Subjects at KS4 are allocated the following curriculum time:
| Subject | Allocated Curriculum Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| English | 8 | 7 |
| Maths | 7 | 8 |
| Science | 10 | 10 |
| PSHE | 1 | 1 |
| PE | 2 (Core) 4 (Additional) | 2 (Core) 4 (Additional) |
| Humanities Choice (History or Geography) | 5 | 5 |
| Language Choice* (French or German) | 5 | 5 |
| Two further Option Choices | 10 | 10 |
* Over 85% of our students pursue a language at KS4. Students are guided into an alternative vocational course if this is more appropriate to their future pathway.
Option Choices
Additional subjects in the KS4 curriculum are determined by the Options Process carried out in Term 3 in Year 9:
| Academic GCSE Qualifications | Vocational Level 2 Qualifications | Additional Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Art Computing Dance Drama Latin Music Photography Product Design PE (GCSE) Religion and Philosophy Sociology Statistics Textiles | Business and Enterprise Child Development Health and Fitness Hospitality and Catering Rock School | English Support Maths Support Triple Science Support Further Maths GCSE Religious and Ethics GCSE Short Course HPQ Mindfulness |
In devising our Key Stage 4 curriculum, we have ensured that:
- Our curriculum offer is broad and balanced, exceeds the requirements of the National Curriculum and meets the needs of our diverse school community
- Students are fully guided and supported through an extensive options process to make the most suitable personal choices
- There are many extra-curricular activities offered to enable students to gain additional qualifications (eg Dance GCSE, HPQ and Latin)
- Students are set according to ability in Maths, English, Science and Languages to unpackage the learning and facilitate targeted support for the most and least able
- All students have access to GCSE English Language and Literature, Maths and Science (Combined or Triple GCSE) a Humanity (Geography or History), core PE and PSHE
- The vast majority (over 80%) of our students study at least Spanish or French GCSE
- All non-GCSE courses are high-quality Level 2 equivalent officially recognised qualifications
- Students who wish to do so, can study at least two languages
- Students can opt to take all three separate sciences at GCSE level
- Students are supported in the Basics by being offered additional English or Maths for specific intervention purposes
- Students who are performing below Level 1 are able to access lessons, supported by the SEND team, and take the equivalent Entry Level qualification
- The Year 10 PSHE programme includes a Work Experience module so that students can experience life in the world of work
- The Year 11 PSHE programme includes an extensive Careers topic so that students receive guided Post-16 choices
Upper School Curriculum Handbook
GCSE Options Handbook 2022 – 2024 [PDF]
Curriculum Handbook 2021 – 2023 [PDF]
Curriculum Handbook 2020 – 2022 [PDF]
Curriculum Handbook 2019 – 2021 [PDF]
Curriculum Handbook 2018 – 2020 [PDF]
Curriculum Handbook 2017 – 2019 [PDF]
Curriculum Handbook 2016 – 2018 [PDF]
