Key Stage 4

Core Curriculum

All pupils continue to study English (GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature), Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics through Key Stage 4. In Science pupils follow either separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or GCSE Combined Science, resulting in two GCSE qualifications.

Every student studies GCSE Geography or History although students can elect to study both of these courses. The vast majority of students will also study either GCSE French or GCSE Spanish.

All pupils continue to have ‘core’ PE lessons every week.

Options

In the spring term of Year 9 pupils are offered an open choice of subjects to specialise in starting in Year 10. We ensure that pupils make informed choices through the structured use of assemblies, tutor set activities, parents’ evenings, open evenings and one-to-one interviews. Pupils are asked to choose options from the following list:

  • GCSE Geography
  • GCSE History
  • GCSE Art & Design
  • GCSE Business Studies
  • GCSE Computing
  • GCSE Citizenship Studies
  • GCSE Drama
  • GCSE Economics
  • GCSE Fashion & Textiles
  • GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
  • GCSE Media Studies
  • GCSE Music
  • GCSE PE
  • GCSE Philosophy & Ethics
  • GCSE Technology
  • BTEC ICT
  • BTEC Engineering
  • BTEC Performing Arts (Drama or Dance)
  • BTEC Sport
  • BTEC Enterprise and Marketing
  • WJEC Hospitality and Catering

Note that students are assigned a differing number of option subjects dependent upon the band that they are taught in. For example, in the current year 9 students study the following number of option subjects:

Teaching Band Years 10 and 11
T and H 4 including one modern foreign language and majority following GCSE separate sciences
S 3

Note that the number of options for each band is reviewed every academic year for the new year 10 cohort. Students then adhere to this option structure throughout KS4.

March 2024

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