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Years 9 - 11 (Key Stage 4)
Years 9 - 11 (Key Stage 4)
The curriculum model transitions from our Key Stage 3 structure to our Key Stage 4 structure as students make their GCSE option choices during Year 8, ready to begin studying them in Year 9.
English and Maths form new bands: X and Y (with English also using a Z band, which sits within the X side). Two option blocks run across the whole year group. The remaining two option subjects, along with Science, PE, and Learning About Life, are also taught in two halves. However, these groups are set based on the combinations of option choices selected.
To find out more about option choices and the Key Stage 4 curriculum structure, please visit our dedicated Key Stage 4 curriculum website.
The curriculum structure and class arrangements for each aspect of our provision across Years 9–11 are detailed below.
Curriculum Structure:
Curriculum Structure:
Students have 50 one-hour lessons, in addition to 10 tutor periods of 20 minutes each, arranged over a two-week timetable. Each day begins with a tutor period.
The number of lessons allocated to each subject is shown in the table to the right.
You can find out what students will learn in each subject by visiting the relevant curriculum map. Curriculum maps for 2025–2026 will be available in September.
English
English
At Warden Park, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential in English. All students follow the same ambitious and knowledge-rich curriculum, regardless of grouping, to ensure equity and maintain our high expectations for every learner.
Each English class is named after a person or character relevant to the English curriculum. This will appear on student timetables as the initials of that figure. For example, a class named ‘Mary Shelley’ may have the code 9XMS. Students explore literature connected to this figure and return to them throughout the year.
In Years 9 and 10, most English classes are mixed-attainment, carefully structured to include a broad range of target grades and other learning factors. We also offer an Accelerated Group to challenge and extend the most able students. Admission is based on Character for Learning (CfL), target grades, and predicted performance.
In Year 11, English classes are set by ability to support targeted GCSE preparation. However, all students sit the same tier papers for both English Language and Literature, as there is only one tier for each.
At the end of each academic year, we review and adjust class sets. Due to the number of changes, it is not always possible to contact each family individually. However, we aim to ensure consistency in class teachers from Year 9 through to Year 11, wherever appropriate. Fewer changes typically occur between Year 10 and Year 11 for this reason.
We assess student progress through three formal assessment points across the academic year, supported by regular ‘learning snapshots’. If we have concerns about a student’s progress towards their target grade, we will contact parents to discuss how we can work together to support them at home and at school.
If you have any questions about your child’s English set, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Contact: Mr Matt Kirk, Curriculum Leader for English
Maths
Maths
In Key Stage 4, students are grouped into either Standard or Advanced Maths classes based on their progress and performance at Key Stage 3. This allows us to tailor the level of challenge and support more effectively.
Students in Advanced groups are entered for the Higher tier GCSE exam, while those in Standard groups are typically entered for the Foundation tier. However, this is not fixed—if a student in a Standard group demonstrates the ability to succeed at Higher tier, they may be moved accordingly.
We assess students twice per half term to track their progress and identify where additional support or intervention may be needed. All assessment results are published on Go4Schools, allowing parents to view their child’s progress in real time. Where concerns arise, we will contact parents to discuss how best to support their child both in school and at home.
We aim to provide continuity by keeping students with the same class teacher throughout their GCSE studies, where possible. However, set changes can be made when staff feel it is in a student’s best interest. These changes typically take place at the end of a half term and may involve moving between Standard and Advanced groups as appropriate.
Contact: Mr Joseph Hampton, Curriculum Leader for Maths
jhampton@wardenpark.co.uk
Science
Science
Year 9: In Year 9, students are placed into newly formed science groups, organised across two halves of the year group. These groups are determined by each student’s option choices and whether they have selected Triple Science or Combined Science.
A summary of the class codes is provided to the right for reference.
Class codes beginning with ‘Tr’ refer to students studying Triple Science (e.g. 9A/Tr1). The number does not indicate hierarchy. Students in Triple Science have three specialist teachers, one each for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Class codes beginning with ‘Co’ refer to students studying Combined Science (e.g. 9D/Co3). Again, the number does not reflect ability level, except in the case of Co1. Combined Science classes have two teachers:
One teacher delivers Biology and Chemistry over six lessons per fortnight
A second teacher delivers Physics and one additional lesson focused on retrieval, revision, and exam technique
This structure ensures that students receive targeted teaching based on their science pathway, with a strong focus on subject knowledge and preparation for GCSE assessment.
Year 10: This year there are eight combined science classes and four triple science classes. it is usually straightforward to move from triple to combined if a student chooses to. The class codes and their associated pathways are illustrated below.
Class codes with 'Tr' are classes studying triple science e.g. 10A/Tr1 The numbers do not have hierarchical significance. Triple classes have three teachers; one each for Biology, chemistry and physics.
Class codes with 'Co' are classes studying combined science e.g. 10D/Co3. Combined groups have three teachers, one for each of biology, chemistry and physics. One lesson per fortnight is reserved for retrieval, revision and practice of exam technique.
Classes move from year ten into eleven as the same group.
Year 11: Following the Year 10 mock exam results, and in consultation with students, we have moved some students from Triple Science to Combined Science. We believe this decision will maximise their chances of achieving the highest possible grades in two science qualifications, while also helping to reduce examination pressure for some individuals.
Students will continue to have three science teachers—one each for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—with each subject listed separately on their timetables.
The table below outlines the general structure of our Year 11 Science classes for 2025 -2026.
Contact: Mr Ben Tinkler, Curriculum Leader for Science
Core PE
Core PE
Year 9-11: From Year 9 onwards, PE classes are organised based on whether students are taking GCSE PE or Dance, and whether they have selected a specific PE pathway. These pathways allow students to tailor their PE experience according to their interests and strengths, while ensuring a broad and balanced physical education.
Students choose one pathway from the options available for their year group, as outlined 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
These pathways allow students to engage in physical activity in ways that suit their goals—whether that’s performance-focused development or participation-based enjoyment. Students’ class groupings are influenced by both their GCSE options and chosen pathway.
GCSE PE
GCSE PE
Year 9
GCSE PE is initially taught in mixed-ability, mixed-gender theory groups for the first two terms. In the final term of Year 9, students move into single-sex, mixed-ability groups to begin focusing more specifically on practical elements.
Year 10
In Terms 1 and 2, GCSE PE continues in single-sex groups. During Term 3, students select four sports they wish to offer for GCSE assessment. Teaching groups then become mixed, based on the sports chosen, to allow for focused skill development in each activity.
Year 11
In Terms 1 and 2, students continue to refine their performance in the four selected sports. By the end of Term 2, students will confirm their final three sports to be submitted for moderation. Classes are then arranged to ensure students receive targeted support and maximum opportunity to develop in their chosen areas.
Contact: Mr James Gentry, Curriculum Leader for PE
GCSE Options subjects
GCSE Options subjects
GCSE option classes are taught in mixed-ability groups, with groupings determined by the combinations of subjects each student has chosen. The exception to this is GCSE PE, which follows a different structure outlined above.
We construct option groups to accommodate as many student choices as possible, and this means that the exact structure of classes may vary from year to year, depending on students' preferences.
Once established, students remain in the same option classes throughout Years 9 to 11. We aim to keep students with the same teacher during this time, as strong and consistent relationships between students and teachers support high-quality learning and progress.
Learning about Life
Learning about Life
Students are taught in mixed-ability groups, with an even balance of ability levels and gender.
In the final term of Years 9 and 10, students choose from a range of enrichment topics, and grouping for this half term is based on their selected option. This allows students to pursue areas of interest while continuing to develop key skills in a tailored and engaging environment.
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