Years 9 - 11
Years 9 - 11 (Key Stage 4)
The curriculum model changes from our Key Stage 3 structure to our Key Stage 4 structure as students choose their GCSE options throughout Year 8 to begin studying in Year 9.
English & Maths set new bands, X & Y (English use Z also, which sits on the X side) and there are two option blocks that run across the whole year group . The remaining two option subjects along with science, PE & Learning about Life are also taught in two halves, however these are set dependent upon the combination of option choices chosen.
To find about more about option choices and the Key Stage 4 curriculum structure visit our dedicated Key Stage 4 curriculum website.
The curriculum structure and class arrangements for each of the different aspects of our curriculum throughout Years 9-11 are detailed below.
Curriculum Structure:
Students have 50 one hour periods, in addition to 10, 20 minute tutor periods, arranged over a two week timetable. They begin each day with a tutor period. The number of lessons students have within each subject is detailed in the table pictured right.
Find out about what students will learn in these subjects by visiting the curriculum map for the subject.
English
Each English class will be named after a person or character that is relevant to the English curriculum. This will appear on student timetables as the initials of that person or character. For example, a class named ‘Mary Shelley’ may have a class code of 9XMS. Students will then spend some time exploring literature around this person or character and return to them throughout the year.
The English department has moved from attainment setting to mixed ability classes for years 7-9. This has allowed all students to achieve the highest grades, as all classes are given access to ‘top set’ learning.
Classes will have a similar balance of students with high attainment, middle attainment and lower attainment, so that all students are challenged and supported at the same time. We have six key assessment points throughout each academic year in order to assess the progress that students are making and to ensure that this progress continues to build each term. If we have any concerns about a student being on track to achieve their target grade, we will contact parents to consider how we can support them at school and at home.
Our Year 10 and Year 11 English classes are still in sets; grouping students of a similar ability while they prepare for their GCSEs. We have six key assessment points throughout each academic year in order to assess the progress that students are making. We will always move a student’s set if we feel that a different set is more appropriate. All students will sit the same tier GCSE papers for Language and Literature as there is only one tier for English Language and Literature, so setting does not affect this.
At the end of each academic year, we will make a number of changes to students' sets. Due to the volume of changes, it is not possible to personally contact each student and parent. However, there are usually fewer changes from Year 10 into Year 11 as we aim to ensure a consistent class teacher where possible and appropriate for the duration of the GCSE studies. If you have any queries regarding your child’s English set, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Contact: Miss Karen Al-Kahky, Curriculum Leader for English
Maths
In Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11) students move from mixed ability classes into Standard or Advanced Maths groups according to their progress and performance in KS3.
We assess the students twice per half term in order to track progress and ensure early intervention takes place, where necessary. Students’ assessments are recorded on Go4Schools and parents can view results as they are entered throughout the year. If there are concerns about a student’s progress, staff will contact parents to discuss how their child can best be supported.
Students in the Advanced groups will sit the Higher tier exam, whereas the Standard groups will sit the Foundation tier. There are exceptions, where students in Standard groups demonstrate a level of work that is appropriate for them to access the Higher tier exam.
We aim to keep students’ class teachers as consistent as possible throughout their GCSE studies. However, set changes can be made during an academic year where staff feel this is in the student’s best interest; this will typically take place at the end of a half term. A student may change from a Standard to Advanced group, or vice versa, between Year 9 and Year 11.
Contact: Mr Joseph Hampton, Curriculum Leader for Maths
jhampton@wardenpark.co.uk
Science
Year 9: Science groups in Year 9 are newly formed groups, over two halves which are dependent upon students' options combinations. The classes are arranged so that they are as balanced as possible in terms of gender and ability in science. There are 12 classes across the bands and so class size is reduced from that at Key Stage 3. Year 9 science classes have two teachers who cover the three subjects; Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
Year 10: The classes are broadly banded by ability and also separated into triple classes and combined classes to make the best fit for the year group. This year there are eight combined science classes, it is usually straightforward to move from triple to combined if a student chooses to. Students will have three teachers, one for each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are labelled separately on students' timetables. In addition there will be a lesson coded Sd for combined science students, this will be an opportunity to test recall and revisit previous topics.
Year 11: Following year 10 mock exam results and in consultation with students we have moved some students from Triple Science to Combined; we believe that this will maximise the chance for students to get the highest two science grades possible as well as reducing examination pressure for some. Students will have three teachers, one for each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will be labelled separately on students' timetables. The table below shows broadly the makeup of our Year 11 classes for next year.
Contact: Mr Ben Tinkler, Curriculum Leader for Science
Core PE
Year 9-11: Classes are based upon those taking GCSE PE or Dance and those who are not. Students then have a choice of pathway which will influence their class. Students select one pathway from the pathway options below:
Year 9 Pathways:
Boys - Performance football - Performance rugby - Participation net games - Participation fitness
Girls - Accurate Replication - Invasion games - Health and fitness
Year 10 & 11 Pathways:
Boys - Performance 1 - Performance 2 - Participation 1 - Participation 2
Girls - Multi sports - Striking & Fielding - Outwitting opponents
GCSE PE
Year 9: GCSE PE classes are taught in theory groups of mixed ability and gender for the first 2 terms. Groups are then taught in single sex, mixed ability groups for the final term of Year 9.
Year 10: GCSE PE classes are taught in single sex groups for term 1 and 2. In term 3 students select their 4 sports to offer for GCSE, as such groups become mixed and dependent upon student choices.
Year 11 classes: Students have term 1 and 2 to refine their 4 sports before selecting their final 3 sports ready for moderation. Classes are arranged to provide students the maximum opportunity to refine their skills for their selected sports.
Contact: Mr James Gentry, Curriculum Leader for PE
Option subjects
Students' GCSE option classes are mixed ability and arranged dependent upon the students combination of subjects studied. The exception to this is GCSE PE, which is detailed above. We arrange classes such that we are able to accommodate as many students' choices as possible.
The arrangements and structure of our option classes will vary year-year due to the changing nature of students preferences. Students' option classes will stay the same throughout Years 9 - 11 and we aim to keep students with their teachers throughout this time as knowing our students enables us to build great relationships which fosters great learning.
Learning about Life
Students are arranged into mixed ability groups with an even spread of ability ranges and gender. In the final term of Year 9 & 10 students opt into an enrichment topic, and as such the grouping for the final half term is dependent upon student choice.