KS4 Curriculum
The educational landscape has undergone significant change and development in recent years.
Changes from central government which affect your child’s education include -
the introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and Progress 8 as performance measures
additional marks for SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) in all subjects
a new GCSE grading system with grades from 9-1 and new-specification GCSE courses in all subjects which are more challenging, with reduced proportions of coursework and controlled assessment.
In addition, we have seen the abolition of modular exams for all courses and a return to traditional, linear courses with the emphasis on exam performance at the end.
The table below shows the new grading structure of GCSEs, compared to the old A*-G system that many parents may be more familiar with:
New GCSE Grades 9-1 -
The Curriculum at Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11, students have an element of choice which allows them to personalise their Key Stage 4 curriculum. There are, however, a number of subjects which are compulsory for every student (see below table) which make up approximately 60% of the timetable for each student. The remainder of each student’s timetable is composed of the four option subjects that they will choose to study.
The Key Stage 4 curriculum is outlined below. The school follows a two week timetable cycle of 50 one hour lessons.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum – 50 hours per fortnight
Most students will achieve nine GCSE qualifications at Key Stage 4. A small number of students will achieve eight GCSEs.
Compulsory subjects:
The table below gives summary information about the compulsory subjects at Key Stage 4 and the allocation of teaching time in hours per fortnight.
Students will choose to study four option subjects from the selection below. Students' personalised pathway will determine the parameters within which they can choose subjects and these parameters will be outlined in their personalised options letter, being sent on 5th February.
Modern Foreign Languages - French
Modern Foreign Languages - Spanish
Creative Arts - Art and Design
Creative Arts - Drama
Creative Arts - Music
Physical Education
Sport Science (Cambridge National - Vocational subject)
Humanities - Geography
Humanities - History
Humanities - Religious Studies
Technology - Food Preparation & Nutrition
Technology - Product Design
Technology - Textiles
Science - Separate Sciences
Science - Computer Science
Social Science - Business Studies
The school recommends that students follow a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. This would mean that students should choose subjects from four different curriculum areas, for example: one Modern Foreign Language, one Humanities subject, one Design subject and one Performing Arts/PE subject. For more information, please refer to our FAQs page.
