The Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Students have a wide range of subjects to choose from which will enable them to personalise their curriculum so they can spend more time in the subjects they enjoy. These subjects may or may not be linked to future ambitions, but we aim to ensure that students are happy and develop the character traits that will enable them to be successful in their future endeavours.  In essence, students will be studying 4 options, alongside their core subjects. We want students to make choices that provide them with a broad and balanced set of qualifications, that will keep their options open as they move into the next phase of their education/training. 

The national curriculum is currently undergoing a period of review and reform, with the aim of ensuring that content remains relevant, ambitious and well aligned with the skills and knowledge students need for future study and employment. While final decisions are still being consulted on at a national level, any agreed changes will be introduced gradually rather than immediately, allowing schools time to plan, adapt and train staff effectively. This means that current cohorts will continue to follow established specifications, with new or revised content being phased in over time once clear guidance and timelines are confirmed. This measured approach is designed to ensure continuity, stability and high-quality provision for all students.

In order to ensure that a student's curriculum is aspirational, varied and will enable progression, students must select one option from the following: history, geography, Spanish or French. This is often referred to as the 'compulsory' option. These subjects provide excellent progression opportunities to a variety of qualifications at A-Level and beyond. They are considered to be subjects of extremely high value in helping to ensure all students study a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. Students will then study 3 further options. 

Our curriculum model has always encouraged students to choose what they love, and we have a long-standing tradition of enabling students to select STEM and creative subjects alongside their compulsory option.

The allocation of hours within their Key Stage 4 curriculum is summarised in the table below.