?

There are three exams at the end of this course.

 

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By asking Mr Korzeniowski  or going to the AQA website.

History (Optional Subject)

Exam Board & Specification:

Edexcel - GCSE History.

 

Why study this subject?

History is one of the most exciting subjects you can study; what is more interesting than the story of our past? It affects everyone of us in more ways than we can possibly know! However History is more than this. History gives you skills that are useful throughout life. It is a subject that involves discussion, evaluating evidence and justifying opinions. History is a fantastic subject for all students that have an enquiring mind, and take a keen interest in the world around them.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

History GCSE, graded at 1-9.

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

History is highly thought of by colleges, apprenticeships and universities because students develop their research and communication skills. They are able to articulate their views effectively and develop their own judgements by using a range of sources and information. History can lead to careers in journalism, law, civil service, politics, archaeology, research, archives and teaching.

 

What skills will I learn?

Students will develop their understanding of the world today by studying people and events in the past, and their importance in the present.  Students will learn to approach and handle historical evidence and data, which will develop their analytical and decision-making skills.  Students will be given the chance to work independently and in groups to present their findings in different ways.

 

What topics will I study?

There are four main units of work in this GCSE:


How will I be assessed on this course?

There are three exams at the end of this course.

 

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By asking Miss Stephens or going to the Edexcel website.

Spanish (Optional Subject)

Exam Board and Specification:

AQA - GCSE Spanish.


Why study this subject?

Spanish at KS4 will build and develop the linguistic skills you have learned in KS3. The world we live in is multi-lingual and students should develop their ability and ambition to communicate with native speakers in speech and writing.  Learning another language improves thinking skills and leads to an improved knowledge and understanding of our first language.  Knowledge of another culture leads to a greater understanding and tolerance of difference – very important in our world of cultural diversity and global citizenship. It should also broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries and develop new ways of seeing the world.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

GCSE in Spanish (AQA)

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

The skills you will gain studying a second language are well-respected by colleges and highly sought after in many jobs.  These skills include the ability to write well using correct grammatical structures and well-chosen vocabulary.

Spanish would be a particularly good option to choose if you are interested in working abroad or in the travel and tourism industry.  Locally, we have many organisations who actively seek people with language skills.

 

What topics will I study on this course?

Theme 1: Identity and Culture

Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest

Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment


How will I be assessed on this course?

Unit 1: Listening, is assessed by exam, worth 25% of the total mark

Unit 2: Reading, is assessed by exam, worth 25% of the total mark

Unit 3: Speaking, is conducted in school but externally assessed, worth 25% of the total mark

Unit 4: Writing, is assessed by exam, worth 25% of the total mark

All four skills are assessed throughout the course over two years but final exams take place in the summer term of the second year.


Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By asking Mr Inman or going to the AQA website.

Fine Art (Optional Subject)

Exam Board & Specification:

AQA - GCSE Fine Art.

 

Why study this subject?

Learning about art is important for everyone. Children all over the world draw long before they write, in fact, writing would never be able to develop without first understanding pictures as symbols.  Research suggests that involvement in the arts is associated with higher levels of attainment in both school and further education.  The world does not NEED more people who can paint pretty pictures but, we do need people who can think in a flexible way.

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

Creative industries continue to grow faster than the average sector in the UK economy.  Your GCSE in art can lead you into any area of art, craft, design, illustration, animation, advertising, architecture, textiles etc. To get a more comprehensive idea of where a GCSE in art could take you, visit this website.


What skills will I learn?

GCSE art is made up of 60% coursework. This can be an initial shock but those who survive emerge with focus, organizational and time management skills.                                                         

You will learn to think openly and to have confidence in your opinions on the world around us.  Art enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, lateral thinking, complex analysis and critical thinking skills. No matter what career you choose, those who can arrange, present and display material in a way that is aesthetically pleasing have an advantage.         


What topics will I study?

You will cover a range of topics including, natural forms, letterforms, 3D studies and Identity

You are encouraged to develop your own ideas for each of the starting points and will experiment with a variety of materials and explore a wide range of artistic styles.

You will also annotate your work throughout. Commenting on how your idea has developed.

 

How will I be assessed on this course?

Your work is assessed by the teacher. The topics above make up the 60% coursework requirement, with the remaining 40% coming from your exam

You will become familiar with the assessment objectives early on in the course.

 

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By speaking to Mrs Miller or visit the AQA website.

Music (Optional Subject)

Exam Board and Specification:

Rock School Learning (RSL): Level 2 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners.

 

Why study this subject?

The Music Practitioner Qualification offers the ability to gain skills and knowledge in the key music industry discipline as a performer. It allows you to gain a wide range of practical, industry-relevant skills that will help you rise to the challenge of the performance side of today’s music industry. In this course there are a range of units to choose from.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

Level 2 Certificate in Performance at Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. 

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

The RSL Music Practitioner qualification can help you become a more skilled and knowledgeable musician. The course allows you to progress to Higher Education and study music performance at college, into the Industry or on to specialised qualifications such as RSL’s Level 3 Musical Practitioner qualification or the Level 4 Creative Practitioners programme. Prospective employers and further education institutions look highly upon music qualifications as they show creativity, personal management and group working skills.

 

What skills will I learn?

 

What topics will I study?

Core Units (Externally Assessed):

 

Optional Units (Internally Assessed):

 

 Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By speaking to Miss Morra or visiting the RSL website. 

Drama (Optional Subject)

Exam Board and Specification:

Rockschool Learning (RSL) : Level 2 Certificate in Creative and Performing Arts.

 

Why study this subject?

The RSL Drama course offers the ability for you to gain performing skills in key Drama areas. The vocational aspect of the course allows you to work on the practical development of your skills, reflecting on your progress and involving yourself in many performance opportunities. By taking Drama at this level you will be expected to be involved in all Academy shows and productions which will help develop your performance skills further.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

Rockschool Learning: Level 2 Certificate in Creative and Performing Arts at Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. Pass = GCSE 4, Merit = GCSE 6.25 & Distinction = GCSE 7.75

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

The RSL Drama CAPA qualification can help you become more confident which will translate to any subject you choose to study further. The course allows you to progress to Higher Education and study Drama performance at college, into the Industry or on to specialised qualifications such as RSL’s Level 3 CAPA qualification. Prospective employers and further education institutions look highly upon Drama and Creative Arts qualifications as they show creativity, personal management and group working skills.

 

What skills will I learn?

 

What topics will I study?

Core Unit (Externally Assessed):

Internal Unit (Internally Assessed):

 Classic Text—Pre 1930’s: Filmed performance and coursework on the context of the play

Modern Text—Post 1930’s: Filmed performance and coursework on the context of the play

 

Important Information:

 

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By speaking to Miss Wright or visiting the RSL website. 

Dance (Optional Subject)

Exam board and specification:

Rockschool Learning (RSL) - Level 2 Certificate in Creative and Performing Arts.

 

Why study this subject?

The RSL dance course offers the chance to build performance skills and develop contemporary dance techniques through a vocational setting. This allows for the course to be practically based while reflecting on your skills and progress. Dance will allow you to build confidence as well as work closely as an ensemble.  By taking dance at this level you will be expected to take part in Academy performances in order to build your skills and complete final assessments.

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

Rockschool Learning: Level 2 Certificate in Creative and Performing Arts at Pass, Merit or Distinction grade.  Pass= GCSE 4, Merit= GCSE 6.25 & Distinction= GCSE 7.75.

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

The RSL dance course will build your confidence and communication skills which will help you in other subjects and after school. The course allows you to progress onwards to college and higher education to study dance further. Prospective employers and further education institutions look highly upon Dance qualifications as they show creativity, personal management and group working skills.

 

What skills will I learn?

 

What topics will I study? 

You will complete two units over the two years.

Core Unit (Externally Assessed)

 

Core Unit (Externally Assessed)


Ensemble Dance performance: The purpose of this unit is to enable the development of dance technique and performance and an understanding of a dance style

Technique and Performance: This unit aims to develop skills in a dance style and improve their ability to reproduce and perform technical movements.

Chorography: The aim of this unit is to develop the skills in dance composition and choreography and to apply these to the process of creating, rehearsing and bringing to performance dance works

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

 By asking Miss Way or visiting the RSL website here.

Hospitality and Catering (Optional Subject)

Exam Board and Specification:

WJEC - Level 1 and 2 Award in Hospitality and Catering .


Why should I choose to study Hospitality and Catering?

This course is designed for students who have a keen interest in food preparation in a commercial catering environment. The course is of a more practical nature although theory and coursework will need to be completed.

 

What will I learn?

You will learn a range of skills linked to the food, hospitality and catering industry. You will gain a broad understanding of commercial food production and an understanding of legal responsibilities when preparing food for sale. You will learn about issues related to nutrition and food safety and how they can affect successful catering and hospitality operations. You will also master successful meal planning, time management, problem solving and communication skills.

 

What will be expected of me?

You will be expected to make a range of food products following  a set criteria. You will be expected to complete 2 units that involve both practical and theory elements.

 

What skills will I develop?

You will gain a broad range of catering skills related to commercial food preparation, including food hygiene, food presentation and production in quantity. You will develop catering and hospitality industry skills by upscaling dish portions, presentation of dishes and meeting the needs of others through dietary requirements.

 

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed across 2 units - The hospitality and Catering Industry and Hospitality and Catering in Action. These are both internally and externally assessed. You will be given learning outcomes to complete for each assessed unit.

 

Where will this qualification lead me? 

Successful completion of the course can lead to further study of related level 3 vocational qualifications such as WJEC level 3 Food, Science and Nutrition, NVQ Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery, Advanced Diploma in Food Preparation and Cookery Supervision.


Where can I find out more about this qualification?

 By asking Miss Sanders or visiting the WJEC website. 

Health and Fitness (Optional Subject)

Exam Board & Specification:

NCFE - Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness.



Why study this subject?

If you enjoy Physical Education and are interested in learning about:

 

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness

 

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

The sport and leisure industry employs over half a million people in the United Kingdom, so there are lots of different jobs which this qualification would help you to gain the experience for. It also allows you to access further education courses in Physical Education and Sport, such as A Level Physical Education or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport.

 

What skills will I learn?

 

What topics will I study?

 

How will I be assessed on this course?

 

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

You can find out more about this qualification from Miss Everett.

Health and Social Care (Optional Subject)

Exam Board & Specification: 

OCR Cambridge National - Level 1/2 Award in Health and Social Care.


Description of Course

The Cambridge National Level 1/2 award in Health & Social Care closely follows the format of the old GCSE in Health & Social Care.

We are going to be following the Certificate course which is the equivalent to a GCSE.

This exciting course provides pupils with the opportunity to understand Health and Social Care within the community as well as for individuals. Through a more applied approach to learning, pupils will not only increase their knowledge and awareness of how health and social care organisations operate but will also develop skills that will be of use to them in any line of work.

 You should be thinking about doing this course if you are considering a job in the Health & Social Care industry, or are interested in learning more about the topics below: 1) Essential values of care for use with individuals in care settings. 2) Communicating and working with individuals in health, social care and early years’ settings. 3) Body Systems and basic measures of health. 4) Using basic first aid procedures

 

How will you learn?

Students will be expected to participate fully in a wide variety of interesting tasks and activities. The coursework element is 75% of the award and pupils should be prepared to carry out independent research both in the classroom and as homework tasks.

Good attendance is essential as the coursework component is worked on throughout the two years of the course. Visits will be made to a local nursery and care home. Outside speakers will be invited in to talk about their roles in the Health & Social Care industry. St John’s Ambulance will deliver part of the First Aid section of the course so pupils will all gain a First Aid qualification.


Method of Assessment:

Year 10:

 Year 11:


Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By speaking to Mrs Mitchell or visiting the OCR website. 

Digital Information Technology (Optional Subject)

Exam Board and Specification: 

Pearson - BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology.


What will you study in this subject?

You will explore user interface design and development principles, investigate how to use project planning techniques to manage a digital project, discover how to develop and review a digital user interface, explore how data impacts on individuals and organisations, draw conclusions and make recommendations on data intelligence, develop a dashboard using data manipulation tools, explore how modern information technology is evolving, consider legal and ethical issues in data and information sharing and understand what cyber security is and how to safeguard against it.


What is the aim of the course?

The Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology will enable students to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, understanding and skills related to user interface designs, data management, data interpretation, data presentation, data protection and effective use of digital information technology as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. 


How will you be assessed?

The course is split into three components.

Year 1:

Year 2:


Where can I find out more about this qualification?

By talking to Mr Gardner or vising the Pearson website. 

PSHE Curriculum

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education:

Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education. All schools should teach PSHE, drawing on good practice, and this expectation is outlined in the introduction to the proposed new national curriculum. 

Most elements of PSHE are non-statutory. To allow teachers the flexibility to deliver high-quality PSHE we consider it unnecessary to provide new standardised frameworks or programmes of study. PSHE can encompass many areas of study. Teachers are best placed to understand the needs of their pupils and do not need additional central prescription. 

However, while we believe that it is for schools to tailor their local PSHE programme to reflect the needs of their pupils, we expect schools to use their PSHE education programme to equip pupils with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions. 

Schools should seek to use PSHE education to build, where appropriate, on the statutory content already outlined in the national curriculum, the basic school curriculum and in statutory guidance on: drug education, financial education, sex and relationship education (SRE) and the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle. 

PSHE education contributes to schools' statutory duties outlined in the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010 to provide a balanced and broadly-based curriculum and is essential to Ofsted judgements in relation to personal development, behaviour, welfare and safeguarding. The relationships and health aspects of PSHE education will be compulsory in all schools from 2020. 

In June 2019, the Department for Education launched the final statutory guidance to accompany introduction of compulsory health education, relationships education and relationships and sex education (RSE) in 2020. 

PSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepared for life and work. Well-delivered PSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

The programme of study at Havant Academy aims to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, teamworking and critical thinking in the context of core themes throughout the year:  

PSHE is delivered through 3 designated days in the academic year. The entire day is given over to PSHE lessons on the themes mentioned above.